Drug Crimes Client Focused, Result Driven.

Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyers

Defending Clients in Los Angeles County & Across California

Although public attitudes toward drug use have shifted in recent decades—leading to changes in some California drug laws—the state’s drug statutes remain among the harshest in the nation.

If you are accused of a drug crime in Los Angeles County, you may face severe penalties, including jail time, high fines, and a permanent mark on your record. Choosing the right drug crime lawyer in Los Angeles is crucial to protecting your future.

As dedicated drug crime attorneys in Los Angeles County, our criminal defense team brings over 60 years of combined legal experience and a strong record of results. We have handled a wide range of drug-related cases with a 90% case success rate across all criminal defense practice areas.

Our firm is proud to serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients so that all residents of Los Angeles County have access to effective legal guidance from a drug defense attorney.

Request a free consultation to speak with one of our Los Angeles drug crime lawyers today. Call (213) 786-4055 or contact us online.

Common Drug Crimes We Handle in Los Angeles County

Drug crimes in California include a wide range of offenses, from simple possession to large-scale trafficking and manufacturing.

Some of the most common drug crimes in California include:

Possession – Possessing illegal drugs (such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine) without a valid prescription.
Possession of drug paraphernalia – Having items used to ingest or manufacture illegal drugs (such as syringes or scales).
Possession with intent to sell – Possessing more than a certain amount of an illegal substance, suggesting the intent to distribute rather than personal use.
Trafficking – Selling, transporting, importing/exporting, or distributing illicit substances across state or national borders.
Manufacturing – Producing or cultivating illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine or LSD.
Prescription drug fraud – Obtaining prescription medication by forging prescriptions or "doctor shopping."
DUI involving drugs – Operating a vehicle while under the influence of any controlled substance.

Understanding the Impact of Drug Crime Charges in CA

Facing criminal charges for a drug-related offense in California can have life-altering consequences. Our experienced drug defense lawyers in Los Angeles County encourage clients to understand these consequences to make informed decisions at every stage.

At Zarabi Law, we believe that knowledge empowers you to actively participate in your defense alongside your attorney.

Here are some key factors to consider when dealing with drug crime charges:

Types of Charges: California drug charges range from possession to trafficking, each carrying varying degrees of penalties. Identifying the charges is the first step in mounting an effective defense with your drug crime attorney in Los Angeles County.
Potential Penalties: Drug crime convictions may result in jail time, expensive fines, probation, or mandatory treatment. A qualified drug defense lawyer can help minimize or even avoid these outcomes by leveraging available alternatives.
Legal Defenses: Each case is unique, offering defenses that include unlawful search and seizure, lack of intent to distribute, or mistaken identity. An experienced drug crime lawyer in Los Angeles can assess which defenses are appropriate based on your circumstances.
Impact on Future Opportunities: Drug convictions can hinder job applications, housing approvals, and educational prospects. Our Los Angeles drug crime attorneys help clients protect their future by developing defense strategies tailored to mitigate these risks.

At Zarabi Law, we are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights with aggressive representation and unwavering support. If you or a loved one faces drug crime charges in Los Angeles County, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our trusted drug crime attorneys.

Together, we can pursue the best resolution for your case and restore your peace of mind.

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What to Know About Marijuana Drug Crimes in California

In 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, legalizing recreational marijuana use for those 21 and over. While the law significantly changed penalties for certain marijuana offenses, strict regulations remain around possession, cultivation, and the sale or distribution of marijuana.

For example, possessing up to 28.5 grams of marijuana is lawful for adults 21 and older. Possessing more than this amount may expose you to criminal prosecution. Cultivating more than six marijuana plants per residence or consuming marijuana in public places is also illegal. Driving under the influence of marijuana may result in a DUI drug arrest and severe penalties.

Our drug crime attorneys in Los Angeles County guide clients through these complexities and defend those accused of violating marijuana laws, ensuring all local regulations are addressed in your defense.

Drug Crime Penalties in Los Angeles County

The penalties for a drug crime conviction in Los Angeles County vary based on several critical factors. These include:

The type of drug involved. Charges for substances considered more dangerous or addictive, such as fentanyl or heroin, generally carry harsher sentences than those involving recreational marijuana.
The amount of drugs. Possessing larger quantities increases the risk of being charged with possession for sale or trafficking, triggering more significant penalties.
Criminal history. Prior drug convictions or other criminal records can subject you to sentence enhancements, including mandatory minimums and denial of diversion options.

In California, drug offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanor convictions typically result in a maximum jail sentence of up to one year, while felonies may lead to multiple years in state prison. Crucially, Proposition 36 and related statutes create "wobbler" offenses that can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on your record and case specifics.

Our drug defense attorneys in Los Angeles County thoroughly assess each client’s history and the facts of their case to pursue the least severe outcome wherever possible.

Alternative Sentencing & Diversion Programs in Los Angeles County

Many individuals charged with drug crimes in Los Angeles County may qualify for alternative sentencing options that focus on rehabilitation over incarceration. Programs such as drug diversion (Penal Code 1000), Proposition 36, or participation in a Los Angeles County Drug Court are available to some first-time and nonviolent offenders.

These alternatives are designed to address addiction issues, reduce recidivism, and offer you a real opportunity for a clean record. A drug crime attorney in Los Angeles County will evaluate your eligibility, prepare the necessary documentation, and advocate for your admission into these programs, maximizing your chance of a fresh start.

