Drug Possession Attorney in Newport Beach

Navigate Drug Charges With a Defense Team That Knows Newport Beach

If you or someone you care about has been accused of drug possession in Newport Beach, you may be feeling anxious and overwhelmed. The fear of an arrest, confusion about the law, and concerns about your future are all normal reactions. 

You do not have to face this situation alone. Our team at Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC is here to stand with you at every step, providing immediate, compassionate support from attorneys with more than 100 years of combined criminal defense experience.

Drug charges receive serious attention from law enforcement and prosecutors in this region. Whether you are a local resident, a student, a visitor, or a parent concerned for your child, we focus on strategic, results-driven representation that puts your needs first. Every minute counts after an arrest. We are available 24/7 to help you protect your rights, your reputation, and your long-term future.

Facing drug possession charges? Secure the advantage of former prosecutors on your side. Call a leading drug possession attorney in Newport Beach now for immediate help! Dial (949) 251-0330 or fill out this online form to start.

Understanding Drug Possession Charges in Newport Beach

Drug possession cases in Newport Beach come in many forms, from misdemeanors involving small amounts to more serious felony allegations. Prosecutors in Orange County, including those at the Harbor Justice Center on Jamboree Road, commonly pursue these cases aggressively and seek significant penalties for convictions.

Common substances involved in possession cases include:

• Prescription medications without a valid prescription
• Controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or ecstasy

The specifics of your charge—such as the type of substance, amount, and any prior record—will shape both how your case is prosecuted and the potential outcomes. 

Cases that occur near schools or other sensitive locations may be filed with harsher allegations. The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony may hinge on details that can be overlooked at the outset without skilled representation.

Your case will typically go through proceedings at the Harbor Justice Center, which serves Newport Beach. These courts have procedures and practices that differ from those in other parts of California. Our attorneys bring decades of experience before these very judges and understand how to use local court knowledge to your advantage.

Types of Drug Possession Charges

Here are some of the most common situations we see in Newport Beach:

• Possession of a controlled substance (California Health & Safety Code Section 11350 and related statutes)
• Possession of prescription medication without a prescription
• Possession for sale or intent to distribute
• Drug charges involving juveniles or on school grounds

Each of these scenarios presents unique challenges and opportunities for defense, which we identify based on the specifics of your situation.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Drug Possession Conviction in Newport Beach

While the passage of Proposition 47 reduced many possession penalties, a conviction still carries profound negative consequences that are permanent unless the case is dismissed through diversion. We provide experienced representation to mitigate these effects.

• Misdemeanor Jail/Probation: Up to one year in county jail, supervised probation, mandatory drug testing, and fines up to $1,000.
• Felony Prison Time: If convicted of possession for sale (HS 11351), the penalty is a state prison sentence of up to four years.
• Felony Exception: Individuals with certain prior convictions (serious/violent felonies or sex offenses) can still be charged with simple possession as a felony, risking up to three years in state prison.

Collateral Consequences

• Immigration: For non-citizens, any drug conviction, even a misdemeanor, can lead to severe issues, including inadmissibility or mandatory deportation, making a dismissal the only safe outcome.
• Professional Licensing: Professionals (nurses, doctors, attorneys, pilots) can face disciplinary action or revocation of their professional license due to a drug conviction.
• Educational and Financial Aid: Federal student loans and financial aid eligibility can be jeopardized by any drug-related conviction.
• Employment and Housing: Background checks often reveal misdemeanor convictions, creating barriers to securing stable employment and rental housing in Newport Beach.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for Drug Possession

Being arrested for drug possession in Newport Beach is stressful and confusing. What you do—or do not do—immediately after arrest can significantly impact your outcome. Start by knowing your rights. You are not required to answer police questions without an attorney and should avoid volunteering information, consenting to searches, or attempting to explain yourself before seeking legal advice.

Contact our team as soon as possible after an arrest. We provide continuous support and can start protecting your rights right away. Our attorneys will guide you through the best practices for handling police questioning, protect you from accidental self-incrimination, and work quickly to build your strongest possible defense.

To protect your interests after a Newport Beach drug possession arrest, remember these key steps:

• Request legal counsel before answering any questions from police.
• Do not agree to searches unless your attorney confirms it is appropriate.
• Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your legal team.
• Write down everything you remember about the incident, including where you were and what was said or done.
• Contact a drug possession attorney in Newport Beach immediately to preserve your options.

Early involvement of an attorney often makes a difference in preserving evidence, protecting your rights, and improving the outcome of your case.

Why Choose Our Newport Beach Drug Possession Defense Team

There are many criminal defense lawyers in Newport Beach, but our team at Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC stands out for several key reasons. Every client benefits from our combined 100+ years of criminal defense experience, focused entirely on defending people facing drug charges in Newport Beach and throughout Orange County.

Our collaborative approach sets us apart. Rather than relying on a single attorney, we bring the insight and creativity of our entire team to every case. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who have handled matters in the very courts where your case is likely to be heard. This background allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s tactics and prepare an effective defense from day one.

We have gained respect from organizations like Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell, and several of our attorneys have served in leadership roles within the Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association. When you choose us, you secure a defense team with proven skill, influence, and commitment, focused on serving clients right here in Newport Beach.

How We Defend Drug Possession Cases in Newport Beach

Defending against drug crime allegations requires experience, creativity, and a deep understanding of local practices in Newport Beach. Each of our attorneys at Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC brings decades of relevant trial and negotiation experience to the table. We excel at crafting team-driven defenses for clients facing these sensitive charges.

We begin each case with a thorough investigation, carefully reviewing every detail surrounding your arrest. Our background as former prosecutors allows us to predict how local authorities approach drug crimes and prepare for those strategies in advance. We also stay current with changes in procedural rules and treatment options that may benefit you in the Orange County courts.

Depending on your unique case, we might pursue one or several of these defense paths:

• Challenge the legality of the arrest, search, or seizure
• Raise issues of lack of knowledge, intent, or control over the substance
• Explore eligibility for pre-trial diversion or alternative resolutions
• Scrutinize police reports and evidence handling for errors
• Negotiate for dismissal, reduction of charges, or lighter penalties based on the facts

Throughout the process, we focus on clear communication with you, empowering you to understand your options and help guide your defense. Our singular focus on criminal defense and our collaborative team approach ensure that you have the strongest possible representation every step of the way.

Your Future Matters—Contact Our Newport Beach Defense Team Now

If you, or someone you care about, is facing a drug possession charge in Newport Beach, acting now can make a lasting difference. We offer confidential consultations at no cost, giving you a clear understanding of your choices and a path forward. With over 100 years of combined experience, a collaborative team, and consistent 24/7 access, we put Newport Beach’s most trusted resources in your corner when it matters most.

No judgment, just support. Connect with our Newport Beach drug possession lawyers and let our experience work for you.

Call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online to speak with a Newport Beach drug possession attorney at Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC. Our defense team is ready to stand by you.