A drug trafficking arrest is overwhelming. Our Pasadena criminal defense attorneys at Tung & Associates offer clear, fast, and compassionate defense when you need it most.
As a former prosecutor, Tony Tung understands how drug cases are built – and how to take them apart. He leads our Pasadena criminal defense team with direct, strategic insight. Clients work closely with Tony and get real legal guidance, not runaround.
We’re based just minutes from the Pasadena Courthouse. Our attorneys know the local judges, prosecutors, and court process inside and out. That local knowledge helps us protect your rights and push for the best outcome.
We act fast. When you hire us, we:
We offer bilingual support in Mandarin, ensuring clear communication for you and your family.
Don’t wait. Call (626) 416-4668 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here 24/7 to fight for your future.
Drug trafficking in California involves more than just large-scale operations. It can include any act of selling, transporting, or distributing illegal drugs – even in small amounts.
Under California Health & Safety Code §11352, it’s a felony to sell, furnish, administer, give away, transport, or import controlled substances. That includes drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids without authorization.
This statute doesn’t require you to be caught in the act of selling – intent alone can trigger a charge if you’re found with drugs packaged for distribution, large quantities, or items like scales or baggies.
Simple possession typically means having drugs for personal use. It may qualify for diversion programs in some cases.
Drug trafficking, by contrast, involves selling or moving drugs, even from one neighborhood to another. It carries far heavier penalties and usually makes you ineligible for diversion.
For example, being pulled over on the 210 Freeway with a large amount of narcotics and packaging materials could be charged as trafficking – even if there’s no cash exchange or sale caught on record.
Yes. You don’t have to be caught selling. Transporting drugs in a car, mailing substances, or possessing drugs with signs of distribution (like multiple baggies or large sums of cash) can all lead to trafficking charges.
That’s why a strong legal defense is critical – to challenge assumptions and prevent overcharging based on weak or circumstantial evidence.
We defend clients against the full range of California drug charges – from first-time possession to major trafficking felonies.
We routinely represent clients facing these charges:
Drug Possession (HSC §11350):Having a controlled substance for personal use. Often a misdemeanor, but still serious. May qualify for diversion or rehab programs depending on your history.
Possession With Intent to Sell (HSC §11351): When police believe you intended to distribute drugs based on quantity, packaging, or cash. A felony with heavier penalties than simple possession.
Drug Sales or Trafficking (HSC §11352): Selling or transporting drugs – even a short distance or single handoff – can trigger this felony charge. This is often what people think of as “trafficking.”
Drug Manufacturing (HSC §11379.6): Making illegal drugs like meth or concentrated cannabis. Even possessing certain chemicals or lab equipment can lead to this charge.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (HSC §11364): Having items like pipes, syringes, or bongs. This is a misdemeanor, but often appears alongside more serious charges.
We also defend against charges that are less common – but carry major consequences:
Police and prosecutors often file multiple overlapping charges. For example, someone arrested for having drugs in their trunk might face possession, possession with intent to sell, and trafficking – all at once.
That’s why you need a defense attorney who understands every type of drug charge and how they relate to one another. The goal is to challenge, reduce, or dismiss charges wherever possible – and protect your record.
Drug trafficking is a felony with harsh consequences under California Health & Safety Code §11352.
You could face:
Sentences increase with:
These penalties are severe – but not always guaranteed. With early action, our attorneys can often reduce or fight the charges. At Tung & Associates, our Pasadena drug-trafficking lawyers move fast to protect your freedom and future.
A strong defense starts with knowing how prosecutors think – and where their cases fall apart.
At Tung & Associates, we build tailored strategies based on the facts. Common defenses include:
Illegal Search and Seizure
If police searched your home, car, or phone without a warrant or probable cause, we may get that evidence thrown out.
Lack of Knowledge or Possession
You can’t be guilty if you didn’t know the drugs were there – or if they weren’t yours.
Entrapment
If police pressured or tricked you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise done, we can challenge the charge.
Unreliable Informants
Many cases rely on confidential sources. We question their credibility and, when needed, file motions to disclose or suppress their testimony.
Miranda Violations or Coerced Statements
If your rights weren’t read or your statements were forced, we fight to keep them out of court.
Bad Evidence or Mishandling
We challenge lab tests, question drug weight or composition, and examine whether evidence was properly stored and tracked.
Reducing Charges
When possible, we push to reduce trafficking charges to possession, opening the door to lesser penalties or diversion.
Every case is different. That’s why we don’t use shortcuts – we examine every detail. Our goal is simple: get charges dropped, reduced, or beat them in court.
Possibly – but it depends on your case. Drug trafficking is a felony, and jail time is common. However, if you have no prior record and the facts are in your favor, we may be able to negotiate reduced charges or probation. Acting quickly gives you the best shot.
Stay calm and protect your rights.
Most Pasadena drug cases stay in California state court. But if your case involves large amounts, multiple states, or federal agencies like the DEA, it may go federal. Federal cases are more complex and carry longer sentences – but we’re prepared to handle both.
Tony Tung is a former prosecutor with insight into how drug cases are built – and how to take them apart. Clients work directly with him, not just staff. We know Pasadena courts, offer 24/7 help, and speak Mandarin. Our team fights hard and treats every client with respect.
Your fight is our fight. Contact Tung & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation.
Your information is 100% confidential and will only be used for your case evaluation. Expect a call back within 30 minutes during business hours, or within 24 hours otherwise.
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