What Are Drug Distribution Charges?
In California, it is against the law to sell, transport, distribute or import unlawful controlled substances. In fact, all drug distribution crimes in Orange County are charged as felonies. Being charged and convicted of drug distribution can result in a lengthy prison sentence and have long lasting effects on your professional and financial future. Anyone facing distribution charges in Orange County would be well advised to build a defense and fight the charges.
If you have been arrested on suspicion of drug distribution, you may be confused about where to turn for help or be uncertain about how to proceed further. It is important to understand that drug transportation and distribution fall under “drug trafficking.” The penalties will be significantly higher than a simple possession charge.
It would be in your best interest to fight these charges with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The drug crime defense attorneys at the Law Offices of David A. Stein have a successful track record in fighting drug charges in Orange County. Please contact us to find out how we can help you.
Drug Distribution Charges
You can face distribution charges in Orange County even if drugs are not in your possession. As long as the prosecution believes that you were involved in controlling the movement and transportation of the drugs, you will face charges. Unless you are charged with distributing less than 28.5 grams of marijuana as a gift, you will face felony level charges with severe penalties.
Penalties for Marijuana Distributions
If you only possess marijuana, you will face misdemeanor charges. However, if you possess the drugs with the intention of selling them or delivering them, the charges increase to a felony. Here are a few examples of distribution related charges and their penalties with regard to marijuana:
- Possession of any amount of marijuana with intent to distribute is a felony punishable by 16 months to three years of incarceration
- Selling any amount of marijuana is a felony punishable by two to four years of incarceration
- Selling marijuana as an adult to a minor is a felony that can result in three to seven years of incarceration
Other Common Distribution Crimes
Drug importation, distribution and transporting all fall under the umbrella of drug trafficking. It is different from possession and it carries harsher penalties than possession with intent to sell. According to California Health & Safety Code 11012, distribute means to “deliver other than by administering or dispensing a controlled substance.” Under California law:
- Distribution of cocaine can result in a three- to five-year sentence
- Distribution of chemicals used to make PCP or meth can result in a 16 months to a six-year prison sentence
- Hiring and employing minors to sell or distribute controlled substances is punishable by up to nine years in prison
- Transporting drugs from one county to a non-contiguous county can result in up to nine years in prison.
As if these penalties are not severe enough, there are penalty enhancements that the prosecution may pursue. Enhancements will result from distribution that occurs within 1,000 feet of an Orange County school, playground or school program. There are also enhancements for individuals with prior drug convictions on their record.
You Can Fight the Charges
Anyone facing drug distribution charges in Orange County would be well advised to get a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on his or her side as soon as possible. It may be possible to prove that the drugs were possessed for personal use and not distribution. Other defenses include entrapment and illegal search and seizure. All possible defenses should be considered before pleading guilty or accepting a plea deal.
The experienced drug crime defense attorneys at the Law Offices of David A. Stein understand the serious consequences that can arise from drug distribution charges and convictions. You could face lifelong repercussions as a result of a drug crime conviction, especially a drug distribution conviction. To discuss your case and build a solid defense strategy, please contact us at (949) 445-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.
CASES WE HANDLE
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Distribution
- Drug Possession
- Cocaine Offense
- Club Drugs
- Deferred Entry of Judgment
- K2/Spice – Synthetic Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Crime
- Possession for Sales
- Ecstasy Crimes (MDMA)
- Heroin
- Marijuana Offenses
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Searches and Seizures
- Transportation of Illegal Substance
- Drug Manufacturing
- Conspiracy to Manufacture
- Conspiracy to Transport
- Conspiracy to Sell