Drug Charges Lawyer in Pasadena, CA. Drug crimes in Pasadena, CA, come in many forms. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These charges can include all kinds of substances from cannabis to opioids. Regardless of the type of substance or specific law you're accused of breaking, on your own, you're staring down massive punishments if convicted.
You need someone who can guide you to a positive outcome. You need Pasadena, CA's premier criminal defense law firm on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Pasadena drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, 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, call our legal team at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form now.
Pasadena, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, we will go over the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Pasadena, CA, different types of charges you might face, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and diversionary programs we can help you explore.
To focus on a particular topic, you can use the links in the following menu to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Pasadena, CA
- Common Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in Pasadena, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Pasadena, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Pasadena, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Allegation FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Pasadena, CA, Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Team Will Fight Against
Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Pasadena, CA, NOW
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Pasadena, CA. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you're risking years in prison.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer immediately is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case shouldn't be treated the same as a drug trafficking case, and your defense attorney needs to know how to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to contact a local Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. Your attorney can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
Lastly, your drug charges attorney will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Acting fast lets us build a defense before the prosecution has completed its case, and we can even move to dismiss charges if we can act before the state builds a compelling case.
Common Drug Types in Pasadena, CA, Legal Cases:
When picking a Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who can defend charges related to the specific kind of drug in the allegations. In the following section, we've outlined 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 | A synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. This affects the brain's ability to process serotonin. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug 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 | An extremely dangerous type of opioid — roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the DEA. |
Potential legal consequences vary significantly by the type of drug, how much there was, any prior convictions, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. For some typical accusations:
- Most of the time, if you're only accused of possession and not distributing a drug, the charge will only be a misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of one year in jail. Different prosecutors may treat some substances in a harsher manner, though.
- Possession for sale, sale, transport, or manufacturing are typically charged as felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific substance and amount 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.
Because the numbers shift based on the specific facts of a case, the exact exposure you're facing should be evaluated by an attorney who can review your charge sheet and criminal history — call our office for a free case evaluation and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Pasadena, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. Smoking marijuana used to be illegal in California, but in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Since it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Pasadena, 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
- Typically, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Pasadena, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, your lawyer are ready for your case. For example, we can demonstrate that you had the legal right to possess marijuana, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or show off the proper regulatory procedures which you adhered to.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Pasadena, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Pasadena, CA. Whatever charges you are facing, we're ready to defend your innocence. 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 Pasadena, CA. All illegal chemicals can fall under this umbrella, 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 Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, and can advocate for diversionary programs to keep you out of jail.
Relevant statutes: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under Health and Safety Code 11350, while possession of methamphetamine specifically falls under HS 11377. Generally, these possession charges are handled as misdemeanors.
Drug Production/Transport/Distribution Charges
Accusations of drug production, transportation, and distribution take on the other side of a drug deal: The alleged 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 Pasadena, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). When charged as a felony, 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). These charges carry longer exposure — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. With the help of an experienced Pasadena, 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 qualify 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 Pasadena, 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 isn't a 'category' in the same way that the above types of charges are. The distinction is that the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from production to transportation to taking part in a drug conspiracy, but most often will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, 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 a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who has the strength to fight the federal prosecutor. Our office will protect your rights, research applicable laws, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a favorable outcome for you.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Pasadena, CA
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Pasadena, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. Drug DUI defense cases can include a wide range of situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. What's worse, you can be taken into custody if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcohol).
When up against drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Pasadena, CA, DUI defense lawyer who fight on your behalf both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Don't wait to get help — 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 picking a drug charges lawyer in Pasadena, CA, to take your case, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one to represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
These are the main qualities you want to see in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Vast Experience fighting against these charges
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships at the courts in your jurisdiction
- A Reputation of Delivering Victories when fighting drug charges for clients
- Availability Anytime so that you can get help when you need it most
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over five decades of combined legal experience, including former prosecutors. 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. The details are different for every criminal case in Pasadena, CA, and you should have a customized defense strategy to match.
While we use some common base strategies, we'll build your defense out to fit your unique circumstances. Below are some of the possible strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: This can suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
- Lack of Intent: Most laws surrounding drugs only make it a crime if you intend to break them.
- Not Your Drugs: 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 rare cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into breaking a drug law, you can be found innocent of the criminal charges.
- 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: In some cases, where it's not reasonable for the alleged offender to have the charges dropped entirely, a positive outcome can still be achieved through a plea deal.
If you need a drug crimes defense attorney in Pasadena, CA, call our firm now.
Pasadena, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Pasadena has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Pasadena, 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. Below are two of the most relevant programs:
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is a very desirable outcome for many people facing drug charges. The program typically includes 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 helps you avoid many of a conviction's collateral consequences.
Proposition 36 (2024)
Proposition 36, as opposed to PC 1000, targets alleged offenders with an existing criminal record. It took its current form in 2024, and it works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the current 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.
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); if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight the felony charge, and risking up to three years behind bars. The law also increased sentencing exposure tied to drug quantity for certain substances and updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
For immigrants in Pasadena, CA, you might have to defend yourself against removal as well as criminal charges — 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 a sole exception: a single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use. This applies to 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.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is ordinarilly 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 far more likely to be treated as aggravated felonies, which can trigger mandatory deportation and create barriers to appeals efforts.
- How a charge is pleaded matters enormously. Under Padilla v. Kentucky, defense counsel is required to advise a client of these immigration consequences before a plea is entered. An attorney who understands both sides can negotiate a resolution — such as a plea deal for a different offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — which minimizes your chances of being deported.
Because the conviction, regardless of the sentence, has such a big immigration impact, you need to get expert help as soon as you're aware of an investigation. If you are a non-citizen fighting a drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
Even if you're not convicted of the underlying charge, a background check can still show the arrest. If you were able to take advantage of a diversion program like PC 1000 or Proposition 36, you may be able to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
If the police catch me with drugs in my possession, do I have to answer their questions?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and request counsel immediately — if you say the wrong thing, you could end up facing harsher charges.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Pasadena, CA?
If you were given probation, you may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, though this can be affected based on the charge you were convicted of, and any previous convictions. This isn't as definitive of an answer in regards to immigration, though: The federal government will still be able to see the conviction, which is why non-citizens need support from a lawyer who can handle both criminal and immigration defense.
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 applies to repeat offenders facing a treatment-mandated felony and requires completing a court-supervised treatment program to avoid the felony consequences. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Pasadena, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Pasadena, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. Distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are different, though: These are normally treated as felonies, even for a first-time offender.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Be Your Pasadena, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
These charges need to be treated seriously Your freedom is important, and it depends on picking the right law firm. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We have former prosecutors on our team who know how the state builds its case. We will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
We also aid with the following legal services in Pasadena, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact your Pasadena drug charges lawyer today at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential 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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