In California, drug offenses are taken seriously, with a range of penalties depending on the specific charges. It’s important for residents to understand the potential consequences of drug possession, possession for sale, and transportation.
Simple possession of controlled substances, including “hard drugs” such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, can result in up to one year in county jail. However, possession for the purpose of sale carries much harsher penalties, potentially leading to several years in state prison.
You could also be prosecuted for possession, transport, or sales of prescription medication if you do not have a valid prescription. Many people associate “drug offenses” with using cocaine or other “illegal” drugs – but possessing or using a “legal” drug, such as oxycodone or adderall, without a prescription, is also illegal and can land you in hot water fast.
The transportation of controlled substances is also a criminal offense in California. Depending on the type and quantity of the drug, individuals charged with transportation could face sentences of up to nine years in state prison.
How Can Farris Law Firm help?
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, we have relationships with substance abuse treatment facilities and programs to help you get and stay clean. You may qualify for drug use “diversion” under CA Penal Code §1000, which allows a defendant the opportunity to have their case completely dismissed if they complete certain requirements.
If you are not eligible for a diversion program, there are still other options that can keep you out of jail – unsupervised probation, support groups, residential treatment, or intensive outpatient treatment are all used frequently by the courts as alternatives to jail.
Your attorney at Farris Law Firm knows the ins and outs of this part of our legal system and can help you at every step of the way with your drug case.