An arrest for a drug offense in Los Angeles creates immediate stress and uncertainty. You need a defense team that protects your freedom and future.
Chudnovsky Law defends individuals facing drug-related charges throughout Los Angeles. We will analyze your case and build a strong, strategic defense. Our Los Angeles drug crime attorneys have handled thousands of cases, from simple possession misdemeanors to complex trafficking felonies.
Call us now at (213) 212-5002 to start protecting your rights and future.
LA Drug Crimes Guide
- Los Angeles Drug Crime Overview
- Where Do Drug Crimes Happen in LA?
- Common Defenses Against Drug Crime
- Fighting For Your Future in Your LA Drug Case
- Los Angeles Drug Crime FAQs
- Contact Our Los Angeles Drug Crime Attorneys
Why Choose Our Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyers?
When you face drug charges in Los Angeles, you need a defense firm with a deep understanding of the local courts and prosecution tactics.
Chudnovsky Law offers:
- Verifiable Experience: Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers bring experience from over 9,000 cases to your defense. We hold top ratings on both Avvo (10.0) and Justia, and U.S. News & World Report names us as a leading defense firm, reflecting our commitment to our clients.
- Strategic Defense: We develop legal strategies tailored to the complex drug laws in California. We have extensive experience defending charges in Los Angeles criminal courts, and the relationships and respect we have built favors our clients throughout the criminal justice process.
- Local Presence, Powerful Advocacy: From our office at 1933 S. Broadway, #1100, steps from the vibrant Arts District and close to Grand Central Market, we stand ready to fight for you. Call (213) 212-5002 for a discreet, no-obligation consultation to discuss your drug-related charges.
Los Angeles Drug Crime Overview
Authorities can charge you with many serious drug crimes in Los Angeles that lead to prison time, probation, fines, and more.
Before reviewing specific charges, understand that California law offers alternatives for many non-violent drug offenses.
Programs like PC 1000 and Proposition 36 allow eligible individuals to complete drug treatment in exchange for a full dismissal of their charges. This prevents a criminal record. Our first step is often to determine your eligibility for these powerful programs.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles drug crime lawyers at Chudnovsky Law if the authorities charge you with one of the following offenses.
Drug Possession
In Los Angeles, drug possession is one of the most common drug-related offenses, governed by California Health and Safety Code Section 11350. This charge applies to individuals found with controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription.
Possession for personal use is typically a misdemeanor, with penalties including up to one year in county jail or fines up to $1,000—though the court might treat some simple possession offenses as infractions or allow the completion of a diversion program that leads to a full dismissal.
However, possessing larger quantities or specific substances, like fentanyl, can escalate charges. Los Angeles prosecutors often consider factors like the amount and type of drug, as well as the defendant’s criminal history, when pursuing these cases. Defenses may involve challenging the legality of the search or proving a lack of knowledge of the drug’s presence.
Drug Sales and Trafficking
Drug sales and trafficking, under California Health and Safety Code Sections 11351 and 11352, are serious felonies in Los Angeles, carrying harsher penalties than possession. Sales involve exchanging controlled substances for money or other benefits, while trafficking involves transporting or distributing larger quantities across state or county lines.
Penalties depend on the drug type, quantity, and circumstances, such as proximity to schools or involvement of minors. For example, selling cocaine can lead to 2-4 years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. Los Angeles, with its proximity to international borders and major ports, sees aggressive prosecution of trafficking cases. Defenses often focus on a lack of intent to sell or entrapment by law enforcement.
Drug Manufacturing
Manufacturing controlled substances, as outlined in Health and Safety Code Section 11379.6, is another significant drug crime in Los Angeles. This includes producing drugs like methamphetamine or operating illegal cannabis grow operations.
Penalties are severe, with up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $50,000, especially if the operation endangers others, such as in residential areas. Los Angeles County, particularly areas such as South LA and the San Fernando Valley, has seen increased enforcement against clandestine laboratories. Defendants may argue that the defendant was not involved in the production or that the evidence was obtained unlawfully.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Under Health and Safety Code Section 11364, possessing drug paraphernalia, items like pipes, syringes, or scales used for consuming or preparing drugs, is a misdemeanor in Los Angeles. Penalties include up to 6 months in jail or fines up to $1,000. While less severe than other drug crimes, these charges often accompany possession or sales cases, complicating legal proceedings. Your LA drug crime lawyers may challenge whether the items were intended for drug use or if you had lawful possession.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)
Driving under the influence of drugs, per California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f), is a growing concern in Los Angeles, where marijuana legalization and opioid use have increased DUI cases. This offense involves operating a vehicle while impaired by any drug, legal or illegal, with penalties mirroring those of alcohol-related DUI: up to 6 months in jail, fines, and license suspension for a first offense.
