Drug Charges Lawyer in North Hollywood, CA. Drug crimes in North Hollywood, CA, come in many forms. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These statutes regulate substances from prescription medications to heroin. But they all share one thing in common: Major legal consequences.
You need representation that will fight for your freedom. You need North Hollywood, CA's leading criminal defense legal team on your case. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local North Hollywood drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will give you honest advice, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To begin building your defense, reach out to our attorneys at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation now.
North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
In this article, we will go over how a North Hollywood, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, categories of drug crime allegations in North Hollywood, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, strategies we may use in your case, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in North Hollywood.
If you want to read about a specific topic, you can use the links in the following menu to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- What Your North Hollywood, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Common Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in North Hollywood, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in North Hollywood
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in North Hollywood, CA, Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight Against
Get Help From a North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in North Hollywood, CA. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning there's always a risk of years in prison.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer right away is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug trafficking case, and your drug defense attorney needs to know how to defend each.
The second reason to get in touch with a local North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. After a police interview without proper legal representation, the charges could be elevated and the state's case strengthened. Your defense attorney can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
Lastly, your drug charges lawyer will open doors for new strategies through plea negotiations. Acting fast lets us build a defense before the prosecution has completed its case, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Drug Types and Legal Context in North Hollywood, CA:
When picking a North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. Below, we've listed some of the substances against which we have practice defending related charges.
| Drug Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | These include substances like Xanax or Adderall, which aren't supposed to be taken without a doctor's authorization. |
| Ecstacy | Also known as MDMA, Molly, and E. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant which can cause intense effects Its use can harm the brain, as well as several other organs. |
| Methamphetamine | Synthetic stimulant originally used to improve focus, but with serious side effects. |
| Opioids | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | An extremely dangerous drug made by processing morphine. Courts and prosecutors often treat heroin charges harshly. |
| Fentanyl | One of the most dangerous forms of opioids — roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the DEA. |
Potential legal consequences vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, prior record, and the type of charge. As an overview:
- As long as you are only accused of simple possession, you can typically expect misdemeanor charges. These carry a maximum jail sentence of one year. However, keep in mind misdemeanor charges aren't a guarantee, and prosecutors treat some substances more harshly than others.
- Possession for sale, sale, transport, or manufacturing are typically charged as felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific substance and quantity involved.
- Fentanyl is treated extra seriously: Proposition 36 (2024) added fentanyl alongside cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine to a list of drugs that trigger felony enhancement when possessed together with a loaded firearm, and it increased sentencing exposure tied to quantity for several substances.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call our office for a free case evaluation and we'll walk you through what you're actually facing.
Marijuana in North Hollywood, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, letting people use it recreationally.
Because local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in North Hollywood, CA, typically have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. As an example, driving with an open package of marijuana is illegal, even if you are sober.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- Generally, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, we can help. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, show that you did not violate any regulations, and/or show off the proper regulatory procedures which you adhered to.
Drug Charge Categories in North Hollywood, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in North Hollywood, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. Read the sections below to learn more about the different categories of charges and how our criminal defense attorneys can help.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in North Hollywood, CA. These can be charged for any illegal substance and these charges can apply regardless of where the drugs were physically at, as long as you controlled them.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, and can be by your side every step of the way.
Relevant statutes: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under Health and Safety Code 11350, while possession of methamphetamine is instead covered by HS 11377. In most cases, the prosecution will choose to treat these as misdemeanors, limiting the potential sentence to one year in jail.
Drug Production/Transport/Distribution Charges
While drug possession and use charges target the buyer, drug production, transportation, and distribution charges target the seller.
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Cultivation of Marijuana
- Maintaining a Place for Drug Sales/Use
- Drug Trafficking
- Transportation of a Controlled Substance
- Sale of Controlled Substance
- Drug Possession for Sale
These allegations are almost always considered more serious than possession. On top of fighting the charges, your drug defense attorney can help you explore plea deals, if they make sense for your case.
Relevant statutes: Possession for sale generally falls under HS 11351 (most controlled substances) or HS 11378 (methamphetamine). For these felony charges, each is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. Sale and transportation for sale charges are divided in a similar way: HS 11352 (most substances) vs. HS 11379 (methamphetamine). Sentences for these charges can be even more severe — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. A drug charges laywer who can negotiate your charges down is essential, if you want to become eligible for common diversion programs like PC 1000 or Proposition 36.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws may seem very different, but all have one thing in common: They don't stand on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced North Hollywood, CA, drug crimes lawyer to defend you in these cases, so that they can fight both the base charge and the enhancement.
Federal Drug Charges
A federal drug charge could fall into any of the three categories above. The distinction is that the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from manufacturing to taking part in a drug conspiracy, but to get the attention of the federal government, it typically will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. The penalties are often much harsher, such as a life sentence and substantial fines.
If you're accused of a drug crime in federal court, you're up against a lot. And you need a an experienced criminal defense lawyer with the resources to match the United States government. Our firm will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, review evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a positive result for you.
North Hollywood, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a many different circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. What's worse, you can be arrested if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcoholwhich has a legal limit).
When facing this type of charge, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful North Hollywood, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — for most DUI cases, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in North Hollywood, CA, it can be a challenge trying to decide the right person to represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
These are the main qualities you want to find in your drug defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting these cases in court
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A History of Success when fighting drug charges for clients
- Availability Anytime in case an emergency occurs and you need help
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we can deliver on all of these needs. We have over five decades of combined courtroom experience, including working for the district attorney's office. We have a wide reach with relationships across the state of California. And we have delivered positive results for Californians.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can get a hold of us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Powerful Drug Crime Accusation Defenses
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. No two cases in North Hollywood, CA, are identical, and you should have a unique defense plan to protect you.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Here are some powerful strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: By getting evidence thrown out, the case against you can be weakened.
