The law in California can be strict when it comes to drug possession, but it’s not always clear or fair. You can be charged even if the drugs weren’t physically on you. If they were found in your car or in a shared space, and the police believe you knew about them or could control access to them, they might still file charges against you.
And that’s exactly where we step in, because what prosecutors believe isn’t enough. They have to prove it. And at The Olen Law Firm, we make sure they don’t get a free pass to make assumptions about you. Los Angeles County doesn’t go soft on drug cases. Even a small amount can lead to jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record if your case isn’t handled correctly.
We’re based in Los Angeles, and that matters. Local experience is everything. A drug possession lawyer from Los Angeles knows how these charges play out in our local courts and what tactics actually work with our local prosecutors and judges. Every court has its own rhythm, and knowing how to handle the L.A. system is something we take seriously.
What Is Drug Possession Under California Law?
In California, drug possession charges fall under Health and Safety Code sections like 11350 or 11377. If you’re found with a controlled substance like cocaine, heroin, meth, or even prescription pills without a valid prescription, you can be charged.
Possession can be actual, constructive, or joint. What does that mean?
- Actual possession means the drugs were found on you, in your pocket, in your hand, or in your backpack.
- Constructive possession means you had control over the space where the drugs were found, like your car or room.
- Joint possession means you shared that control with someone else.
You don’t need to own the drugs. If the prosecution thinks you had the ability to control them and knew they were illegal, they’ll try to make it stick.
Penalties You Might Face
This is where a lot of people panic, and honestly, it’s not without reason. Even for a small amount, you can face:
- Up to six months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Probation
- Mandatory drug education courses
And if you’re caught with items like syringes or pipes or anything that counts as drug paraphernalia, you’re looking at a misdemeanor with similar penalties. For larger amounts or more serious drug types, the penalties can climb quickly.
You could be facing felony charges, up to 3 years in state prison, or more if you’re caught with a gun or have prior convictions.
How We Defend Drug Possession Charges
Our team knows what to look for in your case, and we don’t let anything slide. We’ve seen how prosecutors stretch weak evidence, and we’re trained to call them out on it. Some of the key areas we focus on:
- Was the traffic stop or search legal?
- Did the police have a valid search warrant?
- Were your rights read to you?
- Is it possible the drugs belonged to someone else?
- Can we argue temporary possession (just holding it for someone briefly)?
- Do you have a valid prescription?
- Were the drugs discovered through an illegal search?
Even if the evidence is strong, we look at other options, such as whether or not we can get you into a diversion program; we can argue down the charge to avoid a felony. Every case has options, and we walk through all of them with you.
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