Drug Crime Attorney in Alameda
Focused Defense For Drug Arrests When Your Future Is On The Line
A drug arrest can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. One traffic stop or search can suddenly leave you facing handcuffs, a court date, and worries about jail, your job, and your family. If you are dealing with drug charges in Alameda County, you do not have to face this alone.
At Demetrius Costy Law, we defend people accused of drug offenses in this area. Led by Attorney Demetrius Costy, our firm brings over two decades of criminal defense experience in local courts to every case we handle. When you contact us, we review what happened, examine the evidence closely, and begin working on a strategy designed around your specific situation.
We offer free consultations, same-day appointments whenever possible, and round-the-clock availability for people facing urgent drug accusations. If you need a drug crime attorney in Alameda for steady guidance and strong advocacy, our team is ready to talk with you.
Don't let a drug charge derail your career and life. Secure a high-level defense from a drug crime attorney in Alameda by calling (510) 254-3945 or filling out this online form. Take advantage of our free consultation and over 20 years of experience to fight for a dismissal or a reduction in charges.
Understanding Drug Crime Laws in California
California drug laws are found in the Health and Safety Code, but their application has been fundamentally altered by recent ballot initiatives.
The Impact of Proposition 36
While Proposition 47 (2014) made most simple possession charges misdemeanors, Proposition 36 created a new category: the "Treatment-Mandated Felony." * If you are charged with possession of "hard drugs" (fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine) and have two or more prior drug convictions, the prosecutor can now charge you with a felony.
Under this new "wobbler" status, you may be required to complete court-ordered treatment. Failure to finish the program can result in up to three years in state prison.
Fentanyl Enhancements
As of 2026, California has implemented strict new penalties for fentanyl. Trafficking large quantities of fentanyl now triggers mandatory state prison sentences rather than county jail, and dealers can be issued a "Watson Advisement," warning them they can be charged with murder if a buyer dies from an overdose.
Common Charges We Handle
- Simple Possession (HS 11350 & 11377): Generally a misdemeanor for first and second offenses, punishable by up to one year in county jail.
- Possession for Sale (HS 11351 & 11378): Always a felony. Prosecutors look for "indicia of sales," such as scales, excessive cash, or multiple cell phones.
- Transportation and Sale (HS 11352 & 11379): Serious felonies that carry significant prison time, especially if the drugs were moved across county lines.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Drug Convictions in Alameda
The consequences of a drug conviction in Alameda County extend far beyond the courtroom.
Direct Penalties
- Misdemeanor Possession: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines.
- Treatment-Mandated Felonies: Completion of a 12–18 month program or up to 3 years in prison.
- Sales and Trafficking: 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison, with enhancements of up to 25 years for large weights (especially fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine).
Collateral Consequences
- Professional Licensing: Convictions can trigger automatic reviews by the California Board of Registered Nursing, the State Bar, and other licensing agencies.
- Immigration Status: For non-citizens, drug convictions are often "deportable offenses" or "aggravated felonies," leading to mandatory removal from the U.S.
- Public Record: Even a misdemeanor possession charge can appear on a background check, making it difficult to secure housing or tech-sector employment in the Bay Area.
- Loss of Firearm Rights: Any felony conviction results in a lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms in California.
Why Experience Matters In Alameda Drug Cases
Drug cases in Alameda County move quickly and involve multiple court stages, from arraignment through pretrial hearings and negotiations. Navigating this process is easier with a lawyer who understands how local courts operate and how prosecutors typically handle drug charges. Familiarity with Alameda County Superior Court can influence how a case is prepared, presented, and resolved.
Attorney Demetrius Costy has spent more than two decades defending people charged with crimes in Alameda County. That experience provides insight into how drug cases often unfold, from initial police contact to formal charges and beyond. Knowing common issues and patterns helps anticipate challenges, spot opportunities, and give clients realistic guidance about what to expect.
Working with our firm means having an attorney recognized in local courts for long-standing criminal defense experience. We combine that knowledge with accessibility, offering 24/7 availability, same-day appointments when possible, and free consultations. Our focus is on giving you clear, timely information so you can make informed decisions during a stressful and uncertain time.
