Distribution Or Sale Of Drugs In California

In this article, you can discover:

• The potential penalties in drug sale and distribution cases
• Common defenses to drug sale and distribution charges
• The benefits of being represented by an attorney in court

Is The Distribution Or Sale Of Drugs A Misdemeanor Or Felony In California?

In California, the distribution or sale of drugs can be both a misdemeanor and a felony. The seriousness of the charge depends on factors such as:

• The type of drug
• The quantity or weight of the drug
• And more…

In sale and distribution cases, the amount and type of drug are directly related to the severity of the charges. It can make the difference between being charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. It can also affect whether you are facing mandatory jail time.

What Are The Penalties For A Drug Distribution Conviction?

There are a wide range of possible penalties for a drug distribution conviction. If the conviction is for a misdemeanor, your attorney may be able to negotiate no jail time. For felony charges involving certain controlled substances, you could face up to five years in state prison.

Can I Get Into Drug Court For A Drug Distribution Charge In California?

Drug court is typically reserved for drug users and addicts charged with possession. When you are charged with drug distribution or sales, it is much harder to get into drug court or any other diversion program. In fact, in some cases, it’s prohibited.

Attorney Matthew Cargal has over 25 years of criminal defense experience in the Pasadena, CA area and is prepared to help you navigate the intricacies of criminal court. Over the years, he has handled countless drug distribution cases and knows exactly what steps need to be taken to protect your legal rights and get you the best possible outcome at trial.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact The Law Offices Of Matthew Cargal today to schedule an initial consultation.

Is There Any Way To Clear My Record If I Am Convicted of Drug Distribution In California?

The expungement laws that give you the ability to clear your record are liberal in California. If you didn’t go to prison for the conviction, then your record can be cleared. If you did go to prison, there is still a possibility that your record can be cleared. Ultimately, the decision is up to the court. To get more information about whether or not your conviction can be expunged, the best course of action is to contact an attorney who can review your case.

What Are The Defenses To Drug Distribution Charges In California?

The most common defense to drug distribution charges is that the drugs were for personal use and not distribution. This defense can be a good option if the drugs in your possession could be consumed by only you. Even if it is a large quantity of drugs, it may be possible to argue that you are an addict and typically consume a high volume of drugs.

In cases involving very large amounts of drugs, such as pounds or kilos, the personal use defense would not make sense. This defense also wouldn’t work well if the drugs were divided into many separate packages, making it look like you had the intention to sell them.

Under certain circumstances, lack of knowledge could be used as a defense against distribution charges. For example, if the drugs were found inside a car, you could argue that you were just a passenger and had no knowledge of drugs in the car.

Do I Still Need A Drug Defense Attorney If I’m Going To Plead Guilty To My Drug Distribution Charge?

Even if you plan on pleading guilty to your drug distribution charge, it is a good idea to have an attorney represent you. There are a wide range of possible sentences that you could receive and a drug defense attorney can help you get the best possible outcome.

For more information on Drug Distribution Charges In California, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (626) 648-5004 today.