How to Beat a Misdemeanor Drug Charge in California
Charged with a Misdemeanor Drug Offense in Los Angeles? Here’s How to Beat It
If you’ve recently been arrested for a misdemeanor drug charge in California, there’s no need to panic — but there is a need to act fast. A charge like this may feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system. You might be wondering what your options are, how serious the penalties could be, and — most importantly — whether it’s possible to avoid a conviction altogether.
The good news? In many cases, it is possible to beat a misdemeanor drug charge — or at the very least, reduce the impact it has on your life. But it takes more than hoping things will work out. It takes a smart, strategic legal defense — and that starts with hiring the right attorney.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we’ve spent more than 20 years helping people charged with drug offenses in Los Angeles County get their charges reduced, dismissed, or resolved in a way that avoids jail and keeps their records clean. Whether you were arrested for simple possession, caught with paraphernalia, or accused of having a controlled substance without a prescription, the reality is this: not every drug charge leads to a conviction — and not every case is as strong as prosecutors claim.
A misdemeanor drug charge in California can carry up to a year in jail, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. But for many people, especially first-time offenders, the law offers opportunities to avoid jail, avoid a conviction, and move forward without lasting damage. The key is knowing how to take advantage of those opportunities — and fighting hard when the facts of your case support it.
Some drug charges can be dismissed outright if the evidence was obtained illegally — for example, during an unlawful traffic stop or search. If your rights were violated by law enforcement, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence, which may result in the entire case being thrown out. In other situations, the issue might be whether the drugs even belonged to you. If the police found something in a shared car or apartment, or if someone else placed drugs near you, the prosecutor has the burden of proving that you knew about the drugs and had control over them — and that’s not always easy to do.
Even in cases where the evidence is solid, there are alternatives to conviction. California courts offer diversion programs for many misdemeanor drug offenses. These programs allow eligible defendants to complete counseling or education instead of going to jail — and once the program is successfully completed, the charge is dismissed. It’s as if the arrest never happened. No conviction. No record. No jail.
Our Los Angeles criminal attorney understands that what you’re facing isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a personal crisis. A drug charge, even a misdemeanor, can threaten your job, your reputation, your immigration status, and your peace of mind. That’s why we treat every case with urgency, discretion, and the full weight of our legal experience.
When you contact our office, Attorney Arash Hashemi will personally sit down with you to review what happened. We’ll talk about the facts, the arrest, the charges, and any prior history that may affect your case. We’ll then lay out your best legal options, explain how the court process works, and start building a strategy designed to protect you from the worst-case scenario.
Sometimes, we’re able to resolve cases without the client ever stepping into a courtroom. Other times, we go to battle in court to challenge the evidence and push for dismissal. Either way, you’ll know we’re fighting for your best possible outcome — whether that’s a reduction, a diversion, or a full dismissal of the charges.
If you or someone you care about is facing a misdemeanor drug charge in Los Angeles, don’t wait until your court date to get help. The sooner we start working on your defense, the better your chances of avoiding jail, protecting your record, and getting on with your life.
Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation with our experienced drug crime attorney. We are located at Westside Towers in Los Angeles and proudly serve clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area — including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Westwood, Marina del Rey, and surrounding neighborhoods.
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