Los Angeles law enforcement uses Drug Recognition skills (DREs) to identify impairment, but we can contest these evaluations. Defenses often hinge on questioning the accuracy of sobriety tests or proving the drug did not impair driving ability.
Los Angeles’ diverse urban environment, coupled with its role as a common hub for drug distribution, makes drug crime enforcement a priority for local authorities. They make arrests and prosecute charges to the fullest degree in many cases, especially those involving distribution.
Each case’s outcome depends on specific circumstances, including the evidence, the defendant's history, and the quality of their legal representation. Consulting our experienced Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer is essential to addressing these complex charges and minimizing the consequences.
Where Do Drug Crimes Happen in LA?
Police can wrongly accuse or arrest you anywhere in Los Angeles for a drug crime, from downtown Los Angeles to Watts, Compton, and Inglewood, from the San Fernando Valley to Hollywood and the Port of Los Angeles and the Mexican border.
Trafficking networks use nearby warehouses and industrial zones to store and distribute drugs before moving them inland, and officers often surveil these locations. Police monitor Interstate 110 and other highways for transport-related offenses. Federal agencies, including Customs and Border Protection, collaborate with local police to intercept these operations, resulting in high-stakes felony cases.
Our Los Angeles drug crime lawyers have seen innocent defendants charged with serious drug crimes in every part of the city. We have also seen clients overly-prosecuted with inflated charges that do not apply to the situation. We’ll show up wherever you need to begin an aggressive defense today.
Common Defenses Against Drug Crime
When facing drug crime charges in Los Angeles, always recognize there are legal defenses available to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case. Here are some common defenses that our skilled drug crimes lawyers might use in these types of cases.
Illegal Searches
One of the most effective defenses against drug crime charges is proving that the evidence against you was obtained through an illegal search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches by law enforcement. If your lawyer can demonstrate that the police conducted an unlawful search, any evidence obtained as a result may be deemed inadmissible in court, weakening the prosecution's case against you.
Challenging Intent
To secure a conviction for drug crimes, the prosecution must prove that you had the intent to possess or distribute illegal substances. Your attorney can challenge this element by showing that you had no knowledge of the presence of drugs, or that you lacked the intention to commit a crime. By casting doubt on the prosecution's ability to establish intent beyond a reasonable doubt, your lawyer can create a strong defense strategy on your behalf.
Coercion
In cases involving gang-related drug activity, defendants may have been coerced or forced to participate in criminal behavior under duress. Whether through threats, manipulation, or intimidation, your attorney can argue that you were a victim of coercion and did not willingly engage in illegal drug-related activities. By highlighting the influence of external pressures, your lawyer can build a defense that challenges the prosecution's narrative.
Entrapment
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces individuals to commit a crime they were not predisposed to commit, often as part of an undercover sting operation. If you believe that you were lured into a drug-related offense by undercover agents or informants, your attorney can raise the defense of entrapment. This rare defense can succeed in the appropriate cases.
By working with a knowledgeable drug crimes lawyer who can leverage these defenses effectively, you can protect your rights and pursue a favorable resolution in the face of challenging legal circumstances.
Fighting For Your Future in Your LA Drug Case
Our skilled LA criminal defense lawyers can fight a prosecutor’s drug case against you in many ways, including the following.
Strategic Case Analysis and Evidence Challenges
Chudnovsky Law begins by meticulously reviewing your drug crime case, scrutinizing every detail of the prosecution’s evidence. In Los Angeles, where drug charges range from possession to trafficking, our attorneys dissect police reports, lab results, and witness statements for inconsistencies.
We frequently challenge the legality of searches and seizures, a common issue in LA drug arrests, arguing violations of Fourth Amendment rights. For instance, if drugs were found during an unlawful traffic stop in areas like Skid Row or Hollywood, we would move to suppress evidence, potentially dismantling the prosecutor’s case before trial.
