Drug Charges Lawyer in Panorama City, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Panorama City, CA. Possession of a controlled substance is bad enough, but it's even worse if you're charged with dealing or distributing drugs. These charges can include all kinds of substances from cannabis to heroin. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Get help before it's too late. You need Panorama City, CA's leading criminal defense law firm on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Panorama City drug charges lawyers are avaialble 24/7 to help you. We will give you honest advice, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To begin building your defense, reach out to us at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online now.
Panorama City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can read about how a Panorama City, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, categories of drug crime allegations in Panorama City, the key factors you want your defense team to have, strategies we may use in your case, and more.
To learn about a specific topic, you can use the links below to skip ahead and learn more:
- Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Panorama City, CA, NOW
- Common Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Categories of Drug Crime Allegations in Panorama City, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Panorama City, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Allegation FAQs
- Contact Your Panorama City, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All the Drug Charges Our Attorneys Fight Against
Get Help From a Panorama City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Panorama City, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. The same action can be interpreted by the state in multiple ways, meaning there's always a risk of an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you should work with a drug charges lawyer immediately is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case looks very different from a drug trafficking case, and your drug defense attorney should understand how to defend against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to contact a local Panorama City, CA, drug charges lawyer as soon as you've been accused is to stop yourself from making a mistake. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. A drug charges defense attorney can help you talk to police the right way, instead of incriminating yourself.
Additionally, your drug charges attorney will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Acting fast prevents the state from getting a lead on you, and we can even move to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Common Drug Types in Panorama City, CA, Legal Cases:
When picking a Panorama City, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. In the following section, you can read about some of the substances against which we have practice defending related charges.
| Drug Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | Charges often revolve around having a technically legal drug without permission, or selling it to someone you aren't supposed to. |
| Ecstacy | A man-made psychoactive drug. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant derived from a South American plant Long term use can dampen the brain's reward pathway. |
| Methamphetamine | A stimulant known to affect people's energy levels and emotional stability. |
| Opioids | A category of addictive painkillers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A highly refined type of opioid. Courts and prosecutors often treat heroin charges harshly. |
| Fentanyl | An extremely dangerous type of opioid — roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the DEA. |
Sentences vary significantly based on substance, how much there was, prior record, and the accusation you're facing. As a general framework:
- 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 are more serious charges. Most accusations are felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific substance and quantity involved.
- Fentanyl carries additional exposure: 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.
- Federal charges carry their own, generally harsher, sentencing structure.
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 Panorama City, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. California used to outlaw the use of marijuana, however, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Because it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in Panorama City, CA, typically have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. For example, you're allowed to grow a small number of plants for personal use, but they must be kept in a private, secure area.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- In most cases, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Panorama City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against 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.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Panorama City, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley are an experienced group of drug defense lawyers serving the Panorama City, CA, area. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. In the below sections, you can learn about categories of drug crimes and some of the relevant statutes.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Panorama City, CA. They cover a wide range of substances and these charges can apply in any circumstance where you allegedly owned the illegal drugs, even if you didn't have them physically with you at the time.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your Panorama City, 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: Health and Safety Code 11350 covers most hard drug possession accusations, while possession of methamphetamine is instead covered by HS 11377. Both are typically charged as misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in county jail, for defendants without disqualifying prior convictions.
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
A conviction of one of these charges typically means a much longer prison sentence than for simple 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: The two main possession for sale charges you will see in Panorama City, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). For these felony charges, each is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. Sale or transportation for sale is charged under HS 11352 (most substances) or HS 11379 (methamphetamine). If convicted, you are looking at an even harsher sentence — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. With the help of an experienced Panorama City, CA, drug charges lawyer, you can fight for a plea deal that reduces these charges and opens up diversion opportunities.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws can be very different from each other, but they share one common attribute: They don't stand on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, there also needs to be an underlying base charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Panorama City, 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. What sets these apart is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Panorama City prosecutor.
These can include anything from trafficking to running a drug ring, 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, up to and including life imprisonment and substantial fines.
