Being charged with drug crimes in Oceano can feel like your freedom and future are at risk—but you’re not alone, and you have options. Whether you’re dealing with methamphetamine possession charges common in South County, marijuana possession or cultivation beyond legal limits, heroin or fentanyl possession, cocaine or crack cocaine charges, prescription drug offenses including illegal possession of painkillers or Xanax, drug paraphernalia possession, possession for sale allegations when amounts or packaging suggest distribution, drug sales or transportation charges, manufacturing or cultivation of controlled substances, being under the influence of controlled substances, probation violations related to drug offenses, drug charges affecting child custody when CPS becomes involved, or serious felony drug trafficking charges that could result in years in state prison, understanding California’s drug laws reformed by Proposition 47 and the availability of drug diversion programs is the first step toward protecting your freedom, avoiding felony convictions, securing treatment instead of incarceration when addiction drives offenses, and preserving your future in Oceano—a small beachside community in South San Luis Obispo County where drug charges can destroy employment at local businesses, create lasting stigma in this tight-knit coastal town, and eliminate opportunities for those struggling with substance abuse who need treatment not criminal records permanently branding them as drug offenders when recovery and second chances should be available.
At Central Coast Criminal Defense, we’ve defended Oceano residents against drug charges since 2010. We know the San Luis Obispo County courts where Oceano cases are prosecuted, the judges at San Luis Obispo Superior Court who handle drug matters from South County, the prosecutors who evaluate drug cases under Proposition 47’s reforms and diversion eligibility, and—most importantly—we know how to fight for results that protect what matters most: your freedom through dismissals when evidence was illegally obtained or charges lack merit, treatment instead of incarceration through drug diversion programs, reduced charges under Proposition 47 when possession amounts qualify for misdemeanor treatment, demonstrated addiction issues supporting treatment-focused resolutions rather than punishment, protected employment at local Oceano businesses when drug convictions would destroy opportunities, and avoided immigration consequences for non-citizens when drug convictions trigger deportation—fighting for outcomes that recognize drug offenses often reflect addiction requiring treatment, economic desperation in challenging coastal economy, or simple possession for personal use that shouldn’t result in felony convictions permanently destroying lives when recovery, rehabilitation, and second chances provide better outcomes than incarceration and criminal records that eliminate employment and housing opportunities in small South County community where substance abuse affects many families and defendants deserve treatment not permanent branding as criminals.
What Are Drug Crimes Under California Law?
Drug crimes in California involve unlawful possession, use, sale, transportation, or manufacturing of controlled substances classified in Health and Safety Code schedules based on medical use and abuse potential. California’s drug laws were significantly reformed by Proposition 47 in 2014, which reclassified simple drug possession from felony to misdemeanor for personal use amounts carrying maximum 1 year county jail rather than state prison. Common drug offenses include possession of controlled substances (HS 11350) for drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and prescription drugs without prescription carrying misdemeanor penalties under Proposition 47, possession of marijuana (HS 11357) now largely legal under Proposition 64 for amounts under 28.5 grams for adults over 21, possession for sale (HS 11351) when amounts, packaging, scales, or other evidence suggests intent to distribute carrying 2-4 years state prison, sales or transportation of controlled substances (HS 11352) carrying 3-5 years prison, manufacturing or cultivation (HS 11379/11358) carrying substantial prison terms, possession of drug paraphernalia (HS 11364) carrying misdemeanor penalties, and being under the influence of controlled substances (HS 11550) carrying misdemeanor up to 1 year jail. California also provides drug diversion programs under Penal Code 1000 allowing first-time drug offenders to complete treatment and education resulting in dismissals, Proposition 36 allowing probation with treatment instead of incarceration for non-violent drug offenses, and drug courts offering intensive supervision with treatment as alternative to traditional prosecution—creating opportunities for defendants with substance abuse issues to receive treatment avoiding criminal records when they successfully complete programs demonstrating rehabilitation and recovery.
