Drug Crimes Attorneys in Orange County

OCTLA & OCWLA logos

If you have been arrested on drug charges in Orange County, don’t do anything else until you find a drug crimes lawyer who can take your case. California takes an extremely aggressive approach to these crimes, and your case will likely be in the hands of a prosecutor ready to make an example out of you. Many prosecutors treat drug charges as an issue of public safety, and they’re ready to push hard for stiff penalties. If you want to protect your future and rights, you absolutely need an attorney who’s ready to fight equally as hard.

Not sure where to start your search? Check out our list of Orange County drug crimes lawyers. We have vetted each attorney via their California Bar Profile to find firms local to your area.

Helpful Information About Choosing an Orange County Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

  • You can research the Bar license status, suspensions or reprimands of an attorney at the California Bar Association website.
  • Drug crimes lawyers have specialized knowledge of drug laws, procedures, and defenses, and can use this expertise to defend your case.
  • In some cases, a drug crimes lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to reach a plea agreement, which can result in a lesser charge or reduced sentence.

Drug crimes attorneys in Orange County are skilled at handling a wide range of drug charges in California, including:

  • Possession of marijuana, meth, cocaine, ecstasy, and paraphernalia
  • Possession for sale
  • Marijuana cultivation and sales
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Transportation of a controlled substance
  • Transportation for sale of a controlled substance
  • Selling or furnishing a controlled substance to a minor

Drug Crimes Lawyers:

Knight Defense

Knight Defense

Jorgensen & Salberg LLP

Jorgensen & Salberg LLP

Advertise Here

Advertise Here

The penalties can be stiff, and on top of that, a history of drug convictions can impact your sentencing in the future if you face additional criminal charges.

Common Drug & Narcotics Charges

There are various drug charges that can result in imprisonment if you’re found guilty. Among the most severe drug-related offenses are drug possession for sale, drug manufacturing, and trafficking. Here are some common drug crimes in Orange County:

  1. Possession: According to Health and Safety Code 11350, possessing certain drugs like cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, meth, crack cocaine, and prescription painkillers without a valid prescription, such as Vicodin or Codeine, is illegal. Possessing a controlled substance can lead to a state prison sentence of up to three years.
  2. Possession with Intent to Sell: Selling or having illegal drugs with the intention to sell is a felony. In Orange County courts, it is not necessary to prove an actual exchange of drugs and money. It is sufficient to demonstrate that you possessed the drugs for sale. Your defense could be compromised if authorities discover weighing scales, packaging materials, or a large quantity of drugs that you could not reasonably possess for personal use alone.
  3. Transportation of Drugs: Selling, transporting, and providing drugs are felony offenses under Health and Safety Code 11352. Transporting drugs for sale can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years in California.
  4. Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance: According to Health and Safety Code 1155, it is a misdemeanor to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Controlled substances in California include heroin, cocaine, meth, ecstasy, GHB, and prescription medications like Xanax or Valium. A conviction carries a penalty of up to one year in county jail.
  5. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Health and Safety Code 11364 makes it a misdemeanor to possess drug paraphernalia such as needles, pipes, bongs, and cocaine spoons. This includes devices used for unlawfully injecting or smoking controlled substances. A conviction for drug paraphernalia may result in a sentence of up to six months in county jail.
  6. Cultivation: Health and Safety Code 11358 makes it a felony to illegally grow, harvest, or process marijuana. For a first cultivation offense, the penalty can be up to three years in county jail.

Please note that specific penalties and legal procedures may vary, and it’s highly recommended to consult with an Orange County drug crime attorney who can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances.

How Orange County Approaches Drug Charges

Orange County takes a hard stance on drug possession, manufacturing, and selling. Even if someone is caught with a small amount of drugs in their possession, it’s not uncommon for the Orange County DA to attempt to make drug dealing charges stick. When an underage offender is brought up on drug charges, the prosecutor may still take an aggressive approach to their case.

However, much depends on the legal representation the suspect has. If your attorney can prove that they made a one-time mistake and that they are not a serial offender, there may be options available to you. For example, the defendant may be enrolled in California’s drug diversion program. This program allows some offenders to enroll in a treatment program instead of going to jail, as long as they do not have recent felony convictions. If the defendant does not get arrested again and completes their program, they can have their charges dismissed.

Drug Crimes Attorneys Near Me:

Prussak Welch & Avila APC...

175 South C Street, 2nd Floor Tustin, California 92780, USA
175 South C Street, 2nd Floor Tustin, California 92780, USA

Richard T. McGuire...

335 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92780
335 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92780

Advertise Here...

12900 Garden Grove Blvd #132, Garden Grove, CA 92843
12900 Garden Grove Blvd #132, Garden Grove, CA 92843

Where Do Our Listed Attorneys Serve?

The drug crimes attorneys listed on this page serve clients in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Buena Park, Tustin, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, La Habra, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Brea, Ladera Ranch and all courts throughout Orange County and Southern California. If you or a family member has been arrested for a first, second, third or more drug offense in Orange County, you NEED to talk to a lawyer and get your questions answered, call an attorney listed here today.

Possible Penalties Your Orange County Drug Crimes Attorney Can Help You With

Criminal penalties for drug crimes vary widely, depending on which drug is involved, how much you have in your possession, and what your specific charges are. If you are convicted of possession of a controlled substance, you could spend up to one year in jail and pay up to $20,000 in fines if you have aggravating factors. If you are convicted for possession of paraphernalia, you could be sentenced to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Those convicted of manufacturing a controlled substance may be imprisoned for up to three years and pay a fine as high as $20,000. Even being in public under the influence of a drug can lead to a conviction. A conviction for being under the influence could cost you up to $1,000 and one year in jail.

The consequences of a drug conviction are severe and long-lasting, affecting every part of your life. Take charge now and contact a drug crimes attorney in Orange County.

Join Our Newsletter

Stay up to date with our latest news and updates.


    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Join our private Facebook Group and

    ask local lawyers a question