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Potential Drug Crime Defenses

If you hire us for your case, you gain access to a drug defense attorney in Los Angeles County who will craft a defense strategy grounded in decades of experience. We tailor every approach to your unique circumstances, analyzing the details of your arrest, the specifics of your charges, and the evidence presented by law enforcement. Your defense is as individualized as your case.

Below are some common legal defenses we may pursue in Los Angeles drug crime cases:

Unlawful search or seizure – If law enforcement gathered evidence in violation of your constitutional rights (without probable cause, a warrant, or valid consent), we seek to suppress that evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case.
Lack of possession/control – In many drug prosecutions, the prosecutor must prove you knowingly possessed or controlled the substance. Our defense can contest whether you had actual control or knowledge.
Lack of intent – In cases involving alleged intent to distribute, we challenge any evidence suggesting you meant to sell or share the controlled substance.
Police misconduct – If officers acted unlawfully or engaged in misconduct while investigating or arresting you, we make these violations a focal point of your defense.
Crime lab analysis problems – Drug crime prosecutions depend heavily on lab results. If there’s a problem with laboratory protocols or results, we expose these issues to weaken the state’s case.

These defenses are only some of the strategies available. Los Angeles County courts also offer rehabilitative pathways, including drug diversion or drug courts, for eligible cases. Navigating these options requires insight into ever-evolving California and local laws—a key benefit of working with Zarabi Law as your drug defense lawyer in Los Angeles County.

Why Choose Zarabi Law for Your Defense

Choosing a drug defense attorney in Los Angeles can be the most important legal decision you make after an arrest. At Zarabi Law, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to client success and our consistent record of favorable outcomes. Here’s what sets our drug crime lawyers in Los Angeles apart:

Personalized Attention: We recognize that each situation is different, so we tailor our defense approach to your specific needs and goals.
Proven Experience: Our years of dedication to drug crime defense in Los Angeles ensure we understand California drug statutes, local procedures, and the unique challenges facing clients in the region.
Strong Negotiation Skills: By carefully analyzing your charges and options, our attorneys skillfully negotiate plea agreements and alternative sentencing to minimize the impact of a drug arrest.
Compassionate Support: Beyond legal guidance, we provide emotional support to our clients throughout the stress and uncertainty of a drug charge in Los Angeles County.

If you or someone you know is facing drug crime charges, do not hesitate to consult a drug crime attorney in Los Angeles who truly cares about your outcome.

Arrested for a Drug Crime in Los Angeles? Do Not Wait. Call Zarabi Law.

It costs you nothing to consult an experienced drug crime attorney in Los Angeles County about your case. Don’t wait to protect your rights—our team is available 24/7, even outside business hours. When you contact us, a qualified drug defense lawyer will promptly arrange a free, confidential case review and begin preparing a strategy suited to your circumstances. At every stage, we are prepared to fight for your freedom and your future with the diligence and care your case deserves.

Call (213) 786-4055 or reach out online to enlist the help of one of our highly skilled and experienced Los Angeles drug crimes attorneys at Zarabi Law.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Crimes in Los Angeles

How does having a prior drug conviction affect my new case in Los Angeles County?

A prior drug conviction can increase the severity of new charges, often leading to enhanced penalties, longer jail time, or reduced access to diversion programs. However, the outcome also depends on how much time has passed since the prior case and the details of the new one.

Will a drug charge in Los Angeles County affect my professional license?

Yes, even misdemeanor drug charges can jeopardize professional licenses, especially in fields like healthcare, teaching, or law. Licensing boards and employers often require disclosure of convictions, making it important to take proactive legal steps to protect your career.

Can my drug charge be expunged or cleared from my record in California?

Many drug convictions may be expunged once probation or sentencing is complete, but eligibility depends on the type of charge and compliance with court requirements. If granted, expungement can greatly improve employment opportunities.

What are the penalties for drug possession in Los Angeles County?

Penalties vary depending on the type and quantity of the substance, as well as prior convictions. They may include fines, probation, mandatory treatment, or jail time. Some first-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs instead of incarceration.

Is drug trafficking treated differently than possession in Los Angeles?

Yes. Trafficking or intent to sell is considered a far more serious offense than simple possession. These charges typically involve harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines.

Can I be charged if drugs were found in a shared vehicle or home?

Possibly. Prosecutors may argue that you had constructive possession if drugs were accessible to you, even if they were not directly on your person. The outcome often depends on whether there is evidence tying you specifically to the drugs.

Do drug crime cases in Los Angeles always go to trial?

Not always. Many cases are resolved through negotiations, plea bargains, or diversion programs. Whether your case proceeds to trial depends on the strength of the evidence, your criminal history, and available defenses.

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Your Rights. Your Future. Our Mission.

Personalized Defense
We take the time to know every detail of your case, your background, and your family. At Zarabi Law, no client is just a number—we treat you like family to build the strongest defense possible.
Hands-On Representation

From the first consultation to the resolution of your case, we’re deeply involved in every aspect. You can count on us to meticulously analyze every detail to fight for the best possible outcome.
Start with a Free Consultation

Your defense begins with a conversation. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Around-the-Clock Help
Legal challenges don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. At Zarabi Law, we’re here for you anytime, providing the guidance and support you need, whenever you need it.