Being charged with the sale or distribution of controlled substances is a far more serious matter than simple drug possession. Prosecutors pursue drug sales cases aggressively, and a conviction can result in significant time in state or federal prison. If you are facing drug sales charges in Orange County or anywhere in Southern California, the Law Offices of David A. Stein are ready to provide the experienced, strategic defense you need.
What the Prosecution Must Prove
- The quantity of drugs found
- The presence of scales, baggies, or other packaging materials
- Large amounts of cash, particularly in small denominations
- Text messages or phone communications suggesting sales activity
- Testimony from informants or undercover officers
- Multiple cell phones
The prosecution does not need to prove you actually completed a sale — only that you intended to.
Penalties for Drug Sales in California
Drug sales charges are felonies under California law, and the penalties vary depending on the substance involved:
- Health and Safety Code Section 11352 (heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs): Two, three, or four years in state prison, with enhancements for selling near schools or to minors.
- Health and Safety Code Section 11379 (methamphetamine): Two, three, or four years in state prison.
- Health and Safety Code Section 11360 (marijuana): Two, three, or four years for sales or transportation in violation of legal limits.
Federal drug distribution charges, which apply when distribution crosses state lines or involves large quantities, carry mandatory minimum sentences that can result in decades in prison.
How We Fight Drug Sales Charges
Attorney David A. Stein understands that drug sales cases often hinge on circumstantial evidence and the credibility of informants or undercover officers. His defense strategy will include a thorough examination of:
- Whether any undercover operation involved entrapment
- Whether informant testimony is reliable and whether the informant had incentives to lie
- Whether the evidence of intent to sell is sufficient or merely speculative
- Whether search warrants were valid and properly executed
- Whether your constitutional rights were violated at any point in the investigation
Call (949) 528-8057 today to discuss your case with David A. Stein.