California Distribution of Drugs Attorney

Are you facing a distribution of drugs charge in California? Get in touch with a distribution of drugs attorney who will fight for you, no matter what.

If you were arrested for a distribution of drugs charge in California, you could be facing years behind bars, along with other severe penalties. Even though the state has been relaxed on marijuana laws and even lets licensed sellers distribute the drug, it takes the distribution of illegal drugs very seriously.

By researching distribution of drugs charges and finding an experienced attorney who can represent you, you’ll be well-positioned to defend yourself and hopefully only be subject to reduced or dropped charges.

What Is Distribution of Drugs?

You could get into trouble if you illegally distribute drugs in California. This is also known as selling, trafficking, importing, or transporting controlled substances. When determining if someone should be charged with the distribution of drugs, a prosecutor will look at the amount of drugs you had in your possession, if you had any tools like scales to weigh drugs, and if there was a large amount of cash or a weapon at the scene of the alleged crime.

In the state of California, drugs are called “controlled substances,” and they are divided into five schedules. The drugs that could lead to serious psychological or physical dependence are Schedule I, and the less serious but still harmful drugs are Schedule V.

• Schedule I drugs: Opiates, hallucinogens, peyote, and heroin
• Schedule II drugs: Morphine, Adderall, oxycodone, fentanyl, and raw opium
• Schedule III drugs: Pentobarbital and anabolic steroids
• Schedule IV drugs: Ambien, Valium, and Xanax
• Schedule V drugs: Robitussin AC and Motofen

Even if someone was distributing legal drugs like Ambien or Xanax, if they didn’t have the proper license to do this, they could be charged with a crime. Simply giving a friend your old prescription medicine could lead to your arrest.

“I felt like i was in nightmare. Chris literally saved my life.” – Jesus L.

Proving You Committed Distribution of Drugs

The prosecutor will have to show that you were selling, administering, transporting, or importing drugs for sale in California. They also have to demonstrate that you were aware the drug was a controlled substance, you knew about the drug’s presence, and, if you were arrested for transporting it for sale, there was a usable amount of it. The transportation of drugs can include on foot, by car, or by bicycle, meaning that it’s illegal to transport them on any level – not just through a large-scale operation.

Penalties for Distribution of Drugs

The sentencing you receive is going to be based on the type of drug distributed, the amount you had in your possession, whether or not you crossed state lines, and if minors were involved.

It is a felony to traffic drugs in California, and you could be sentenced to three to nine years in jail, along with a fine of up to $20,000. Drug trafficking charges fall under federal law if you distributed drugs across state lines or national borders, you were transporting a large amount of meth, or the drugs were being distributed in a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Consequences include five years to life in prison as well as $5 million to $20 million in fines.

If you are caught selling on or near playgrounds, houses of worship, or homeless shelters, then your sentence could be enhanced by one to two years. If you are caught selling controlled substances to a minor, selling or furnishing drugs to a pregnant woman, someone who has been convicted of a felony, or someone with a mental health disorder, or selling near drug treatment facilities, then you could be sentenced to an additional three to five years in county jail, a fine of up to $20,000, and felony probation.

“From the moment I met Chris, I knew I was in good hands.” – Kevin H.

Defending Yourself Against a Distribution of Drugs Charge

Some defenses to drug distribution charges include an illegal search and seizure, police misconduct, or the fact that someone had drugs for personal use. You could say that you had no intent to transport or sell drugs or you did not know about the presence of drugs.

Contact California Distribution of Drugs Attorney CBS Law

If you are being charged with distribution of drugs, then it’s time to reach out to a California attorney who will defend you and work hard for you. That’s CBS Law.

Want to learn more about what CBS Law can do for you? Then contact us for your free 60-minute consultation by calling (213) 800-8005 or getting in touch on our website. CBS Law is here for you 24/7, and we’ll work hard on your case to ensure justice is served. We are looking forward to helping you with your distribution of drugs charge in California.

Do NOT speak to law enforcement or investigators about your drugs charge, as that information can and will be used against you in a court of law.

Christopher J. Bou Saeed Founding Attorney of CBS Law