In Oceano and throughout South San Luis Obispo County, drug charges commonly arise from traffic stops on Highway 1 where California Highway Patrol or Sheriff’s deputies search vehicles finding drugs or paraphernalia, probation or parole searches at Oceano residences discovering controlled substances, arrests at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area or beaches where drugs are found, investigations of suspected drug sales when confidential informants make controlled buys, search warrants executed at Oceano homes based on suspected dealing, arrests for public intoxication or being under the influence, and domestic violence or other incidents where police discover drugs during response. Methamphetamine remains significant problem in South County including Oceano with many possession and sales cases, marijuana charges declining significantly after Proposition 64 legalization but still prosecuted when amounts exceed limits or sales are involved, heroin and fentanyl possession increasing as opioid crisis affects coastal communities, and prescription drug cases involving illegal possession of painkillers, Xanax, or other controlled medications. Drug prosecutions at San Luis Obispo Superior Court involve physical evidence including seized drugs tested by crime labs, packaging materials and scales suggesting sales, text messages or communications about drug transactions, confidential informant testimony, surveillance evidence, and defendant statements to police—but many drug cases involve illegal searches and seizures when Sheriff’s deputies or California Highway Patrol lacked probable cause, contaminated evidence, false allegations, or quantities qualifying for diversion making aggressive defense essential to challenging evidence and securing favorable outcomes.
What many Oceano residents charged with drug offenses don’t understand is that Proposition 47 provides significant relief making simple possession misdemeanor not felony for personal use amounts, drug diversion programs allow first-time offenders to avoid convictions through treatment completion and dismissals, many drug cases involve illegal searches requiring suppression of evidence when Sheriff’s deputies violated Fourth Amendment rights, possession for sale charges are often overcharged when evidence shows simple possession for personal use not distribution, and treatment-focused resolutions are available when addiction drives offenses making incarceration counterproductive compared to rehabilitation. Additionally, many drug charges involve defenses including illegal searches and seizures when police lacked probable cause or consent, lack of possession when drugs belonged to others or defendants didn’t know about drugs in vehicles or shared residences, lack of knowledge when defendants didn’t know substances were illegal drugs, valid prescriptions when charges involve prescription medications defendants lawfully possessed, and insufficient evidence when crime lab testing is inadequate or chain of custody is broken. California law also recognizes that drug addiction is medical issue not just criminal problem, and provides numerous alternatives to incarceration including drug diversion, drug court, Proposition 36 probation with treatment, and other programs designed to address substance abuse through treatment achieving better outcomes than prison sentences that don’t address underlying addiction causing recidivism. Without aggressive representation that challenges illegal searches through suppression motions, demonstrates simple possession not sales when charges are overcharged, qualifies defendants for diversion programs, presents evidence of addiction supporting treatment-focused resolutions, and fights for dismissals or reduced charges, you risk felony convictions when offenses should be misdemeanors under Proposition 47, prison sentences when treatment would be more effective, permanent criminal records when diversion could result in dismissals, and destruction of employment and housing opportunities in Oceano when second chances and treatment would allow recovery and rehabilitation better serving defendants, families, and community than incarceration and criminal records permanently branding defendants as drug offenders when they’re individuals struggling with addiction who deserve treatment not punishment.
- Legal Definition: Drug crimes include possession of controlled substances (HS 11350) carrying misdemeanor under Proposition 47 for personal use amounts, possession for sale (HS 11351) carrying 2-4 years prison, sales or transportation (HS 11352) carrying 3-5 years, manufacturing (HS 11379), marijuana possession (HS 11357) largely legal under Proposition 64, possession of paraphernalia (HS 11364), being under influence (HS 11550), with drug diversion under PC 1000 and Proposition 36 treatment programs providing alternatives to incarceration for first-time and non-violent offenders addressing addiction through treatment not punishment.
- Why It’s Serious: Drug convictions result in county jail or state prison depending on charges, permanent criminal records destroying employment at Oceano businesses, immigration consequences for non-citizens as deportable offenses, professional license impacts, housing difficulties when landlords conduct background checks, child custody loss when CPS investigates drug use around children, probation violations triggering custody on underlying offenses, and social stigma in Oceano’s tight-knit community—but Proposition 47 and diversion programs provide significant relief reducing many offenses to misdemeanors or allowing dismissals after treatment completion when defendants demonstrate rehabilitation.
- Common Situations: Traffic stops on Highway 1 where Highway Patrol or Sheriff’s deputies search vehicles, probation or parole searches at Oceano residences, arrests at Oceano Dunes or beaches, suspected drug sales investigations with controlled buys, search warrants at homes based on suspected dealing, public intoxication arrests, and drug discovery during domestic violence or other incident responses, with methamphetamine possession common in South County, marijuana charges declining after legalization, heroin and fentanyl possession increasing, and prescription drug cases involving illegal possession of painkillers or anxiety medications.