Call (213) 212-5002 for a Free Consultation
If you are looking to hire a drug crime attorney, we invite you to call (213) 212-5002 for a Free consultation.
Tailored Defense Strategies for LA’s Drug Laws
Our team leverages its in-depth knowledge of California’s drug laws to craft defenses tailored to your specific charge, whether it involves possession in South LA or trafficking near the Port of Los Angeles.
Chudnovsky Law identifies and utilizes all possible defense strategies, such as seeking eligibility for diversion programs for nonviolent offenders.
We negotiate with prosecutors to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors or secure alternatives, such as drug court, especially for first-time offenders.
Our attorneys ensure defenses align with your case’s unique circumstances, countering aggressive DA tactics.
Skilled Handling of Scientific and Forensic Evidence
Los Angeles prosecutors often rely on forensic evidence, like drug quantity or chemical composition, to escalate charges, particularly in manufacturing cases. Chudnovsky Law collaborates with forensic experts to challenge flawed field tests or lab analyses.
For example, in DUID cases, we question the accuracy of Drug Recognition skills evaluations, highlighting their subjective nature. By undermining the prosecution’s technical evidence, we weaken their ability to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We also carefully track the chain of custody for all drug-related evidence, as even a slight error by forensic labs can call the reliability of the evidence into question.
Aggressive Negotiation and Trial Advocacy
Facing the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, known for its tough stances on drug crimes, Chudnovsky Law combines skilled negotiation with fearless trial advocacy. We engage early with prosecutors to secure charge reductions or dismissals, leveraging our reputation and established relationships within the Los Angeles court system.
In your drug case, our seasoned litigators present compelling defenses, ranging from entrapment arguments to disproving intent. We thoroughly prepare our strategy in each case, ensuring you’re well-prepared to negotiate a plea agreement or fight in court.
Personalized Client Support and Discreet Service
Beyond legal tactics, Chudnovsky Law prioritizes your peace of mind, offering confidential consultations to discuss your case. We advise you on what to expect throughout LA’s complex judicial process, from arraignment at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center to potential sentencing.
Our client-focused approach, backed by a track record of results, ensures you feel supported while we relentlessly challenge the prosecution’s narrative, aiming to protect your future.
We will work tirelessly to defend your rights, question the drug charges against you, and construct a robust defense to produce optimal results.
Los Angeles Drug Crime FAQs
What is the difference between a state and a federal drug charge?
State charges, which are more common, involve violations of California's Health & Safety Code and the District Attorney prosecutes them in state court.
The U.S. Attorney's office prosecutes charges in federal court and typically involves larger quantities of drugs, crossing state or national borders, or alleged connections to major trafficking organizations. Federal sentencing guidelines typically levy harsher penalties for federal convictions.
I am not a U.S. citizen. How will a drug charge affect my immigration status?
For non-citizens, almost any drug conviction, including a misdemeanor, can result in deportation, denial of re-entry, or ineligibility for a green card or citizenship.
Hire a defense attorney who understands how to protect your immigration status. Often, a plea bargain that seems favorable can still trigger removal proceedings.
What is a wobbler offense in California drug cases?
A wobbler is a crime that the prosecutor can charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Many drug crimes, such as possession for sale of certain substances, are wobblers.
The prosecutor's decision depends on the facts of the case and your criminal history. A key goal of the defense is often to convince the prosecutor or judge to reduce a felony wobbler to a misdemeanor.
Should I talk to the police if they want to question me?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You should clearly and politely state, "I am exercising my right to remain silent, and I want a lawyer."
Never try to explain your side of the story or consent to a search, as anything you say or permit, they will use against you. Contact an attorney immediately.
Contact Our Los Angeles Drug Crime Attorneys
Arrested for a drug crime in Los Angeles? Trust Chudnovsky Law to defend your future. Our respected drug crime defense attorneys tackle charges ranging from possession to trafficking, and we take every case seriously.
We challenge unlawful searches, flawed forensic evidence, and aggressive DA tactics to secure dismissals or reduced charges. We provide personalized, discreet representation for anyone who hires our firm.
Don’t let a drug charge define you. Call (213) 212-5002 for a confidential consultation today. Let our LA drug defense lawyers fight for your freedom with strategic defenses tailored to LA’s complex drug laws. Act now to protect your rights.
Los Angeles
Address: 1933 S Broadway #1100,Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: (213) 212-5002
Fax: 844 325-1444