Drug Charges Lawyer in Torrance, CA. Whatever drug accusations you're facing in Torrance, CA, it's not an easy thing to handle. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These statutes regulate substances from marijuana to heroin. The fallout from a drug crime conviction can turn your world upside down.
You need someone who can guide you to a positive outcome. You need Torrance, CA's leading criminal defense attorney defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Torrance drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will explore possible defenses, explain your best options, and represent you all the way through trial. To begin fighting the charges, call our legal team at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form now.
Torrance, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
In this article, you can learn about what a Torrance, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, the types of substances considered illegal in Torrance, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and more.
If you want to read about a specific topic, you can use the links below to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Torrance, CA
- Popular Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Torrance, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Torrance, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Torrance, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Torrance, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Team Will Defend Against
The Importance of a Torrance, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Torrance, CA. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you can always face felony consequences.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer without hesitation is to help you interpret the law. A simple possession case looks very different from a drug trafficking case, and your drug defense attorney should understand how to fight your particular charges.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyer as soon as you've been accused is to stop yourself from making a mistake. After a police interview without proper legal representation, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. Your attorney can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
Lastly, your drug charges lawyer will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Acting fast gives you a head start against the state, and we can even move to dismiss charges if we can act before the state builds a compelling case.
Torrance, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties:
When picking a Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. In the following section, we've outlined some of the most common substances that are the center of illegal drug cases in the state.
| 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. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug which can cause intense effects It is taken in a variety of ways. |
| Methamphetamine | A stimulant known to affect people's energy levels and emotional stability. |
| Opioids | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A very addictive substance, and one of the most dangerous opioids. The state tends to impose harsh penalties in heroin cases. |
| 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. |
Penalties vary significantly by substance, quantity, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. As a general framework:
- 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 are more serious charges. Most accusations are felonies, and the sentence can change based on the specific drug and quantity involved.
- Fentanyl is treated extra seriously: Proposition 36 (2024) created a list of drugs, including fentanyl, which can trigger felony enhancement if possessed along with a loaded firearm.
- 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 Torrance, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Because it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Torrance, CA, typically often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. For example, it's legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational use, but growing a seventh is a crime.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- Typically, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Torrance, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against marijuana-related charges, we are ready for your case. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Charges a Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Will Fight in Torrance, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Torrance, 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
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Torrance, CA. These can be charged for any illegal substance 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 Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyer fight for illegally obtained evidence to be thrown out, and can advocate for diversionary programs to keep you out of jail.
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
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: HS 11351 covers standard drug dealing charges, formally known as "possession for sale." The exception is methamphetamine, which is covered by HS 11378. As a straight 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). 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 Torrance, 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 one thing connects them together: They don't exist on their own. To be charged with an enhancement, there also needs to be an underlying base charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Torrance, 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 can come from any category of alleged drug offense. The difference is that the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from production to transportation to drug smuggling, but normally it will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. If you're accused of this, you're up against truly severe penalties, such as a life sentence and substantial fines.
These are some of the most serious charges you can possibly face. And you need a a leading criminal defense lawyer who has the strength to fight the United States government. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, research applicable laws, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a positive outcome for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Torrance, CA
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Torrance, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. Drug DUI defense cases cover a many different circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to driving after taking certain medications. 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 accused of drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Torrance, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Don't wait to get help — for most DUI cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Torrance, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide the right person to represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
Here are the top factors you want to look for in your drug defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting these cases in court
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A History of Victories against the state for these charges
- Availability Anytime so that you can get help when you need it most
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 a history of delivering positive outcomes for Californians.
You can trust us to always be upfront with your case, and you can get a hold of us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. No two cases in Torrance, CA, are identical, and you should have a unique defense plan to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Below are some compelling 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.
- Somone Else's Drugs: If the substance in question was, in fact, illegal, but belonged to another person, you shouldn't face possession charges.
- Entrapment: In some cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into breaking a drug law, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- 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're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Torrance, CA, get in touch with our firm today.
Torrance, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Torrance has diversion and treatment options available, which your Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in your case. To qualify, defendants must fit certain criteria. These are some of the :
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is often a very helpful, positive outcome for individuals accused of simple possession. 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 protects you from many of a conviction's collateral consequences.
Proposition 36 (2024)
Proposition 36 is another diversion program, designed to help people accused of repeat drug offenses. It was passed in 2024, and is distinct from a previous version of Proposition 36 passed in 2000. It works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the current rules, 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.
Rather than an automatic alternative to jail, this 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, including up to three years in custody. The law also heightened potential drug crime sentences, depending on the quantity and type of substance, and updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for treatment options, help you decide what route to take, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
For immigrants in Torrance, CA, 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.
Important factors to be aware of:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is normally enough to qualify for removal, 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 with little to no opportunity for relief or future re-entry.
- 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 to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that avoids 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, decisions made early in a criminal case can matter as much as, or more than, the eventual sentence itself. If you are a non-citizen up against a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Allegation Defense Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drug charge show up on a background check even if the case is dismissed?
Even if you're not convicted of the underlying charge, a background check can still show the arrest. Diversion programs such as PC 1000 or Proposition 36 can help. If you participate in one of these, you may be eligible to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — an attorney can help you explore these options.
Do I have to talk to police if I'm caught with drugs?
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 request counsel right away — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can I expunge a previous drug conviction in Torrance, 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 non-citizens 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?
The main difference is in who can apply to each program: For PC 1000, first-time, low-level possession alleged offenders can get the charges dropped through a treatment and drug testing program. 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. To learn more about how to explore these paths, speak to an attorney today.
Does Torrance, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Torrance, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. Possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are generally felonies regardless of prior record.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Torrance, CA, Today
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on working with the right law firm. We are ready to take your case.
The Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley takes advantage of every opportunity we find to deliver positive results for clients. We have relationships in courts across California. We will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Torrance, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your Torrance drug defense attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to schedule a no-strings review of your case.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Torrance, 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)
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