South Pasadena Drug Crime Attorney

Immediate Help for Drug Charges in South Pasadena

A drug arrest in South Pasadena can instantly disrupt your life, threatening your career, your family stability, and your physical freedom. Whether you were stopped by the South Pasadena Police Department near Mission Street or detained during a traffic stop on the 110 freeway, the consequences of a conviction are severe. California prosecutors often push for the maximum penalties, even for first-time offenders. You do not have to navigate this complex legal landscape alone.

At Miranda Rights Law Firm, we provide the aggressive advocacy necessary to challenge the prosecution’s case. With more than 20 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled, our team understands the local court systems and the tactics used by the Los Angeles County District Attorney. We offer free initial case evaluations and provide services in both English and Spanish to ensure every client receives the personal attention they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been arrested, time is your most valuable asset. Evidence can disappear, and witness memories fade. We are ready to begin building your defense today.

Call Miranda Rights Law Firm at 213-293-1207 to schedule your free consultation.

Understanding Drug Crime Allegations in California

California drug laws are found primarily in the Health and Safety Code. These statutes categorize substances into schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. While recent legislative changes like Proposition 47 and Proposition 36 have altered how some offenses are handled, many drug-related offenses remain serious felonies that carry significant jail time.

Our attorneys defend clients accused of a wide range of criminal offenses involving controlled substances, including:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with intent to sell
• Drug manufacturing and cultivation
• Transportation and distribution
• Prescription drug fraud

Possession of a Controlled Substance (HSC 11350)

Under California Health and Safety Code § 11350, it is illegal to possess narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, or unauthorized prescription opiates. To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove you had control over the drug, knew of its presence, and knew it was a controlled substance (Health and Safety Code 11350).

While many simple possession charges are prosecuted as misdemeanors, they can still lead to up to one year in county jail and a permanent criminal record. If you have certain prior convictions for serious felonies or sex crimes, these charges can sometimes be elevated to felony status.

Possession with Intent to Sell (HSC 11351)

Possessing drugs for sale is a much more serious allegation than simple possession. Under Health and Safety Code § 11351, this is a “straight felony,” meaning it cannot be reduced to a misdemeanor (Health and Safety Code 11351).

Prosecutors often use circumstantial evidence to prove intent to sell, such as the presence of scales, large amounts of cash, or packaging materials like small baggies. A conviction under this statute can result in two, three, or four years in state prison. Unlike simple possession, those convicted of possession for sale are generally ineligible for drug diversion programs like PC 1000 or Proposition 36.

Defending Against Methamphetamine Charges in South Pasadena

Methamphetamine cases fall under different sections of the Health and Safety Code. Under HSC § 11377, possession of meth for personal use is typically a misdemeanor. But, as with other drugs, possession of methamphetamine for sale under HSC § 11378 is a felony that carries a potential sentence of up to three years (Health and Safety Code 11378).

Our defense attorneys scrutinize every detail of the arrest. Did the South Pasadena police have probable cause for the initial stop? Was the search warrant valid? We often file a motion to suppress evidence under Penal Code § 1538.5 if we believe your constitutional rights were violated during the search. If the judge agrees that the evidence was obtained illegally, the prosecution may be forced to dismiss the criminal case entirely.

The High Stakes of a Criminal Conviction

A drug conviction carries weight far beyond the courtroom. The collateral consequences can affect your life for decades. In South Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County, a conviction can lead to:

1. Professional License Issues: If you are a nurse, teacher, or real estate agent, a drug-related offense can trigger an investigation by your licensing board, potentially leading to suspension or revocation.
2. Immigration Status: Non-citizens face the risk of deportation or being denied re-entry into the United States, as many drug crimes are considered “deportable offenses” under federal law.
3. Firearm Prohibitions: A felony conviction results in a lifetime ban on possessing firearms in California.
4. Employment Barriers: Many local employers in South Pasadena conduct background checks. A conviction can make it difficult to secure a job or advance in your career.

In early 2026, the Los Angeles County Superior Court reported a significant backlog in reporting convictions to the Department of Justice, affecting hundreds of thousands of records. This highlights how complex the justice system is and why having a good lawyer to monitor the accuracy of your record is vital.

Aggressive Advocacy and Personal Attention

When you are criminally accused, the power of the government is stacked against you. The District Attorney has vast resources to pursue a conviction. You need a defense lawyer who is an aggressive advocate for your side. At Miranda Rights Law Firm, we do not just accept the police report as fact. We conduct our own investigations to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s narrative.

We look for every possible defense, such as:

• Lack of Knowledge: You were unaware that the drugs were in your vehicle or home.
• Lack of Possession: The drugs belonged to someone else, and you did not have control over them.
• Valid Prescription: You had a legal right to possess the substance for medical reasons.
• Entrapment: Law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have committed.

Drug Diversion and Alternative Sentencing

For many clients facing simple possession charges, our goal is to avoid jail time through drug diversion programs. Under Penal Code § 1000, eligible defendants can complete a treatment program in exchange for a dismissal of the charges (Penal Code 1000). This allows you to keep your record clean and focus on recovery rather than incarceration. We work tirelessly to convince the court that you are a candidate for rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Why Choose a South Pasadena Drug Lawyer from Our Firm?

Our office is located right here in South Pasadena, providing us with a unique perspective on the local legal environment. We regularly appear in the Pasadena Courthouse and are familiar with the judges and prosecutors who handle these cases. This local insight allows us to tailor our strategy to the specific tendencies of the court.

Our approach is both honest and aggressive. We will provide you with a candid assessment of your case while fiercely advocating for the most favorable result. Whether we are negotiating for reduced charges or taking your case to trial, our priority is protecting your future.

Protecting Your Constitutional Rights

Your Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures is often the most important factor in a drug case. If the police searched your car near the Fair Oaks Avenue exit without a warrant or a valid exception, that evidence should not be used against you. We meticulously review police body camera footage and surveillance video to ensure your rights were respected.

Contact a South Pasadena Drug Crime Lawyer Today

Do not wait to see what the prosecutor decides to do. Take control of your defense by hiring a law firm with a record of success in drug-related offenses. We have seen how drug charges can tear families apart, and we are here to provide the strong defense you need to keep your life on track.

Whether you are facing misdemeanor possession or serious felony charges, our experienced defense attorneys are ready to fight for you. We offer the personal attention of a local firm backed by the experience of thousands of successfully handled cases.

Contact Miranda Rights Law Firm today at 213-293-1207 for your free initial case evaluation. Our Spanish-speaking staff is ready to assist you in your time of need.