Under California law, most drug trafficking offenses prosecuted in state court are charged as transporting a controlled substance. In fact, California law makes it a crime to possess, possess with intent to sell, sale or deliver, transport, transfer, or import controlled substances. Explicitly, California Health & Safety code 11352HS prohibits the sale of drugs or the moving of drugs from one place to another by any means.
Drug crimes for transporting or selling a controlled substance are subject to serious penalties including years in prison.
Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney in San Diego
Drug trafficking is the most serious drug-related crime in California. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, you can expect enormous pressure from the state and federal government. If you are convicted, you will likely not be released from prison for years.
Attorney Michael Cindrich has decades of experience in criminal court. He has protected clients accused of every manner of crime, and is ready to build your case against Drug Trafficking. The Law Offices of Michael E. Cindrich serve San Diego County, including the cities of Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon and San Diego proper.
Contact the Law Offices of Michael E. Cindrich today for a free, confidential consultation at (619) 262-2500.
Overview of Drug Trafficking under California Law
- Transportation of Controlled Substances in California
- Types of Controlled Substances Prohibited in California
- Penalties for the Transportation or Sale of Drugs
- Federal Drug Trafficking Laws
- Hire an Attorney for Drug Trafficking Charges in San Diego County, CA
Transportation of Controlled Substances in San Diego, CA
Under California Health & Safety Code 11352, the law prohibits the sale and transportation of controlled substances when evidence shows that the drugs were sold, given away, transported for sale or imported into the State of California.
The elements of the offense include:
- taking some action to sell, furnish, administer, give away, transport, or import into California;
- with knowledge that the substance was a controlled substance; and
- with knowledge of the presence of the controlled substance.
For crimes of transporting the substance for sale, the prosecution must show there is a “usable amount” of the controlled substance.
Types of Controlled Substances Prohibited in California
Health & Safety Code 11352 defines the term “controlled substances” to include any of the following:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- GHB
- LSD
- Opiates
- Peyote
Controlled substances also include many prescription drugs such as oxycontin and vicodin.
Penalties for the Transportation or Sale of Drugs
Under California law, the transportation or sale of under HS 11352 is classified as a felony with penalties including:
- prison time of 3 to 9 years;
- a fine of up to $20,000
Enhanced penalties might apply to any of the following circumstances:
- selling or transporting controlled substances to a minor child, pregnant women, or vulnerable adult with a mental health disorder or prior felony conviction; or
- selling drugs to people located near a drug treatment facilities or other prohibited areas.
Federal Drug Trafficking Laws
Many drug trafficking crimes are prosecuted in federal court under 21 U.S.C. § 841. A federal investigation into drug trafficking is more likely to be prosecuted in federal court if any of the following circumstances apply:
- the drugs are being distributed into or out of California or the southern boarder;
- the drug dealing took place in a so-called High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA);
The penalties and punishments in federal court that might be imposed after a conviction for drug trafficking determine on a variety of factors including:
- the amount of drugs involved;
- whether injury or death occurred as a result of the use of the controlled substance;
- the defendant’s prior record for certain designated offenses.
The penalties for drug trafficking under federal law can range from five (5) years in prison to a life sentence and a fine of up to $20,000,000.
Hire an Attorney for Drug Trafficking Charges in San Diego
Attorney Michael Cindrich has decades of experience in criminal court. He has protected clients accused of every manner of crime, and is ready to build your case against Drug Trafficking. The Law Offices of Michael E. Cindrich serve San Diego County, including the cities of Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon and San Diego proper.
Contact the Law Offices of Michael E. Cindrich today for a free, confidential consultation at (619) 262-2500.