- Lack of Intent: If you did hold or transport illegal drugs, but weren't aware of it, you shouldn't be found guilty because you didn't mean to break the law.
- Not Your Drugs: This defense can be used if there were, in fact, drugs present, but you had no control or ownership over them.
- Entrapment: In rare cases, if an undercover police officer coerced you into violating the law, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- Prescription: This isn't an option for every offense and type of drug, but some accusations can be alleviated if you were legally prescribed the substance.
- Plea Negotiations: Not every case can result in a "not guilty" verdict, but there are occasions where a plea deal can lessen the impact of a conviction.
If someone's accused you of a drug crime in North Hollywood, CA, call one of our attorneys today.
North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
North Hollywood has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyer what you can do to increase your chances of entering one of these programs.
To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. These are some of the :
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is is an option that can give you a way to stay out of prison without going through a trial. It generally involves drug education classes, requirements to stay sober, and regular drug testing. If you go through the PC 1000 program and complete it without any issues, your original charges are dismissed, keeping a criminal conviction off of your record. This protects you from many of a conviction's collateral consequences.
Proposition 36 (2024)
Proposition 36, which took effect in December 2024, changed California's approach to repeat drug offenses. It's important to understand that this is a different, newer law than the Proposition 36 passed in 2000, and it approach drug offense diversion from a unique angle.
Under the 2024 version, what was originally a misdemeanor charge can be instead charged as a "treatment-mandated felony." This is only an option if the accused person has two or more previous drug-related convictions on their record.
If you're facing this charge, you have a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the underlying drug charge case is dropped (the arrest record will remain, but is sealed); you can opt to refuse treatment, but you'll be up against the underlying felony charge, with a prison sentence of up to three years. The law also increased potential penalties for large quantities of certain substances and added fentanyl to the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements.
Your North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, help you decide what route to take, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
For immigrants in North Hollywood, CA, you might have to defend yourself against removal as well as criminal charges — and this is an area where our firm's dual criminal defense and immigration practice gives clients a real advantage.
Under federal immigration law, a conviction for almost any controlled substance offense can make a non-citizen deportable, with one specific exception: a simple possession charge with 30 grams or less of marijuana (not for distribution). This can affect lawful permanent residents ("green card" holders) as well as visa holders, and it applies regardless of whether the state court sentence includes any jail time.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is ordinarilly grounds for deportation, but is not automatically classified as an "aggravated felony" — meaning that you likely won't lose access to certain modes of immigration relief.
- Possession for sale, sale, or trafficking convictions are far more likely to be treated as aggravated felonies, which can trigger mandatory deportation and become a long-lasting problem if you apply to enter the United States again.
- How a charge is pleaded matters enormously. Under Padilla v. Kentucky, defense counsel has a constitutional duty to advise a client of these immigration consequences before a plea is entered. We will fight for an outcome — such as a plea deal for a different offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — that defends your legal status in the country, as well as your criminal record.
Because a criminal record can bring immigration consequences regardless of the sentence, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are a non-citizen fighting a drug charge, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Charge Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drug charge show up on a background check even if the case is dismissed?
Even if there isn't a criminal conviction, a background check can still show your arrest. Diversion programs such as PC 1000 or Proposition 36 can help. If you participate in one of these, you may be able to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — your drug charges defense lawyer can help you navigate these options.
Do I need to answer police questions if I have illegal drugs on me?
No. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent during questioning. Be respectful to the police, but do not provide any information besides your identity, and ask for a lawyer immediately — if you say the wrong thing, you could end up facing harsher charges.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in North Hollywood, CA?
The answer depends on the specific charge and your sentence. Penal Code 1203.4 allows for expungement in many cases after completing probation, though whether or not you are eligible can be affected by the specific charge and your previous conviction record. An expungement does not erase a conviction for federal immigration purposes, which is why green card and visa holders need to work with an experienced drug crimes attorney who also practices immigration law.
What's the difference between PC 1000 and Proposition 36 diversion?
First-time, simple possession offenses can take advantage of PC 1000. This requires participation in an education program and regular drug testing, but can result in the dismissal of all charges. If you have previous drug-charge convictions on your record, you're more likely to be eligible for Proposition 36 (2024): This would be a felony charge, but offers a court-supervised treatment program to have the case dismissed. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
Does North Hollywood, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
For most first-time possession cases in North Hollywood, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. This isn't true for every drug charge in North Hollywood, though: More serious allegations like selling drugs are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in North Hollywood, CA, Today
These charges need to be treated seriously Your freedom is important, and it depends on working with the right attorney. We are ready to take your case.
The North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We defend all kinds of major criminal charges, including drug crime allegations. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in North Hollywood, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact your North Hollywood drug charges defense lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no-strings review of your charges.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in North Hollywood, CA:
- Bringing Drugs into a Jail or Prison
- Cocaine
- Cultivation of Marijuana
- Drug Crimes with Firearm Enhancements
- Drug Diversion Programs
- Drug-Free School Zone Violations
- Drug Possession for Sale
- Drug Trafficking
- Ecstasy
- Federal Drug Charges
- Fentanyl
- Fentanyl-Specific Enhancements
- Hard Drug Possession
- Heroin
- Illegal Search and Seizure Defense in Drug Cases
- Maintaining a Place for Drug Sales/Use (HS 11366)
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Marijuana
- Marijuana Charges
- Methamphetamine
- Opioids
- PC 1000 Drug Diversion
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Prescription Drugs
- Proposition 36
- Sale of Controlled Substance
- Transportation of a Controlled Substance
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (HS 11350)
Payment Plans
