Placerville Drug Crimes Lawyer – Defense for Possession & Sales Charges

Charged with a Drug Offense in El Dorado County? We Can Help.

Whether you were stopped with a small amount of a controlled substance or are facing serious accusations of drug sales, the consequences of a drug charge in California are real. Jail time. Probation. A criminal record. Loss of future opportunities. At the Law Office of Gregory S. Clark, we defend people across Placerville, Cameron Park, South Lake Tahoe, and surrounding foothill communities against all types of drug charges—and we do it with skill, discretion, and respect for what you’re going through.



We understand that every case is different. Some of our clients are battling addiction. Others were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some face charges far more serious than the facts justify. Our role is to cut through the assumptions and give you the smart, personalized defense you deserve.

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Facing Drug Charges in El Dorado County

California’s drug laws have evolved, but they’re still aggressively enforced—especially in rural and foothill areas. We defend clients charged with:



  • Drug Possession: Small amounts of meth, heroin, cocaine, or unauthorized prescription medications. Many first-time simple possession charges are misdemeanors, but the court process still matters.
  • Possession with Intent to Sell: Larger quantities, scales, packaging, or certain communications can lead to felony charges—even if you never actually sold anything.
  • Drug Trafficking or Transport: Transporting drugs across county or state lines, or in large quantities, raises the stakes dramatically.
  • Marijuana Offenses: Legal use has limits. We’ve helped clients facing charges for unlicensed grows, sales without a license, and underage possession.
  • Prescription Drug Fraud: Forged prescriptions or using someone else’s medication can lead to serious charges—often related to opioids or anxiety meds.
  • Drug Paraphernalia: Possession of items like pipes or syringes may seem minor but can still carry legal consequences.

What’s at Risk: Drug Crime Penalties in California

Drug penalties vary widely depending on the substance, quantity, and your criminal history. A first-time possession case might lead to diversion and dismissal, while a felony drug trafficking charge could carry state prison time. Some of the factors that can affect your outcome include:



  • Proximity to a school
  • Involvement of minors
  • Prior convictions
  • Whether violence or weapons were involved

Our priority is minimizing consequences—whether that means fighting for a full dismissal, negotiating a reduced charge, or avoiding jail through alternative sentencing.

Exploring Drug Diversion & Treatment Programs

California courts recognize that treatment—not punishment—is often the better path. If your case involves non-violent drug possession, you may qualify for programs like:


  • Pre-trial diversion (PC 1000): no conviction if you complete drug education and stay out of trouble
  • Post-conviction diversion (Prop 36-style programs)
  • El Dorado County Drug Court, which can provide supervised rehabilitation and a clean record after completion

We’ll help determine if you’re eligible, handle the application process, and advocate for treatment-based outcomes that protect your future.

How We Defend Drug Charges

We don’t make assumptions. We examine every detail of your arrest and charge. Gregory builds strategic defenses tailored to your situation, including:


  • Illegal Search or Seizure: If police violated your rights, the evidence may be thrown out.
  • Lack of Knowledge or Possession: If the drugs weren’t yours or you didn’t know they were present (e.g., found in a shared car), we’ll raise that defense.
  • No Proof of Intent to Sell: Officers may jump to conclusions based on amount or packaging. We challenge assumptions and argue for personal use when appropriate.
  • Laboratory or Chain-of-Custody Issues: We review how the substance was tested, handled, and logged as evidence.
  • Entrapment Concerns: In some undercover operations, officers may have crossed a line. We’ll investigate.


Even when the evidence is strong, we can often negotiate reduced charges or work to avoid a conviction altogether.

Cannabis Law Confusion? You’re Not Alone.

California legalized recreational marijuana—but that doesn’t mean everything is legal. You can still be arrested for:


  • Possessing more than 1 ounce
  • Growing more than 6 plants
  • Selling marijuana without a license
  • Driving under the influence of marijuana
  • Using or possessing on federal land (like parts of the Tahoe National Forest)

We stay current on California’s cannabis regulations and will help clear up confusion if your charge stems from a misunderstanding of what’s legal.

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  • Can I go to jail for simple possession?

    For first-time possession of a small amount for personal use, jail is unlikely. Most cases qualify for diversion or probation. We’ll fight to keep your record clean.

  • What is a drug diversion program?

    It’s a court-approved alternative to conviction. If you complete the program, your charges can be dismissed. We’ll help you apply and advocate for this outcome.

  • They found drugs in my car but they weren’t mine—what do I do?

    You don’t have to prove anything—the state must prove you knowingly possessed the drugs. If others had access to the car, or there’s no direct link to you, we’ll build that defense.

  • Do drug charges stay on your record?

     A conviction does—but many drug offenses can be expunged or dismissed after probation or diversion. We’ll help you look ahead and clean up your record when the time comes.

  • I was charged with intent to sell—how can you help?

    Quantity alone doesn’t prove intent. We challenge that assumption by showing lack of sales tools, no customer communication, or that the amount was for personal use.

  • Should I accept a plea deal or go to trial?

    That depends on your case and the deal on the table. Gregory will give you straight answers and weigh the pros and cons so you can make an informed choice.

Take Back Control of Your Future

A drug charge doesn’t define you. It doesn’t mean you’re guilty. And it doesn’t mean you have to accept the worst outcome. At the Law Office of Gregory S. Clark, we take a compassionate and strategic approach to every case—because you deserve a future beyond this moment.


Call us today to talk confidentially about your case. Your defense starts now.