Drug Possession Defense Attorney – Beat The Charges in Riverside

If you’ve been charged with drug possession in Riverside County, you’re likely facing a wave of uncertainty and fear about your future. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor or felony, the consequences can be life altering, fines, probation, a criminal record, or even jail time. The good news? These charges can be challenged. With the help of a seasoned Riverside drug crime attorney, it’s entirely possible to fight back and, in many cases, beat the charges.

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Why You Need a Riverside Drug Crime Attorney on Your Side

Riverside’s drug laws are strict, but with the right legal strategy, there are real opportunities for relief. John L. Michels, a highly experienced Riverside drug crime attorney, knows how to navigate the complexities of local courtrooms and understands how prosecutors build their cases. With decades of trial experience, he uses this insight to weaken the prosecution’s arguments and pursue outcomes that protect your rights.

From uncovering illegal searches to negotiating directly with the District Attorney for dismissal or diversion, John Michels provides a focused, aggressive defense. He carefully analyzes the evidence; Was the substance actually illegal? Was the search conducted lawfully? Was possession actual, constructive, or simply a case of mistaken identity? With Michels in your corner, every legal angle is explored to fight for your freedom and preserve your record.

How to Get Drug Possession Charges Dropped

The first question many clients ask is how to get drug possession charges dropped. There are several potential strategies your attorney can use depending on your case, including:

Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence.
Lack of Possession: The prosecution must prove that you knowingly had control over the drugs. If you didn’t, your case may be dismissed.
Entrapment or Police Misconduct: If an officer persuaded or pressured you into committing the crime, the case could be thrown out.

In some instances, your attorney may negotiate for pretrial diversion or dismissal in exchange for treatment or community service, especially for first-time or non-violent offenders.

Understanding the Drug Diversion Program

One of the most effective ways to avoid a conviction is through Riverside County’s drug diversion program. These programs are designed for nonviolent offenders charged with drug possession and offer treatment and rehabilitation instead of jail time.

Participants in the misdemeanor diversion program may be required to:

Complete a drug education or rehabilitation course
Submit to periodic drug testing
Attend court check-ins

Upon successful completion, your charges are dismissed, and no conviction appears on your record. However, enrollment is not automatic, you need a defense lawyer who knows how to present your case persuasively to the judge.

Judicial Diversion Under PC 1001.95

A relatively new but powerful option in Riverside is PC 1001.95 judicial diversion. This statute allows judges, independent of the prosecutor’s recommendation, to grant diversion for most misdemeanor offenses, including certain drug crimes.

If granted diversion under PC 1001.95, your case is paused, and you are given a set of conditions to complete (such as treatment, therapy, or community service). Once you fulfill those conditions, your case is dismissed, and you avoid a conviction altogether.

Not all drug charges are eligible, and judicial diversion is often only granted to those who are represented by experienced counsel who can argue the appropriateness and benefit of diversion. That’s why retaining a knowledgeable attorney is key.

How to Get Criminal Charges Dropped in Riverside County

Whether you’re facing a drug offense or another misdemeanor, knowing how to get criminal charges dropped in Riverside County starts with an aggressive legal strategy. Key tools your attorney may use include:

Pretrial Motions (e.g., to suppress evidence)
Negotiations with the DA
Compelling Mitigating Circumstances (e.g., lack of prior record, employment, treatment efforts)

Your lawyer may also push for informal or formal diversion programs or a plea deal to a lesser charge that won’t haunt your record.

Fighting Felony Drug Charges: Reducing to a Misdemeanor

In more serious cases involving distribution, possession with intent, or repeat offenses, you might be charged with a felony. But that doesn’t mean your case is hopeless. A strong legal strategy could result in reducing a felony charge to a misdemeanor.

Understanding how to get felony charges reduced to misdemeanor in Riverside involves several factors:

Was the drug amount minimal?
Was there intent to sell, or was it clearly for personal use?
Do you have a clean or limited criminal history?
Are you actively seeking treatment or support?

Penal Code § 17(b) gives judges the discretion to reduce certain “wobbler” felonies (charges that can be either felonies or misdemeanors) if the facts support it. Your attorney will evaluate whether this statute can be applied in your favor.

Choose the Best Drug Defense Attorney in Riverside

Not all attorneys are equal when it comes to defending against drug charges. Hiring the best drug defense attorney means choosing someone who not only understands criminal law but also has a proven track record of success in Riverside County.

The best defense attorneys will:

Challenge the legality of every piece of evidence
Explore every diversion and dismissal option available
Advocate for treatment and rehabilitation over punishment
Fight for your rights at every stage of the process—from arraignment to trial

More importantly, they will guide you through every step with clarity and confidence, keeping you informed and prepared.

Your Future Is Worth Fighting For

A drug possession charge doesn’t have to define your future. With the right legal guidance, it’s possible to avoid jail, keep your record clean, and reclaim your life. Whether that means fighting for dismissal, entering a drug diversion program, seeking PC 1001.95 judicial diversion, or negotiating a felony reduction, your defense begins with hiring an experienced and aggressive advocate.

If you’ve been charged with drug possession in Riverside, don’t wait. Contact John L. Michels, a top-tier Riverside drug crime attorney, and take the first step toward beating the charges and protecting your future. With decades of experience and a proven track record, he’s ready to fight for the dismissal, diversion, or reduction you deserve.

Riverside County Courthouses We Defend At: