Riverside Drug Possession Lawyers

Drug Possession Charges in Riverside, CA

Under California Health & Safety Code §11350(a), drug possession generally refers to knowingly having a controlled substance in your possession or a medical drug without a valid prescription. 

This includes drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and prescription medications such as Vicodin or Xanax when obtained illegally. This is typically called “simple possession.”

To convict someone of drug possession, the prosecution must prove:

• The defendant knowingly possessed a controlled substance,
• The defendant knew the substance was a drug, and
• The drug was present in an amount usable for consumption.

Misdemeanor Drug Possession

Most first-time simple possession cases for personal use are charged as misdemeanors, especially since the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014.

Penalties:

• Up to one year in county jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Probation and mandatory drug counseling
• Diversion programs available (PC §1000 or Drug Court)

Example: Being caught with a small amount of cocaine in your pocket during a traffic stop.

Expungement is frequently available after completing probation without violations, paying fines, and fulfilling court requirements like drug classes. 

If you complete a diversion program (such as PC §1000 Pretrial Diversion or Drug Court) and:

• You attend all required classes or counseling,
• You avoid any further legal trouble,
• You fulfill all court-ordered requirements within the specified time (usually 12–18 months),

your case may be dismissed, meaning no conviction appears on your record, and you are eligible for record sealing under California laws.

Second or subsequent convictions for simple possession can double the fine and possibly increase other penalties.