How Do I Fight a Drug Possession Charge in Murrieta?

If you've been charged with drug possession in Murrieta or anywhere in Riverside County, you're likely asking yourself: What can I do to fight this? The good news is — you have options. A drug possession charge doesn’t have to lead to a conviction, and in many cases, it can be reduced or even dismissed with the right legal strategy.

At the Law Office of John M. Pozza, we work with individuals facing serious charges across Southern California. Whether you're a first-time offender or have prior convictions, we focus on protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Here are some of the most effective legal defenses we use in drug possession cases:

1. Illegal Search and Seizure

Law enforcement must follow strict rules when conducting searches. If police searched your vehicle, home, or person without a valid warrant, probable cause, or consent, any evidence they found — including drugs — may be inadmissible in court.

2. Lack of Knowledge or Possession

The prosecution has to prove that you knowingly possessed the drugs. If the drugs were found in a shared space (like a car, home, or backpack), we may argue that you weren’t aware of the drugs or didn’t have control over them.

3. You Had a Valid Prescription

Possessing a controlled substance like Adderall, Vicodin, or Xanax isn’t illegal if you have a valid prescription. We’ll help present this evidence clearly to get the charges dropped or dismissed.

4. Entrapment

If an undercover officer or informant pressured or coerced you into possessing or purchasing drugs that you wouldn’t have otherwise, you may have an entrapment defense. These cases are complex, but very powerful when applicable.

5. Lab Testing or Chain of Custody Issues

California law requires the prosecution to prove the substance is a controlled drug through lab testing. If there’s an error in the chemical analysis or mishandling of evidence, the results can be challenged — and in some cases, thrown out.

Why It’s Critical to Work With a Murrieta Drug Crimes Attorney

Even misdemeanor drug possession charges in California can result in jail time, a criminal record, and lasting personal consequences. But the earlier you get an experienced criminal defense lawyer involved, the better your chances of reducing or eliminating the charges.

At the Law Office of John M. Pozza, we know the Riverside County court system inside and out — and we fight hard for every client we serve. If you’ve been charged with drug possession in Murrieta, reach out today for a confidential consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and start building a defense that works for you.

We proudly serve both English- and Spanish-speaking clients throughout Riverside County.

Contact us online or call our office at (951) 749-5598.