11350(a) HS | Possession of a Controlled Substance in California

Facing Drug Possession Charges Under 11350(a) HS? Get Experienced Legal Help in California

Few things are more frightening than seeing flashing lights in your rear-view mirror or watching officers tear through your backpack—then hearing the words “You’re under arrest for possession of a controlled substance.” In California, that accusation usually points to Health and Safety Code § 11350(a) (often shortened to 11350). The code section covers everything from a single usable amount of cocaine tucked into a wallet to prescription opioids found without a valid prescription.

The good news? A large share of first-time drug possession cases never end in a conviction. With the right strategy—usually a drug diversion program under PC 1000, Proposition 36, or treatment-focused drug court—judges routinely dismiss the offense once counseling, testing, and education are complete. Our criminal defense team has helped clients beat charges for:

Carrying a single Vicodin pill your dentist prescribed months ago but you forgot to keep the bottle.
A traffic stop in Santa Monica where officers claimed to spot heroin residue (“useless traces,” really) on a spoon.
Finding fentanyl patches in a gym bag you borrowed from a friend.

No matter the scenario, we explain the process step-by-step, keep you informed, and fight aggressively to protect your record, career, and freedom.

Ready to speak with a DRUG CRIMES LAWYERS? Contact us now at (888) 702-8845 or contact us online.

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What Must Be Proven to Convict

To convict you of simple possession under 11350(a), a prosecutor must hit five precise targets laid out in the California jury instructions:

You possessed the substance—either actual possession, constructive possession, or joint possession.
You knew it was there.
You knew it was a drug listed under the United States Controlled Substances Act or its state equivalent.
The amount was a usable amount (something more than fluff or debris).
You had no lawful prescription for it.

If any one of those elements wobbles, the entire case can collapse. Let’s break down a few key terms.

Definition of “Possession”

“Possession” doesn’t always mean drugs in a coat pocket. Constructive possession covers situations where pills are hidden in the trunk of a car you control, or joint possession where two roommates share access to a dresser drawer. The law looks at control and right to access, not ownership tags.

Meaning of “Analog Controlled Substance”

An analog controlled substance mimics the chemical structure and effects of a listed drug—think designer fentanyl variations. Even if that exact molecule isn’t in the statute, prosecutors treat it like the real thing.

Definition of a Usable Quantity

Police sometimes scrape microscopic powder from a pipe and call it methamphetamine. Courts disagree. A usable amount must be enough for someone to consume; mere residue doesn’t count. Showing the substance is burnt, diluted beyond potency, or otherwise non-ingestible can defeat this element.

Penalties for Violating 11350(a) HS

California voters dramatically reshaped drug crime sentencing with Proposition 47. Most low-level possession of a controlled substance cases are now misdemeanors—but certain priors or aggravating facts can still make the charge a felony offense.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges

Misdemeanor

Who qualifies? First-time or non-violent defendants
Jail / Prison: Up to 1 year in county jail (often suspended)
Fine: Up to $1,000
Probation: Informal; drug testing, counseling

Felony

Who qualifies? Prior “super strike” convictions, sex-offender registry cases, or those who decline diversion
Jail / Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
Fine: Up to $10,000
Probation: Formal; reporting to an officer, possible residential treatment

Diversion Programs and Proposition 47

A well-structured drug diversion program (PC 1000), drug court, or a Proposition 36 plan lets you earn a dismissal by finishing rehab, submitting clean tests, and staying arrest-free. Under Proposition 47, many old felony convictions may also be reduced to misdemeanor offenses—opening doors for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. Our attorneys handle the paperwork and court appearances, letting you focus on treatment and recovery.

Common Legal Defenses to Drug Possession Charges

Every case would be different, but certain themes reappear in winning strategies:

No Possession or Knowledge

If someone else slipped cocaine into your purse at a Newport Beach party, you lacked both possession and knowledge. We gather witness statements, surveillance footage, or forensic evidence to prove reasonable doubt.

You Had a Lawful Prescription

Presenting pharmacy records for OxyContin or Adderall immediately undercuts the “unlawful” element. Even partial prescriptions or outdated bottles may provide cover if dosage records align.

Unlawful Search and Seizure by Police

From traffic-stop fishing expeditions on the 405 to warrantless rummaging through a Glendale bedroom, Fourth Amendment violations are fertile ground. A successful suppression motion can erase all physical evidence, forcing a dismissal.

Can A Conviction For Illegal Possession Be Expunged?

Yes. After completing probation (or jail term, if any) and staying crime-free, you can petition the court for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4. The conviction is set aside, allowing you to tell most private employers you’ve never been convicted of that offense. We file the motion, prepare declarations, and appear at the hearing—turning a painful chapter into a closed book.

Related Drug Crimes Under California Law

California’s controlled-substance statutes form an interconnected web, so a single arrest may trigger multiple code sections beyond 11350. For example, officers who discover baggies, a scale, and cash next to a stash of heroin can add 11351 HS – Possession for Sale, a far more serious felony requiring proof of intent to distribute. If police believe you transported pills from Orange County to Los Angeles, they can file 11352 HS – Sale or Transportation, which punishes even a brief drive across town. Being high when stopped, before any search turns up drugs, opens the door to 11550 HS – Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, an offense that hinges on visible impairment rather than quantity. Finally, while recreational cannabis is legal in many circumstances, prosecutors still charge 11157 HS – Possession of Marijuana when someone exceeds weight limits, keeps usable amounts in unlicensed storefronts, or violates local cultivation caps. Understanding how these statutes overlap lets our team negotiate global resolutions that reduce exposure on every count.

Contact a My Rights Law Drug Possession Attorney Today

When the booking officer hands you a court date, the clock starts ticking, and the prosecutor begins building a narrative that paints you as a criminal rather than a person who made a mistake. Our mission is to flip that narrative. During your free consultation, a seasoned criminal defense attorney will listen to your side without judgment, then outline a tailored action plan that may include:

Immediate investigation: We subpoena body-cam footage, 911 recordings, and lab notes to challenge shaky “field tests” or misstatements about usable amount.
Diversion first: Whenever possible, we push for drug diversion program placement—keeping you out of jail and positioning the case for dismissal once treatment is complete.
Constitutional motions: If officers searched a pocket, car, or home without probable cause, we file suppression motions that often gut the state’s evidence.
Prescription audits: For clients with chronic pain or ADHD, we obtain pharmacy records and physician letters to demonstrate lawful medical need.
Record repair: Even after the dust settles, we guide you through expungement or Prop 47 reduction so that background checks won’t haunt future job or housing applications.

We serve clients across Southern California, from Rancho Cucamonga and Pasadena to San Bernardino and the coastal cities, bringing courtroom credibility earned over hundreds of drug possession matters. Your initial call costs nothing, yet it could save your driver’s license, professional credentials, or immigration status. Dial (888) 702-8845 or use our secure online form today. The sooner our defense lawyers step in, the more leverage we have to negotiate, litigate, and ultimately protect your future.