Proposition 47 Relief and Diversion Available: Simple possession is misdemeanor under Proposition 47. Drug diversion allows dismissals after treatment completion for first-time offenders. Do not consent to searches or make statements. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 immediately if charged with drug offense in Oceano—treatment options and reduced charges may be available.
Drug Crimes We Defend in Oceano
We defend clients against all drug charges in Oceano, San Luis Obispo County, and surrounding South County areas. Here are the offenses we handle:
Drug Possession – Proposition 47 Relief
- Possession of Controlled Substances (HS 11350)
Methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs without prescription | Misdemeanor under Prop 47: Maximum 1 year jail, pursue drug diversion for dismissals, demonstrate personal use not sales - Methamphetamine Possession (HS 11377)
Possession of meth common in South County Oceano | Prop 47: Misdemeanor for personal amounts, pursue drug diversion or treatment programs, address addiction issues - Heroin and Fentanyl Possession
Opioid possession charges increasing in coastal communities | Misdemeanor: Qualify for diversion, demonstrate addiction requiring treatment not incarceration, overdose prevention - Cocaine/Crack Cocaine Possession
Possession of cocaine or crack | Prop 47: Misdemeanor for personal use, challenge amounts suggesting sales, pursue treatment-focused resolutions - Prescription Drug Possession (HS 11350)
Illegal possession of painkillers, Xanax, or controlled medications without prescription | Misdemeanor: Challenge whether valid prescription existed, demonstrate medical necessity, pursue diversion
Marijuana Charges Post-Proposition 64
- Marijuana Possession (HS 11357)
Possession over legal limits of 28.5 grams for adults | Legal under Prop 64: Up to 28.5 grams legal for 21+, challenge weight measurements, negotiate infractions for small overages - Marijuana Cultivation (HS 11358)
Growing marijuana beyond 6 plants per residence | Misdemeanor: Legal cultivation up to 6 plants, challenge plant counts, demonstrate personal use not sales - Marijuana Sales (HS 11360)
Selling marijuana without license | Misdemeanor or felony: Legal sales only through licensed dispensaries, challenge sales evidence, reduce to possession - Marijuana Possession by Minors
Possession by individuals under 21 | Infraction or misdemeanor: Drug education program, no criminal record for infractions
Possession for Sale
- Possession for Sale (HS 11351)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances | Felony: 2-4 years prison, challenge packaging and quantity evidence, reduce to simple possession under Prop 47 - Methamphetamine Possession for Sale (HS 11378)
Possessing meth with intent to sell | Felony: Fight sales indicators including scales, baggies, large amounts, demonstrate personal use patterns - Cocaine/Heroin Possession for Sale
Possessing narcotics with sales intent | Serious felony: Challenge confidential informant testimony, surveillance evidence, and sales allegations
Drug Sales and Transportation
- Sales of Controlled Substances (HS 11352)
Selling, furnishing, or transporting drugs for sale | Felony: 3-5 years prison, challenge confidential informant controlled buys, surveillance, and sales evidence - Transportation for Sale
Transporting controlled substances for sale purposes | Felony: Challenge whether transportation was for personal use vs. sales, suppress illegally obtained evidence - Drug Trafficking
Large-scale drug distribution operations | Serious felony: Federal prosecution possible, substantial prison exposure, challenge evidence and involvement
Manufacturing and Cultivation
- Manufacturing Controlled Substances (HS 11379.6)
Producing methamphetamine or other drugs | Serious felony: 3-7 years prison, challenge lab evidence and defendant’s involvement in manufacturing - Operating Drug House
Maintaining place for drug sales or manufacturing | Felony: Challenge whether defendant controlled location or knew of drug activities
Drug Paraphernalia and Under the Influence
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (HS 11364)
Pipes, needles, or drug-related items | Misdemeanor: Often added to possession charges, negotiate dismissals or consolidation with main charges - Under the Influence of Controlled Substances (HS 11550)
Being under influence of drugs in public | Misdemeanor: Maximum 1 year jail, pursue diversion demonstrating addiction requiring treatment not punishment - Public Intoxication (PC 647(f))
Intoxication in public places | Misdemeanor: Challenge whether defendant was danger to self or others, demonstrate voluntary intoxication location
Drug Diversion and Treatment Programs
- Penal Code 1000 Drug Diversion
Pretrial diversion for first-time drug possession offenders | Dismissal: Complete 18-month program including treatment and education, charges dismissed upon successful completion - Proposition 36 Treatment Program
Probation with treatment instead of incarceration for non-violent drug offenses | Alternative sentencing: Drug treatment as probation condition, avoid jail through program completion - Drug Court
