Roseville Drug Crime Attorney

If you or someone you care about was recently arrested on a drug charge in or near Roseville, you are likely worried about what comes next. You may be facing court at the Placer County Superior Court and wondering if you could go to jail or lose your job. In this situation, you need a lawyer who understands both the law and the local system.

At Walsh Law, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. Our firm is led by Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney with more than 19 years of criminal law experience and over 100 jury trials. We now put that background to work defending good people who find themselves on the wrong side of a drug investigation.

Call (916) 610-3558 to speak with our team about your drug case.

Common Types of Drug Crimes

Drug offenses in California are governed by the Health and Safety Code. These charges vary in severity based on the type of substance involved, the quantity, and the intent of the individual. Our firm handles a wide spectrum of cases, including:

• Drug Possession (H&S 11350 & 11377): Often referred to as "simple possession," this involves having illegal drugs for personal use. While Proposition 47 reduced many of these to misdemeanors, they still carry significant long-term consequences.
• Possession for Sale (H&S 11351 & 11378): If law enforcement finds large quantities of a substance along with packaging materials, scales, or large amounts of cash, they may charge you with possession with intent to sell—a much more serious felony.
• Drug Trafficking and Transportation (H&S 11352 & 11379): This involves the movement, distribution, or importation of controlled substances. These charges are frequently prosecuted at the federal level if they involve crossing state lines.
• Manufacturing Controlled Substances (H&S 11379.6): Operating a lab or participating in any step of the chemical production of drugs like meth or concentrated cannabis is treated with extreme severity by Placer County prosecutors.
• Prescription Drug Fraud: This includes forging prescriptions, "doctor shopping," or possessing prescription medication without a valid script.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in California

The penalties for a drug conviction in Roseville depend heavily on the specific charge and your prior criminal record. California utilizes a complex sentencing structure that considers the "schedule" of the drug involved.

Beyond incarceration, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record. However, for many first-time offenders, our Roseville drug crime attorney can argue for diversion programs like PC 1000 or Proposition 36. These programs allow defendants to undergo treatment instead of jail time, with the possibility of having the charges dismissed upon successful completion.

Legal Defense to Drug Crimes

A strong legal defense is essential when facing drug charges. At Walsh Law, we carefully analyze every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and build a compelling defense.

Common Defense Strategies Include:

• Unlawful Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a search, the evidence may be suppressed.
• Lack of Possession: The prosecution must prove that you knowingly possessed the drugs. If you were unaware of their presence, this can be a strong defense.
• No Intent to Sell: In cases involving intent to distribute, we may challenge the evidence used to support that claim.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed, this may be a valid defense.
• Chain of Custody Issues: Errors in handling evidence can raise doubts about its reliability.

Every case is unique, and our firm develops customized strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal.

Drug Crime FAQs

What should I do if I am arrested for a drug crime in Roseville?

Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions or make statements without an attorney present. Contact a Roseville drug crime lawyer as soon as possible.

Can drug charges be dismissed?

Yes, in some cases. Charges may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, illegal search and seizure, or successful completion of a diversion program.

Will I go to jail for a drug offense?

Not necessarily. Many first-time offenders may qualify for probation or diversion programs instead of jail time. However, more serious offenses can result in incarceration.

What is drug diversion?

Drug diversion programs allow eligible individuals to complete treatment instead of facing traditional criminal penalties. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges.

Can a drug conviction be expunged?

In many cases, yes. Expungement allows you to clear your criminal record after completing probation and meeting certain requirements.

What is the difference between "actual" and "constructive" possession?

Actual possession means the drugs were on your person. Constructive possession means the drugs were in a location you controlled (like your glove box or bedroom), even if you weren't touching them at the time of the arrest.

Do I have to let the police search my car if they pull me over?

No. You have the right to refuse a search. If they search anyway without your consent or probable cause, your Roseville drug crime lawyer can move to have the evidence thrown out.

Are marijuana crimes still prosecuted in California?

Yes. While recreational use is legal for adults 21+, there are strict limits on the amount you can possess. Illegal cultivation, unlicensed sales, and driving under the influence of marijuana are still prosecuted.

How can a lawyer help with my case?

A skilled attorney can evaluate your case, identify legal defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court. This can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Why Our Team Is Different

When you look for a drug defense lawyer in Roseville, you are not just comparing websites, you are choosing who will stand between you and the power of the state. Our firm is built around the experience and judgment of Chris Walsh, who served for years as a prosecutor in Kings, Fresno, Santa Clara, and Nevada Counties before becoming Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County. He has personally tried more than 100 jury trials, including high-stakes and complex cases.

This history gives us a rare perspective on drug cases. We understand how prosecutors evaluate evidence, how they decide what to file, and what tends to move them on issues like charge reductions or alternative resolutions. That insight helps us anticipate their arguments and identify weaknesses that might not be obvious from the outside.

To get started on building your defense, contact our firm today.