Laguna Beach Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer
Bring Your Case to a Top 100 Trial Lawyer Serving Orange County
In California, drug distribution is a felony and thus very serious. All felony charges carry penalties of 1 year or more in prison and/or heavy fines. Drug distribution is based on the assertion that you not only possessed illegal drugs, but you also intended to sell them to others. The prosecution attempts to establish this intent by presenting various types of evidence, such as the quantity of the drugs. If you're facing charges, you need a trusted criminal defense lawyer who knows the intricacies of California law and court procedures, as well as how to build an effective defense.
If you've been accused of drug distribution, trust your case to Alan Castillo – Attorney at Law. I am a criminal defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience and have a track record of success. I have been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, an Avvo rating of Superb, and been selected to the California Super Lawyers list. I provide one-on-one attention and honest advocacy, regardless of the severity of the charges.
Have you been arrested or are you under investigation? As a Laguna Beach drug distribution defense attorney, I can help. Contact me at (949) 234-6525 to discuss your case with me in a free, initial consultation.
California Drug Distribution Laws
California Health and Safety Code 11351 provides that it is a felony to possess controlled substances with the intent to sell. Controlled substances are those listed and regulated under state and federal law.
They include illegal drugs and prescription medications, such as:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- LSD
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Valium
- Adderall
Various types of evidence might suggest that you intended to distribute drugs.
Such indicators can include:
- Large quantities of drugs
- Baggies or bundles of controlled substances
- Scales for weighing drugs
- Large amounts of case
- Frequent visitors for short periods of time
Other drug distribution charges can involve the actual sale of drugs, the import or export of drugs, and the transporting of drugs.
Penalties for Drug Distribution in California
Drug distribution is a felony. Punishments will depend on the quantity of drugs involved, prior convictions, if any, whether minors were involved, and other factors.
Possession with intent to sell penalties can include:
- Up to 1 year in a county jail or 2, 3, or 4 years in prison and/or
- Fines of up to $20,000
- Probation
If it is proven that your intent was for multiple sales, the penalties are imposed for each intended sale. Additionally, depending on the type and amount of drug, you could face longer prison sentences. For example, you will face 5 years in prison if you intended to sell an excess of 4 kilograms of cocaine or heroin. Higher amounts can result in prison terms of 10, 15, 20, or 25 years.
Drug distribution charges involving actual sales (as opposed to the intent to sell), drug import and export, or drug transportation carry penalties of 3 to up to 9 years in prison and hefty fines. If the distribution occurred within 1,000 feet of a school or playground, you might face an additional 1 to 2 years in prison.
Bring in Alan Castillo – Attorney at Law for Your Defense
The stakes are high in a drug distribution case, which is why it is vital to hire a proven lawyer. I can thoroughly review your circumstances, engage in negotiations with the prosecutor, or take your case to court to fight toward a favorable result.
Call my offices at (949) 234-6525 or contact me online to discuss your case and legal defenses today.