Intensive supervision with treatment for repeat offenders | Treatment-focused: Regular court appearances, testing, and treatment, dismissals or reduced sentences upon graduation - Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)
Plead guilty but defer entry with dismissal upon program completion | Available: For eligible defendants, complete treatment program, charges dismissed avoiding conviction
Probation Violations – Drug Related
- Positive Drug Tests While on Probation
Violating probation through drug use | Consequences: Jail time or probation revocation, demonstrate addiction issues, request treatment modification - New Drug Offenses on Probation
Committing drug crimes while under supervision | Serious: Both new charges and violations, coordinate defense strategy, minimize total exposure - Failure to Complete Drug Programs
Not completing court-ordered treatment | Violations: Demonstrate circumstances preventing completion, request reinstatement or modification
Drug-Related Child Custody Issues
- CPS Involvement Due to Drug Use
Child Protective Services investigations when drug use occurs around children | Critical: Coordinate criminal defense with dependency proceedings, demonstrate sobriety plan, preserve custody - Child Endangerment (PC 273a)
Drug use or possession around children | Felony or misdemeanor: Serious consequences for custody, demonstrate no danger to children, treatment enrollment
Drug Charges at Oceano Dunes and Beaches
- Drug Possession at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Drug charges from arrests at recreational areas | Common: Vehicle searches, camping area enforcement, challenge probable cause for searches - Drug Possession at Beaches
Arrests for drug possession at Oceano beaches or public areas | Defense: Challenge searches, demonstrate illegal detention, suppress evidence obtained without probable cause
Charged with drug offense in Oceano? Proposition 47 makes possession misdemeanor. Drug diversion allows dismissals after treatment. Do not consent to searches. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 immediately—treatment programs and reduced charges may be available protecting your future.
What’s at Stake: Consequences of Drug Convictions
Drug convictions carry serious consequences beyond jail—but relief is available through Proposition 47 and diversion programs. Here’s what you face:
Criminal Penalties
- County jail up to 1 year for misdemeanor possession under Proposition 47
- State prison 2-4 years for possession for sale, 3-5 years for sales
- Substantial fines and court costs for drug convictions
- Formal probation with drug testing and search conditions
- Driver’s license suspension for drug convictions
- But diversion programs allow dismissals after treatment completion avoiding convictions
Collateral Consequences
- Employment termination when drug convictions appear on background checks
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens as deportable drug offenses
- Professional license impacts for healthcare, education, and other careers
- Housing difficulties when landlords conduct background checks
- Child custody loss when CPS investigates drug use around children
- Student financial aid ineligibility for drug convictions
- Social stigma in Oceano’s tight-knit community affecting relationships and opportunities
⚠️ Drug diversion and treatment programs provide better outcomes than incarceration. Proposition 47 reduced penalties dramatically. Addiction requires treatment not punishment. Call immediately for drug defense exploring diversion and treatment options.
Why Hiring an Attorney for Drug Charges Is Essential
Qualifying for Drug Diversion and Treatment Programs
Drug diversion under Penal Code 1000 allows first-time drug possession offenders to complete 18-month treatment and education programs resulting in complete dismissals of charges—providing opportunity to avoid convictions and criminal records entirely when defendants successfully complete programs demonstrating rehabilitation. We qualify defendants for drug diversion by verifying first-time eligibility, demonstrating charges involve simple possession not sales, presenting evidence of addiction requiring treatment, negotiating with prosecutors when defendants have technical disqualifiers arguing diversion is appropriate despite statutory limitations, connecting defendants with approved treatment programs, monitoring compliance during diversion period, and securing dismissals upon successful completion avoiding permanent criminal records. Additionally, we pursue Proposition 36 probation with treatment for defendants who don’t qualify for diversion, drug court for repeat offenders demonstrating commitment to recovery, deferred entry of judgment, and other treatment-focused alternatives recognizing drug addiction is medical issue requiring treatment not incarceration—and that successful completion of treatment programs achieves better outcomes reducing recidivism, addressing underlying causes of criminal behavior, and allowing defendants to rebuild lives without permanent criminal records destroying employment, housing, and opportunities when recovery should provide second chances not permanent branding as drug offenders.
