If you or a loved one is dealing with a drug distribution charge in California, you’re probably wondering what the possible penalties are if a conviction is issued. Before you even begin worrying about that though—it’s essential that you get a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in drug crime cases in California on your side.
Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm is the best choice to represent you and provide expert legal advice for you every step of the way. To greatly increase your chance of a favorable outcome, contact Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm today for a free, no-risk consultation. Just call 714-760-4088, email dchambers@clfca.com, or send an online message by clicking “CONTACT” above.
In the meantime, learn some basic info about penalties for drug distribution in California below.
California Law
The “California Uniform Controlled Substances Act,” found in California Health and Safety Code Sections 11000–11033, explains the penalties for various drug crimes in California, including drug distribution.
Drugs that could be criminally distributed in California include:
- Marijuana
- Narcotic drugs, such as opium and opiate, opium poppy and poppy straw, coca leaves, cocaine, ecgonine, acetylfentanyl, and each of their derivatives
- Prescription drugs if the receiver(s) didn’t have a valid prescription
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Heroin
According to this Code, “marketed for use” means “advertising, distributing, offering for sale, displaying for sale, or selling in a manner which promotes the use of equipment, products, or materials with controlled substances.”
Expected penalties
There is not one uniform method of sentencing those who are convicted of drug distribution, though a felony charge is almost always brought. The exact penalties imposed vary according to the type of drug involved, the circumstances of the case, the defendant’s prior criminal record, and of course the recommended punishments according to California law.
Penalties increase in severity if the drug distribution actions took place within 1,000 feet of schools, school-related programs, or playgrounds during operational hours.
If the drugs were taken from one California county to another for distribution, increased prison sentences result. Requirements can increase from between 3–9 extra years.
Variable penalties
There are many other variables that could potentially affect your drug distribution case, so it’s essential that you consult with Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm before proceeding with your case. California law is always changing, especially now that criminal justice system reform has taken hold in this state, clearly seen in the passage of Proposition 47. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 714-760-4088 or emailing dchambers@clfca.com.
Possible legal defenses
Penalties for possessing drugs for personal use are almost always much lighter than those imposed for drug distribution, so if you’re being charged with drug distribution, Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm may use this strategy to your advantage. If there is enough reasonable doubt that you possessed the drugs for your own use, your charge may be reduced or even dismissed entirely.
Stiffer penalties for drug distribution will be imposed if the adult defendant involved minors in the drug sales and/or directly sold drugs to minors, so every effort will be made to show that drugs were only distributed to adults.
In addition, if you’ve never been convicted of another drug-related crime, Dan Chambers may be able to convince the judge to impose lighter penalties—rehabilitation measures instead of jail time, community service instead of heavy fines, or both.
Call 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com to speak with criminal defense attorney Dan Chambers about your particular case, and get the legal help you need today.
