Drug Crimes
Drug Crimes Attorney in Santa Ana
Serious Drug Charges Require Strategic Defense.
Drug charges in California can carry life-altering consequences — from license suspension to years in prison. Whether you’re accused of simple possession, distribution, or drug trafficking, early legal intervention can drastically change the outcome. At Glew & Kim, we act fast to protect your rights, challenge unlawful searches, and fight to reduce or dismiss charges before they damage your future.
Understanding Drug Crimes in California
Drug-related offenses fall under various sections of the California Health and Safety Code and can range from misdemeanors to major felonies. The classification depends on the type of substance, amount, and intent behind possession.
Common charges include:
Simple possession of controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs.
Possession with intent to sell based on packaging, quantity, or cash evidence.
Manufacturing or cultivation, including marijuana grow operations.
Prescription fraud or unlawful possession of prescription medication.
Drug trafficking or interstate transport of narcotics.
Distribution or sale of controlled substances under §11351 and §11352.
Even minor possession cases can escalate quickly — especially if prosecutors allege intent to distribute.
Types of Substances Commonly Involved
Our attorneys have defended clients across a full range of controlled substances:
Marijuana: Though legal for adults, unlawful sales, transport, or excessive possession remain criminal.
Cocaine and crack cocaine: Possession or intent to sell can result in felony prosecution.
Methamphetamine: Harsh penalties, especially for repeat or trafficking offenses.
Heroin and opioids: Often tied to addiction-related charges and strict sentencing.
Prescription drugs: Unlawful possession of oxycodone, Adderall, Xanax, or similar medications.
Club drugs: Ecstasy, LSD, or MDMA, frequently targeted in nightlife and concert arrests.
Each substance carries unique legal challenges — from medical necessity defenses to chain-of-custody issues — and we tailor every defense accordingly.
Penalties for Drug Convictions
Drug penalties vary widely depending on the charge and prior record, but may include:
County jail or state prison sentences.
Probation or mandatory drug treatment programs.
Substantial fines and community service.
Loss of driver’s license for certain convictions.
Immigration or professional licensing consequences.
Many cases, however, qualify for alternative sentencing programs such as Penal Code §1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) or Prop 36 treatment diversion, which can keep your record clean if completed successfully.
Our Approach to Drug Crime Defense
Glew & Kim takes a proactive, evidence-focused approach to drug defense. Our strategy often includes:
Challenging search and seizure violations under the Fourth Amendment.
Disputing intent to sell through financial and packaging analysis.
Filing suppression motions to exclude illegally obtained evidence.
Negotiating diversion or treatment programs to avoid conviction.
Working with forensic experts to test for contamination or lab errors.
Every detail matters — from the arrest procedure to the lab report — and we use that precision to protect your freedom.
Federal vs. State Drug Charges
Most drug cases in Santa Ana are prosecuted under California state law, but if the alleged activity involves interstate transport, large quantities, or federal agencies (DEA, FBI), it may be elevated to federal court.
Federal penalties are far harsher and often include mandatory minimum sentences. Early intervention by experienced defense counsel can sometimes prevent federal prosecution altogether.
Common Defenses to Drug Charges
Illegal search and seizure: Evidence obtained without a valid warrant.
Lack of possession: Drugs didn’t belong to you or were found in shared spaces.
Entrapment: You were induced or coerced by law enforcement.
Lack of intent: No evidence of sale or distribution intent.
Chain-of-custody errors: Mishandled or contaminated evidence.
We analyze every step of the case to ensure your constitutional rights were respected.
What to Do If You’re Arrested for a Drug Crime
If you’re arrested or under investigation for a drug offense:
Do not speak with police or DEA agents without legal counsel.
Do remain calm and assert your right to an attorney.
Do not consent to searches or provide written statements.
Do contact our office immediately for representation.
Visit our Been Arrested page for immediate guidance or review our Case Results to see how we’ve successfully defended drug-related cases across Orange County.
Fight Your Charges — Protect Your Future
A drug arrest doesn’t have to end your career or your freedom. The outcome often depends on what you do next. Speaking with a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately can help uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, secure alternatives to conviction, and protect your future before it’s too late. Contact Glew & Kim today for a confidential consultation and start defending your rights.