Challenging Illegal Searches and Seizures
Most drug cases depend entirely on physical evidence of controlled substances—and when drugs are discovered through illegal searches violating Fourth Amendment, all evidence must be suppressed resulting in dismissals when prosecution cannot proceed without suppressed drugs. We challenge illegal searches by filing motions to suppress drugs discovered during pretextual traffic stops on Highway 1 where Highway Patrol or Sheriff’s deputies lacked reasonable suspicion for initial stops, vehicle searches exceeding scope of traffic stops when officers searched without probable cause after completing traffic purposes, warrantless searches of Oceano residences when deputies entered without consent, exigency, or valid warrants, probation or parole searches exceeding authorized scope, pat-down searches exceeding Terry frisk limitations when officers searched beyond weapons without probable cause, and searches based on invalid consent when defendants didn’t voluntarily agree or police coerced agreement through threats or misrepresentations. When drugs are discovered through illegal searches, Fourth Amendment requires suppression—and without drugs as evidence, prosecutors cannot prove possession charges and must dismiss cases. Many Oceano drug prosecutions rely entirely on drugs discovered during questionable traffic stops, searches of vehicles without probable cause, or entries into homes without warrants that should be challenged through suppression motions but aren’t because defendants lack representation filing motions and conducting Fourth Amendment litigation exposing police constitutional violations.
Reducing Possession for Sale to Simple Possession
Prosecutors routinely overcharge simple possession as possession for sale based on amounts, packaging, or presence of scales—but possession for sale is felony carrying 2-4 years prison while simple possession under Proposition 47 is misdemeanor carrying maximum 1 year jail making charge reduction critical to avoiding years in prison and qualifying for diversion. We reduce possession for sale charges by demonstrating through evidence that amounts are consistent with personal use not sales when heavy users possess larger quantities, challenging packaging allegations showing baggies and containers are for personal organization not sales distribution, explaining scales are for personal use measuring doses not for drug dealing, presenting evidence of defendants’ own drug use supporting personal possession not sales, challenging confidential informant testimony through cross-examination exposing credibility problems and motivations to lie, and demonstrating lack of other sales indicia including large cash amounts, customer lists, or communications about drug transactions. When charges are reduced from possession for sale to simple possession under Proposition 47, defendants avoid years in state prison, become eligible for drug diversion allowing dismissals, and face misdemeanor not felony convictions—but without aggressive advocacy challenging sales allegations through evidence and negotiation, prosecutors obtain felony convictions for conduct that was simple possession for personal use not distribution warranting charge reductions protecting defendants from excessive sentences disproportionate to actual conduct.
Understanding Oceano’s Substance Abuse Challenges and Community Context
Drug prosecutions from Oceano require understanding substance abuse challenges affecting South County including methamphetamine epidemic impacting coastal communities, opioid crisis increasing heroin and fentanyl cases, economic hardship contributing to drug use and dealing, limited treatment resources requiring coordination with available programs, and recognition that many defendants need treatment not incarceration to address underlying addictions driving criminal behavior. We understand these dynamics and structure defense strategies considering community context, explaining to prosecutors and judges unique circumstances of Oceano defendants struggling with addiction in area with limited economic opportunities, presenting evidence of defendants’ efforts to seek treatment demonstrating commitment to recovery, coordinating with South County treatment providers to secure placement, and arguing that treatment-focused resolutions achieve better outcomes than incarceration failing to address addiction causing recidivism. We also understand that many Oceano drug cases involve first-time offenders who made mistakes, individuals whose drug use is personal not sales, defendants who were passengers in vehicles where drugs were found but didn’t possess drugs personally, and situations where addiction requires compassionate treatment-focused approach rather than harsh punishment permanently branding defendants as criminals when recovery and rehabilitation provide better outcomes for defendants, families, and community than incarceration and criminal records eliminating opportunities for those struggling with substance abuse who deserve second chances.
