Laguna Beach Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Over 5000 Cases & 100 Trials Handled in Orange County

Drug trafficking is a term that conjures up the idea of big-business drug cartels exporting massive quantities of narcotics. Although that's one way the crime can be committed, it can also occur with individuals acting alone. Trafficking in drugs is another term for drug distribution or the unlawful act of selling, transporting, transferring, importing, or exporting controlled substances as defined under both state and federal law. It can also include drug manufacturing and related crimes such as conspiracy and money laundering and can involve both state and federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and DEA.

Drug trafficking is considered the most serious of all drug-related charges and carries severe conviction penalties. To fight back against the allegations made against you, you need competent and committed legal representation from a defense attorney experienced in handling such matters. Retain the services of Alan Castillo – Attorney at Law to get a proven trial lawyer on your side. I have more than 25 years of experience investigating, negotiating, and litigating criminal cases of all kinds.

Facing drug trafficking charges in Laguna Beach? Reach out to my firm at (949) 234-6525 for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options. Available 24/7.

Drug Trafficking Laws in California

According to California Health and Safety Code 11352, drug trafficking is a felony. In general, this law prohibits the sale or transport of drugs by any means, whether by car, truck, airplane, bicycle, on foot, or in any other way. That means large-scale, small-scale, and personal drug deals can be pursued under this statute.

Under this law, it is a crime to do any of the following:

• Sell a controlled substance;
• Transport a drug with the intent to sell it;
• Furnish or administer to others a controlled substance;
• Give away to others a controlled substance;
• Import into the state any drug; or
• Offer to do any of the above

An arrest can be made if an individual moves or attempts to move a usable amount of the drug.

The controlled substances that fall under the law include, but are not limited to:

• Opiates and their derivatives
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• LSD
• Peyote
• OxyContin
• Vicodin

Penalties for Drug Trafficking Charges

In California, the basic penalties for drug trafficking can include 3, 4, or 5 years in a county jail. If you were convicted of transporting drugs across two or more counties within the state, you could be imprisoned for 3, 6, or 9 years. Additionally, you may be ordered to pay a fine of up to $20,000.

You may also be granted felony probation in lieu of jail time. Felony probation generally lasts 3 to 5 years and requires reporting to your probation officer regularly and complying with all probationary terms. Should you violate any of the conditions of your probation, it can be revoked, which will lead to serving out the rest of your sentence in jail.

Working to Protect Your Rights and Freedoms

Along with the criminal penalties you face for drug trafficking, a conviction will also bring on other negative consequences, such as the suspension or revocation of professional licenses, immigration status problems for non-citizens, and problems qualifying for financial aid. It can also impact child custody matters. A conviction can alter your life in numerous ways, which is why it's important to have an aggressive lawyer fighting for you. At Alan Castillo – Attorney at Law, I will work diligently to work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Find out how I can defend you by contacting my firm at (949) 234-6525.