Drug Charges Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA. Drug crimes in Woodland Hills, CA, come in many forms. Everything from manufacturing to simple possession can send you to jail. These statutes regulate substances from prescription medications to heroin. 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.
Stop these charges before it becomes a worst-case scenario. You need Woodland Hills, CA's premier criminal defense attorney defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Woodland Hills drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, explain your best options, and represent you all the way through trial. To start fighting the charges, reach out to our legal team at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form right away.
Woodland Hills, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, we will go over how a Woodland Hills, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, categories of drug crime allegations in Woodland Hills, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and more.
To learn about a particular topic, click on the appropriate link in the following menu to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- What Your Woodland Hills, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Woodland Hills, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Woodland Hills, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Woodland Hills
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Woodland Hills, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Lawyers Fight Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Woodland Hills, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Drug charges in Woodland Hills, CA, always need to be taken seriously. 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 work with a drug charges lawyer right away is to explain the charges. A simple possession case shouldn't be treated the same as a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney needs to know how to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to contact a local Woodland Hills, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to protect yourself from mistakes. 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 help you talk to police the right way, instead of incriminating yourself.
Lastly, your drug charges lawyer will open doors for new strategies through plea negotiations. Connecting with a lawyer early gives you a head start against the state, and can even give you a better chance of having the court dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Woodland Hills, CA:
When deciding on a Woodland Hills, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. In the following section, you can read about what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Woodland Hills, CA.
| 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 synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| 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 | A very addictive substance, and one of the most dangerous opioids. The state tends to impose harsh penalties in heroin cases. |
| 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 by substance, quantity, your criminal record, and the act you're being accused of. As an overview:
- Simple possession of most controlled substances is typically charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail, though certain substances and circumstances can elevate this.
- 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 amount involved.
- Fentanyl cases are particularly harsh: Proposition 36 (2024) created a list of drugs, including fentanyl, which can trigger felony enhancement if possessed along with a loaded firearm.
- If the federal government accuses you of a drug crime, the potential penalties are often more serious.
There's no simple method to tell what kind of sentence you're facing based on your charges. Our drug defense attorneys can help — call us for a free case review and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Woodland Hills, 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.
Because local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) allegations in Woodland Hills, CA, typically center around when and where it is used. As an example, it's legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational use, but growing a seventh is a crime.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- Typically, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Woodland Hills, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, we can help. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Woodland Hills, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Woodland Hills, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. In the sections below, you can learn about different categories of drug crimes and what a lawyer can do to assist you.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Woodland Hills, CA. All illegal chemicals can fall under this umbrella, and these charges can apply if the drugs are on your person, in your vehicle, or anywhere you would control access to them.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your Woodland Hills, 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: If you're accused of simple possession of a hard drug, you're liking facing charges for allegedly violating Health and Safety Code 11350, 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
These allegations are almost always considered more serious than possession. A drug crimes defense lawyer can help you negotiate a plea to a less serious offense.
Relevant statutes: The two main possession for sale charges you will see in Woodland Hills, 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. 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 cover a variety of situations, but all have one thing in common: They don't qualify on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Woodland Hills, 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. What sets these apart is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Woodland Hills prosecutor.
These can include anything from production to transportation 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. If you're accused of this, you're up against truly severe penalties, 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 with the resources to match the United States government. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, research applicable laws, challenge evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a favorable outcome for you.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Woodland Hills, CA
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a many different situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to driving after taking certain medications. 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 has a legal limit).
When facing drug DUI charges, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Woodland Hills, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — for most DUI accusations, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, to take your case, it can feel impossible trying to decide who will best represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
These are the main qualities you want to see in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Prior Experience defending clients in your situation
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your jurisdiction
- A Reputation of Delivering Positive Outcomes 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, we can deliver on all of these needs. We have over 50 years 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 will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if something new develops.
Possible Defense Tactics Against Drug Charges
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. No two cases in Woodland Hills, CA, are identical, and you should have a customized defense strategy to match.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Below are some staunch strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: This can suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
- 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 breaking a drug law, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- Prescription: These defenses hinge on your medical status, and if a doctor prescribed you a given substance.
- Plea Negotiations: Plea negotiations not only reduce the level of charges you're facing, but can also open up diversion avenues.
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley now.
Woodland Hills, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Woodland Hills has diversion and treatment options available, which your Woodland Hills, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in 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 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. The advantage of PC 1000 is that you don't end up with a conviction on your record — after completing the program, the case against you is dismissed. 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 works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the modern law, individuals with two or more prior drug convictions can now be charged with a "treatment-mandated felony" for offenses that might otherwise have been charged as misdemeanors. If you're facing this charge, you have a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the case can be dismissed with the arrest 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 added fentanyl to the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements.
Your Woodland Hills, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, advocate for that path where it's available, and stand by your side no matter which route you take.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — 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 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 even if you weren't given jail time on your conviction.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is ordinarilly grounds for deportation, but is not automatically classified as an "aggravated felony" — a distinction that can preserve certain forms of immigration relief.
- Possession for sale, sale, or trafficking convictions are not treated as lightly. They are typically classified as 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 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 to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — that may preserve a client's ability to stay in the country.
Because immigration consequences are triggered by conviction, not just sentence, you need to get expert help as soon as you're aware of an investigation. If you are a non-citizen up against a drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
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. 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 — your drug charges defense lawyer can help you navigate these options.
If the police catch me with drugs in my possession, do I have to answer their questions?
No. You are not required to answer any self-incriminating questions during an interrogation. Politely but firmly refuse to answer any questions outside of providing your identity, and ask for a lawyer immediately — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Woodland Hills, CA?
Many drug convictions can be expunged under Penal Code 1203.4 once probation is successfully completed, though eligibility depends on the specific charge and your 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 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. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Woodland Hills, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Woodland Hills, 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.
Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges Your freedom is important, and it depends on working with the right defense team. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Woodland Hills, 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 Woodland Hills, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Woodland Hills drug charges lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a confidential review of your charges.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Woodland Hills, 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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