At The Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, we understand that a drug possession charge can feel overwhelming. The stakes are high—your job, your reputation, and your freedom may all be on the line. Whether you were stopped by police in Contra Costa County or arrested elsewhere in the Bay Area, you deserve a defense that’s grounded in experience and built around your specific situation.
Our firm has defended individuals in Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Joaquin, and nearby counties for over 30 years. If you’ve been charged, or think you may be, we’re ready to stand between you and the criminal justice system. Contact us today to discuss your case with a seasoned drug crimes attorney.
What Counts as Drug Possession in California?
In California, it’s illegal to possess certain controlled substances without a valid prescription. But drug possession doesn’t just mean having something in your pocket. Prosecutors may bring charges if they believe you had control over the substance, whether it was in your car, home, or even a shared space.
Some common substances involved in possession charges include:
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Cocaine or crack cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Prescription medications like Oxycodone, Adderall, or Xanax (if obtained or held unlawfully)
To convict someone of drug possession, the government must prove that:
- You knowingly had control over the drug
- You knew it was a controlled substance
- There was enough of it to use as a drug
You don’t have to say anything to police or prosecutors. In fact, you shouldn’t. Instead, let your attorney do the talking.
Penalties for Drug Possession
While many drug possession cases are now charged as misdemeanors, they still carry real consequences. A conviction can impact more than your record—it can affect your employment, immigration status, and access to housing.
Penalties may include:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Probation
- Mandatory drug counseling or treatment
- Court fines and fees
- Loss of professional licenses or opportunities
Prior convictions or aggravating factors—like possession near a school or while on probation—can lead to enhanced charges and longer sentences.
Possession With Intent to Sell
If you’ve been accused of not only possessing drugs but also intending to sell them, you’re facing a much more serious situation. Even if you never exchanged money, prosecutors may try to prove “intent to sell” based on circumstantial evidence.
They often look for:
- A large quantity of drugs
- Individual packaging or baggies
- Scales, ledgers, or digital communication suggesting transactions
- Significant amounts of cash
Possession with intent to sell is usually charged as a felony and may result in:
- State prison time
- Ineligibility for diversion or drug court
- A lasting felony record
These cases are often based on assumptions rather than proof. That’s where a strong legal defense matters.
Legal Defenses to Drug Possession Charges
Not every drug case leads to a conviction. Depending on the facts, there may be legal grounds to challenge the charges or even have them dismissed.
Some common defenses include:
- Illegal search or seizure (e.g., unconstitutional traffic stop or home search)
- Lack of knowledge that the substance was present
- Someone else’s drugs (e.g., in a shared vehicle)
- Valid prescription (for prescription medications)
- Entrapment by law enforcement
At The Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, we thoroughly examine every piece of evidence and challenge the prosecution at every turn. If your rights were violated, we’ll fight to have the evidence suppressed or the case dismissed.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson?
We’ve been defending people charged with drug offenses since 1993. Our attorneys don’t back down from a challenge, and we’re not here to pressure you into a plea deal that doesn’t serve your future. From pre-filing investigations to trial, we work directly with our clients to craft a defense that reflects the whole picture, not just the police report.
We know how to push back when the prosecution oversteps its bounds. And we know how to advocate for diversion, treatment, or reduced charges when appropriate.
Talk to a Contra Costa County Drug Possession Defense Attorney Today
A drug charge can follow you for years. But with the proper defense, you can protect your future and move forward. At The Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, we offer skilled, experienced defense for clients throughout the Bay Area. Contact us today or online to schedule a complimentary consultation.
The Law Office of Johnson & Johnson is based in Walnut Creek and proudly serves clients throughout the Bay Area. We represent individuals across Contra Costa County, Alameda County, Napa County, Solano County, Santa Clara County, San Joaquin County, Sonoma County, and San Francisco. Our service areas include cities such as Concord, Martinez, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Richmond, Antioch, Pittsburg, Clayton, San Pablo, Oakland, Hayward, Brentwood, and Stockton.