A drug arrest in San Diego doesn't have to define your future. At Michael & Associates, every client works directly with a senior trial attorney — never a junior lawyer. We focus on exposing illegal searches, bad warrants, evidence mishandling, and the weaknesses that prosecutors rely on.
We also provide:
Extensive Local Experience
We defend drug offenses in every San Diego courthouse:
- San Diego Central Courthouse (Downtown)
- South County Courthouse (Chula Vista)
- East County Courthouse (El Cajon)
- North County Courthouse (Vista)
We know each courtroom's procedures and each prosecutor's tendencies.
Low Caseloads for Maximum Attention
We take fewer cases so we can devote as much time as necessary to your case. We don't cut corners. We will:
- Review all body-cam footage
- Examine warrants and affidavits
- Analyze lab results
- Investigate errors in testing
- Scrutinize search and seizure procedures
Client-First, Judgment-Free Service
We return calls and texts promptly, give honest updates, and treat you with respect — never fear tactics.
Smarter, Strategic Defense
We locate weak spots the prosecution doesn't want you to notice, including bad warrants, mislabeled substances, mishandled evidence, chain-of-custody issues, and unlawful stops.
We defend clients throughout San Diego County, including:
- Downtown San Diego
- Pacific Beach & Mission Beach
- Chula Vista
- La Jolla
- Hillcrest
- Mission Valley
- El Cajon
- Vista / North County
- Oceanside & Carlsbad
Why You Need a San Diego Drug Crimes Lawyer Right Now
Drug charges in California — even low-level possession — can lead to:
- Jail or prison
- Heavy fines and probation
- A permanent criminal record
- Immigration issues
- Loss of employment or professional licenses
San Diego prosecutors rely heavily on SDPD, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, CHP, and specialized narcotics units — many of which produce reports with errors, inconsistencies, or unconstitutional searches. We know how to find these weaknesses and use them to your advantage.
Drug Crimes We Defend in San Diego
We defend every type of drug charge, including:
Misdemeanor & Felony Offenses
- Simple possession (HS §11350, §11377)
- Possession of paraphernalia
- Possession of controlled substances
- Prescription medication offenses
Serious Felony Drug Charges
- Possession with intent to sell
- Drug trafficking and sales (HS §11351, §11352, §11378, §11379)
- Manufacturing & cultivation
- Transportation of controlled substances
- Large-quantity enhancements
- Firearm and drug combination cases
- Gang enhancement allegations
Special Cases
- Juvenile drug cases
- Prior-strike drug charges
- Diversion-eligible cases under PC 1000 or AB 208
If your case involves drugs in San Diego County, we can defend it.
How We Beat Drug Charges in San Diego
We attack every weakness in the state's case:
- Illegal searches and seizures: Traffic stops, home searches, pat-downs, and vehicle searches must follow strict rules. Violations often lead to evidence being thrown out.
- Bad warrants or no warrant: Defective affidavits, unreliable informants, and overbroad searches can justify immediate dismissal.
- Chain of custody issues: Drug evidence gets mishandled more often than you think — and sloppy documentation gives us leverage.
- Weak "intent to sell" claims: Prosecutors often overcharge. We break down their claims point by point.
- Flawed police reports: We expose inconsistencies, gaps, and inaccuracies that undermine the entire case.
- Entrapment and overcharging: We flag unlawful undercover tactics and prosecutors who file felonies where no felony occurred.
These strategies frequently lead to dismissals, reductions, diversion, or no-jail outcomes.
What Happens After You Contact Us
We know talking with a lawyer is intimidating, so we've streamlined our process to make it as easy as possible. The consultation is free and should only take about half an hour. After that, we will:
- Immediately review your case and preserve evidence
- Independently investigate, including lab analysis and witness interviews
- Move to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Negotiate with prosecutors or prep for trial, whichever benefits you most
- Provide clear communication throughout every step
We also assist with bail, emergency hearings, and expungement options.
Sources: Michael & Associates research, California Health & Safety Code §11350–11352, 11357–11379, California Penal Code §1000 / AB 208, 1538.5, California Vehicle Code, San Diego Superior Court, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff, CHP, California DOJ, NHTSA