How Central Coast Criminal Defense Fights Drug Charges
Since 2010, we’ve defended Oceano residents against drug charges with a comprehensive approach:
- Immediate Assessment and Diversion Eligibility
We immediately assess charges determining whether offenses qualify for misdemeanor treatment under Proposition 47, evaluate diversion eligibility under PC 1000 or other programs, identify defenses including illegal searches or lack of possession, determine if charges are overcharged from personal possession to sales, and develop strategy for achieving best outcome through diversion, charge reductions, or dismissals. - Suppression Motions for Illegal Searches
We file comprehensive motions to suppress drugs discovered through illegal searches including pretextual traffic stops lacking reasonable suspicion, vehicle searches without probable cause, warrantless home searches, probation searches exceeding scope, and consent searches that were coerced, litigating suppression hearings through cross-examination of deputies and legal arguments demonstrating Fourth Amendment violations requiring exclusion of drug evidence. - Qualifying for Drug Diversion Programs
We qualify first-time offenders for PC 1000 diversion by verifying eligibility, demonstrating simple possession not sales, presenting evidence of addiction requiring treatment, negotiating with prosecutors when technical disqualifiers exist, connecting defendants with approved treatment programs, and securing dismissals upon successful completion avoiding permanent criminal records. - Reducing Possession for Sale Charges
We negotiate charge reductions from possession for sale to simple possession by demonstrating amounts consistent with personal use, challenging packaging and scales evidence, presenting evidence of defendants’ drug use, challenging confidential informant credibility, and showing lack of sales indicia reducing felony exposure to misdemeanor under Proposition 47. - Challenging Prosecution’s Evidence
We challenge drug evidence by questioning crime lab testing procedures and chain of custody, cross-examining criminalists about testing methodology, demonstrating contamination possibilities, challenging field tests as unreliable, and creating reasonable doubt about whether substances are actually controlled drugs when testing is inadequate. - Demonstrating Lack of Possession or Knowledge
We present evidence showing defendants didn’t possess drugs when found in shared vehicles or residences with multiple occupants, demonstrate lack of knowledge when defendants didn’t know drugs were present, and establish reasonable doubt about possession when circumstantial evidence is insufficient to prove defendants constructively possessed drugs. - Pursuing Treatment-Focused Resolutions
We present evidence of addiction issues supporting treatment-focused resolutions including Proposition 36 probation with treatment, drug court enrollment, deferred entry of judgment, and other alternatives to incarceration demonstrating treatment achieves better outcomes than prison, connecting defendants with treatment programs, and arguing for rehabilitation not punishment. - Trial Defense
When cases go to trial we present comprehensive defenses through challenging illegal searches and seizures, demonstrating lack of possession when drugs belonged to others, questioning crime lab evidence and chain of custody, cross-examining officers and confidential informants exposing credibility problems, and arguing reasonable doubt based on insufficient evidence of possession or knowledge. - Protecting Collateral Consequences
Throughout representation we structure resolutions minimizing immigration consequences for non-citizens when drug convictions trigger deportation, protect child custody when CPS investigates drug use, preserve professional licenses, coordinate with family law attorneys when custody is at stake, and fight for outcomes allowing defendants to maintain employment and housing in Oceano community.
Our Oceano drug defense practice has resulted in numerous dismissals through successful drug diversion completion, suppression of drugs discovered through illegal searches, charge reductions from felony possession for sale to misdemeanor possession under Proposition 47, acquittals at trial through lack of possession defenses, treatment-focused resolutions through Proposition 36 and drug court avoiding incarceration, demonstrated lack of knowledge when drugs belonged to others in shared vehicles or residences, and helped countless Oceano residents avoid felony convictions for conduct that should be misdemeanors, secure treatment instead of incarceration addressing addiction, and obtain dismissals through diversion allowing fresh starts without criminal records. We understand that many drug charges involve individuals struggling with addiction who need treatment not punishment, first-time offenders who made mistakes deserving second chances through diversion, simple possession overcharged as sales, drugs discovered through illegal searches that should be suppressed, and defendants who lacked possession or knowledge when drugs belonged to others—and we fight to distinguish personal use from sales, challenge illegal searches protecting constitutional rights, qualify defendants for diversion and treatment programs recognizing addiction as medical issue, secure charge reductions under Proposition 47, and achieve outcomes providing rehabilitation not permanent criminal records destroying employment, housing, and opportunities when recovery and second chances serve defendants, families, and Oceano community better than incarceration and permanent branding as drug offenders eliminating possibilities for productive lives after overcoming substance abuse through treatment and support.
When drug charges threaten your freedom and future in Oceano, you need more than just legal representation—you need an advocate who fights for treatment not incarceration and understands addiction requires rehabilitation not punishment. That’s exactly what you get with Central Coast Criminal Defense.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
Don’t wait if charged with drug offense in Oceano. Drug diversion allows dismissals after treatment for first-time offenders. Proposition 47 makes possession misdemeanor. Do not consent to searches. Call now for immediate drug defense consultation exploring treatment programs and charge reductions protecting your future.