What To Do Right After A Drug Arrest
The period immediately after a drug arrest can have a major impact on your case. Taking the right steps early can help protect your rights, preserve important details, and put you in a stronger position as the legal process begins.
While every situation is different, the following actions are often important after an arrest:
- Limit what you say to police and request a lawyer before answering questions about the allegations
- Write down details about the stop or arrest, including timing, location, officer conduct, and any searches
- Carefully review and keep all paperwork showing charges, court dates, and release conditions
- Make sure you do not miss your first court appearance in Alameda County Superior Court
- Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to review your situation and next steps
How We Challenge Drug Evidence & Build Your Defense
Drug prosecutions are built on evidence such as police observations, seized items, lab test results, and statements from witnesses or the accused. Our role is to study that evidence carefully, identify where it may be weak or obtained improperly, and develop a defense strategy that tells your side of the story in a clear and persuasive way.
At Demetrius Costy Law, we use our over 20 years of experience to attack the state's case from every angle:
- Motion to Suppress: We scrutinize the legality of the police stop. If the Alameda Police or the Sheriff’s Office searched your car or home without a valid warrant or probable cause, we fight to have the evidence thrown out.
- Challenging Forensic Evidence: Lab errors are more common than the public realizes. We investigate the calibration of testing equipment and the chain of custody for the seized substances.
- Negotiating for Diversion: We proactively present your background and character to the District Attorney to secure a spot in a diversion or collaborative court program, keeping your record clean.
- Entrapment and Informant Bias: In sales cases involving undercover stings, we investigate whether law enforcement used illegal entrapment tactics or relied on unreliable confidential informants.
Talk With A Drug Defense Lawyer About Your Alameda Case
At Demetrius Costy Law, we bring over two decades of criminal defense experience in this region to the defense of people accused of drug offenses. We also offer free consultations, same-day appointments when possible, and 24/7 availability so you can get answers when you need them.
If you are looking for a drug lawyer in Alameda for steady guidance and committed advocacy, we invite you to contact us today. Even a short conversation can help you understand your options and your next steps.
To speak with our firm about your drug case, call (510) 254-3945 or reach out online now for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I Go To Jail For My Drug Charge?
Jail or prison is possible in many drug cases, but the risk depends on factors like the type and quantity of the substance, your prior record, and whether there are allegations of sales, weapons, or aggravating circumstances. Some cases allow for probation, treatment, or alternative programs. During a consultation, we review your situation and explain the realistic range of outcomes based on Alameda County practices.
What Can A Drug Arrest Attorney Actually Do For Me?
A drug arrest attorney helps protect your rights and guide you through a complex legal process. This includes reviewing stops and searches, challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing you in court. We also focus on your personal goals, such as avoiding jail, protecting your record, or seeking treatment-based resolutions. Having experienced counsel means you are not facing the system alone.
How Soon Should I Contact A Lawyer After A Drug Arrest?
It is best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a drug arrest. Early involvement allows your attorney to advise you before critical decisions are made, review police reports, and prepare for your first court appearance. Our firm offers 24/7 availability and prompt appointments so you can get answers quickly and avoid mistakes that could hurt your defense later.
Will This Drug Case Affect My Job Or Immigration Status?
Drug cases can affect employment, professional licenses, housing, and immigration status, depending on the charge and outcome. Some convictions carry more serious collateral consequences than others. We ask about your work and immigration background so these concerns are considered when discussing strategy. While we do not provide immigration advice, we help you understand which outcomes may carry greater risk.
What Happens At The First Court Date In A Drug Case?
The first court date, usually an arraignment, is when charges are formally presented and issues like bail or release conditions are addressed. You are typically asked to enter a plea, and future dates are scheduled. If we represent you, we appear with you, explain what is happening, and speak on your behalf so you are prepared and not caught off guard.
What Should I Bring To My First Meeting About A Drug Case?
Bring any court paperwork showing your charges, case number, and court dates, along with bail or release documents. Police reports, if available, are helpful, as are notes about what happened and contact information for witnesses. These materials allow us to better understand your situation from the start and begin identifying possible defenses and strategies right away.