If you're accused of a drug crime in federal court, you're up against a lot. And you need a a leading criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to match the United States government. Our firm will learn your side of the story, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a positive result for your case.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Panorama City, CA
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a wide range of situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by prescribed medication. Legal regulations often make these charges more serious than typical DUIs. For example, you can be taken into custody if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcoholwhich only has a "zero tolerance" law people who are underage).
When accused of this type of charge, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Panorama City, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — in most cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
Top Panorama City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Qualitites
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Panorama City, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide who will best represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
Here are the top factors you want to see in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting these cases in court
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A Track Record of Victories versus the prosecution in drug cases
- Availability Anytime in case an emergency occurs and you need help
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over five decades of combined courtroom experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We know judges and attorneys throughout California. And we have delivered positive results for Californians.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can call us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Ways Our Lawyers Defend Against Drug Charges
The statute you violated may not be unique, but your case is. No two cases in Panorama City, 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 staunch 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.
- Didn't Belong to You: You can argue this if you were present in an area while drugs were there, but they were not yours and you weren't using them.
- Entrapment: In some cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into violating the law, you cannot be held liable for doing so.
- Prescription: Some substances are illegal to possess without a valid prescription, but if you have one, that can excuse you from these charges.
- 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 you need a drug crimes defense attorney in Panorama City, CA, call one of our lawyers now.
Panorama City, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Panorama City has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Panorama City, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to your case. To qualify, defendants must fit certain criteria. Here are a couple of programs that might apply in your case:
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is often a very helpful, positive outcome for individuals accused of simple possession. If you participate in this, you can expect to participate in drug education classes, sobriety requirements, 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 prevents you from going through 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 modern law, To qualify, an individual must have at least two prior drug convictions on their record. If so, the new charge can be handled as a "treatment-mandated felony," rather than a misdemeanor as originally charged.
While this doesn't automatically keep people out of jail, it creates a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the case can be dismissed with the arrest 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. 2024's Proposition 36 also increased sentencing exposure tied to drug quantity for certain substances and updated the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements to include fentanyl.
Your Panorama City, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, help you decide what route to take, and stand by your side no matter which route you take.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Panorama City, CA, on a work visa, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — fortunately, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is experienced in both criminal defense and immigration law.
Most drug charge convictions are grounds for deportation, but there is one specific exception: a single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use. This can affect lawful permanent residents ("green card" holders) as well as visa holders, and it applies even if you weren't given jail time on your conviction.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is generally a deportable offense, but is not automatically classified as an "aggravated felony" — this means that you'll have access to some important immigration relief options.
- Possession for sale, sale, or trafficking convictions are significantly more serious. They are often considered 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 is required to inform you about these immigration implications prior to entering your plea. An attorney who understands both sides can negotiate a resolution — such as a plea deal to another, non-drug charge, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — which minimizes your chances of being deported.
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 lawful permanent resident or visa holder up against a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — this plays a major role in your case, and your lawyer should help you on both fronts.
Drug Charge Frequently Asked Questions
If my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
An arrest can appear on some background checks even without a conviction. If you were able to take advantage of a diversion program like PC 1000 or Proposition 36, you may be eligible to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
Do I have to talk to police if I'm caught with drugs?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask for a lawyer immediately — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I expunge a previous drug conviction in Panorama City, CA?
If you were given probation, you may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, 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?
PC 1000 is available for qualifying first-time or low-level possession offenses and leads to dismissal after completing education and testing requirements. The 2024 version of Proposition 36 functions differently: It allows what ordinarily would be charged as misdemeanors to now be charged as felonies, if you have prior drug convictions on your record. However, it also allows for a court-mandated treatment program, completion of which results in the dismissal of felony charges. To learn more about how to explore these paths, speak to an attorney today.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Panorama City, CA?
Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. Distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are different, though: These are normally treated as felonies, even for a first-time offender.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Panorama City, CA, Today
These charges need to be treated seriously Your future matters, and it depends on picking the right lawyer. We are ready to take your case.
The Panorama City, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We are prepared to defend you against a variety of drug charges, both misdemeanor and felony. We will build a strong defense for you against your charges.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Panorama City, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your Panorama City drug charges lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to set up a no-strings case evaluation.
Every Drug Charge Our Lawyers Defend Against:
- 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)
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