Drug crimes are aggressively enforced and prosecuted in California. One of the most common drugs involved in CA drug crimes is methamphetamine, more commonly referred to as “meth.” Meth is a psychostimulant which increases concentration, energy, and alertness, and high doses can enhance self-esteem and induce euphoria. Due to its high potential for addiction and abuse, it is listed on Schedule I and Schedule II of the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. Though it has been approved for certain medicinal uses, meth continues to be one of the most dangerous and abused drugs today, causing a number of potential psychological and physiological complications. As a result, meth crimes are fervently enforced, aggressively prosecuted, and severely punished.
At The Law Offices of David A. Stein, our knowledgeable drug crime defense lawyers are committed to aggressively defending the rights of our clients. We will investigate the details of your arrest to determine whether your rights were violated in any way and build a strong defense on your behalf. Without the help of an experienced defense attorney, you will be left to suffer severe penalties.
What Are Considered Meth Crimes in California?
Meth offenses are established under Sections 11377, 11378, and 11379 of the California Health and Safety Code, although these laws apply to various other controlled substances as well as meth. Under these sections, it illegal to:
- Possess meth without a prescription;
- Possess meth with the intent to sell;
- Sell, transport, administer, furnish, or give away meth; and
- Offer or attempt to do any of the above.
Possessing the substances required to manufacture meth, as well as manufacturing it, are also crimes.
What Are Common Penalties for a Meth Offense?
Depending on which crime is committed and the circumstances of that crime, a person convicted of a meth offense may face either misdemeanor or felony charges and any of the following penalties:
- One year imprisonment in county jail and/or a maximum $1,000 fine;
- Up to three years imprisonment in state prison and/or a maximum $10,000 fine; or
- Up to nine years imprisonment in state prison and/or a maximum $10,000 fine.
Aggravating factors could increase both fines and length of imprisonment. If convicted, a meth offender would likely also have to complete a drug treatment program and probation.
How an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Being arrested for a meth crime can be very overwhelming and intimidating, especially if your legal rights were violated in the process. David A. Stein is an experienced meth defense attorney and has defended the rights of many clients who have been accused of committing a meth offense.
There are many circumstances under which a meth crime suspect may avoid a conviction. Of the many defenses that may be used, some of the most common include entrapment, illegal search and seizure, lack of intent, and ignorance of possession. Drugs do not only get planted on the person or property of others in the movies; it does occur in reality and can result in a conviction if the defense attorney is inexperienced.
If you have been arrested for a meth offense in California, call the knowledgeable Orange County criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of David A. Stein today at (949) 445-0040 to learn more about your legal rights and options.
