Drug Crime Attorney in Costa Mesa

Immediate Help When Drug Charges Turn Your Life Upside Down

If you or someone you care about has just been arrested on a drug charge in Costa Mesa or elsewhere in Orange County, you may be worried about jail, your record, and what will happen in court. In this moment, you need a calm, capable guide, not more confusion.

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we defend people accused of drug offenses every day. Our criminal defense team has more than 100 years of combined experience, and we dedicate our practice solely to defending individuals facing criminal accusations. We know how cases that begin with a traffic stop, a home search, or an undercover operation can quickly grow into serious felony drug charges.

Don't let a drug charge define your future; contact a drug crime attorney in Costa Mesa today to begin building your defense. We are available 24/7 and offer a free consultation to help you navigate this crisis with confidence. Call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online to begin your defense.

Understanding Drug Crimes Laws in California

Drug offenses in California are primarily codified in the Health and Safety Code. While recent legislative reforms like Proposition 47 and Proposition 36 have changed how simple possession is handled, the state remains relentless in prosecuting sales, transportation, and manufacturing. It is critical to understand the specific statute you are accused of violating, as the strategies for a Costa Mesa drug crime lawyer differ significantly across these categories.

Common drug charges include:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance (Health & Safety Code § 11350): This covers "simple possession" of narcotics like cocaine, heroin, and certain prescription pills without a valid prescription. Since Prop 47, this is typically a misdemeanor, but it still carries significant long-term consequences.
• Possession for Sale (Health & Safety Code § 11351): This is a much more serious felony. Unlike simple possession, the prosecution only needs to prove you intended to sell the drugs. They often rely on "indicia of sale," such as scales, baggies, and large amounts of cash.
• Sale or Transportation of a Controlled Substance (Health & Safety Code § 11352): This statute prohibits the actual selling, giving away, or transporting of drugs. It is a felony that carries heavy prison time, especially if the drugs were moved across county lines.
• Manufacturing Controlled Substances (Health & Safety Code § 11379.6): This is one of the most harshly punished drug crimes in the state, targeting anyone involved in any part of the chemical production of drugs like methamphetamine, PCP, or concentrated cannabis.
• Under the Influence (Health & Safety Code § 11550): This misdemeanor charge applies if you are found to be under the influence of a narcotic or restricted drug in a public place.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Drug Crime Convictions in Costa Mesa

The penalties for drug convictions in California are tiered based on the severity of the offense and your prior criminal history. Even a misdemeanor can have a ripple effect on your future.

• Misdemeanor Possession: Up to one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Felony Sales or Transportation: Prison terms ranging from 3, 4, or 5 years. If the offense involves large quantities (e.g., more than a kilogram of cocaine or heroin), "weight enhancements" can add 3 to 25 additional years to your sentence.
• Manufacturing: Convictions can lead to 3, 5, or 7 years in state prison and massive fines.

The collateral consequences are often just as damaging:

• Professional Licensing: Convictions can trigger mandatory reporting and possible revocation of licenses for nurses, teachers, and contractors.
• Immigration: For non-citizens, many drug crimes are considered "aggravated felonies" or "crimes of moral turpitude," leading to mandatory deportation and permanent bars to re-entry.
• Drug Registration: Some convictions require you to register as a narcotics offender with local law enforcement, similar to the sex offender registry.
• Housing and Employment: A drug record can bar you from federal housing assistance and make you ineligible for many high-level employment opportunities.

Why Our Team Is Prepared For Drug Cases

When you are deciding who should stand between you and the government, experience and judgment matter. Our firm brings together multiple seasoned criminal defense attorneys who work collaboratively on challenging cases, including drug possession, possession for sale, transportation, trafficking, and conspiracy allegations.

Our attorneys have deep roots in the criminal courts of Orange County. T. Edward Welbourn is a former Orange County Deputy District Attorney. That background gives us valuable insight into how local prosecutors evaluate drug cases, decide which charges to file, and approach plea offers.

Kate Corrigan primarily handles federal criminal matters, including federal drug trafficking and RICO cases. If a situation involves larger quantities, multiple jurisdictions, or potential federal exposure, we are able to evaluate those risks and advise you about what federal investigators and prosecutors may be looking at.

Alan H. Stokke has been regularly recognized among the “Best Lawyers in America,” has been selected by Super Lawyers, and has received honors such as the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association “Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer of the Year” and the Orange County Bar Association “Legend of the Law” award. 

Our lawyers have received AV Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and have been listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and they are active in respected bar organizations, including the Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association.

These credentials matter because they reflect years spent in courtrooms handling serious cases, not just paper qualifications. When you work with us, you are retaining a drug crime lawyer in Costa Mesa you can trust for seasoned judgment and thorough preparation.

What To Do Next After A Drug Arrest in Costa Mesa

A drug arrest is often sudden and frightening. You may have been stopped while driving, contacted at home, or questioned after officers served a warrant. Once you are taken to jail and processed, everything can feel out of your control. There are, however, steps you can take to protect yourself and improve your position.

Here are important steps to consider after a drug arrest:

• Stay calm and remain polite with officers, but clearly state that you wish to remain silent and that you want a lawyer before answering questions.
• Avoid consenting to any additional searches of your home, vehicle, or devices once you are in custody, unless you have spoken with an attorney.
• Keep any paperwork you receive, including citation forms, booking documents, and notice of your arraignment at the Orange County Superior Court, Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
• Do not discuss the details of the case on recorded jail calls or text messages, because those conversations can be reviewed by law enforcement.
• Contact an experienced drug attorney in Costa Mesa as soon as possible so that your lawyer can start protecting your rights before more decisions are made in your case.

Early representation can play an important role in drug matters. An attorney can advise you about bail, help you prepare for your first court appearance, and begin evaluating whether the police followed the law when they stopped you, entered a home, or searched your property. We are available 24/7, so you can reach us even if the arrest happens at night or on a weekend.

Talk With Our Costa Mesa Drug Crime Attorney About Your Case—Call Now

If you are facing a drug accusation in or around Costa Mesa, you do not have to navigate the criminal justice system on your own. Our attorneys bring decades of criminal defense experience, local court knowledge, and a collaborative team approach to every matter we accept.

We know that an arrest can be one of the most stressful events in your life. From the first call, we focus on listening to your side of the story, explaining the process, and developing a strategy that fits your circumstances and goals. With our exclusive focus on criminal defense and our 24/7 availability, you can reach us when you need us most.

Call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online now to talk with our drug arrest lawyer in Costa Mesa.