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Ketamine: What You Need to Know About Possession and Sale Charges in Los Angeles
Ketamine is an anesthetic primarily used as a tranquilizer for animals in the United States. The drug’s clinical benefits for humans are thought to be limited, although it’s occasionally used to induce dissociative sedation in medical situations. Ketamine’s mild hallucinogenic properties have made it a popular drug on the Los Angeles club and rave circuits in recent years.
The federal Controlled Substances Act categorizes ketamine as a Schedule III drug with some medical usefulness and a low to moderate potential for abuse. Ketamine abuse falls under two California statutes. If you’re not a citizen of the United States, a conviction of a ketamine-related offense could lead to deportation.
If you’ve been caught in possession of ketamine, your course of action is to consult with an experienced drug attorney as soon as possible to safeguard the rights entitled to you under the law.
California Health and Safety Code 11377 HS: Ketamine Possession
Ketamine is a controlled substance, and in California, it’s illegal to possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription. It’s also illegal to possess ketamine obtained through another person’s legitimate prescription or to possess ketamine in greater quantities than prescribed.
If convicted, you could face a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. However, you may be eligible for rehabilitative drug treatment, and if you complete the program successfully, possession charges may be dismissed.
California Health and Safety Code 11379.2 HS: Ketamine Possession with Intent to Sell
California Health and Safety Code 11379.2 HS covers possession of ketamine with the intent to sell and the actual sale of ketamine. Intent to sell a controlled substance is a more serious charge than possession, and this crime can be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or a felony.
The prosecutor will look at the specific circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history when determining the class of crime. A misdemeanor conviction for possession of ketamine with the intent to sell carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A felony conviction carries a sentence of up to three years in a state prison and a $10,000 fine. If convicted under California Health and Safety Code 11379.2 HS, you are not eligible for a drug diversion program.
California Vehicle Code 23152(a): Ketamine DUI
It’s illegal to drive under the influence of ketamine even if you have a valid prescription. “Influence” in this statute refers to the degree of impairment that negatively affects your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Charge for a violation will be a misdemeanor unless there’s an accident resulting in a serious injury or death. A fourth violation of DUI-related statutes within ten years or driving under the influence of ketamine with a passenger of 14 years of age or younger could lead to a felony charge of child endangerment. The sentence for this charge could be up to six years in prison.
Ketamine Possession in Los Angeles
If you’re facing charges related to ketamine possession in Los Angeles, consult an experienced drug attorney to explore your options. They could help ensure the possible outcome of your case under the circumstances.
Consequences for a charge related to ketamine possession can lead to fines, jail time, or state prison time. Misdemeanor charges carry a sentence of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Felony charges carry a sentence of up to three years in state prison and a $10,000 fine. Knowing these and seeking a lawyer’s help can make a huge difference.
In a table format, it looks like this:
| Law | Charge | Sentence/Fine | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Health and Safety Code 11377 HS | Ketamine Possession | $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail | If successfully completed drug program, possession charges may be dismissed |
| California Health and Safety Code 11379.2 HS | Ketamine Possession with Intent to Sell | Misdemeanor: up to one year in jail and $1,000 fine Felony: up to three years in state prison and $10,000 fine | Not eligible for drug diversion program |
| California Vehicle Code 23152(a) | Ketamine DUI | Felony: up to six years in state prison Misdemeanor: up to one year in jail and $1,000 fine | Charge could be a felony if committed four times in 10 years Charge for driving under the influence of ketamine with a passenger under 14 years old could be a felony of child endangerment |
In conclusion, ketamine is a controlled substance with a low to moderate potential for abuse. Possession of ketamine without a valid prescription, possession of ketamine obtained through someone else’s prescription, possession of ketamine in greater quantities than prescribed, and possession of ketamine with intent to sell can lead to charges that could leave you with significant fines and jail time. If you have a valid prescription for ketamine, it’s still illegal to drive under its influence. If you’re facing ketamine-related charges, it’s crucial to seek the advice of an experienced drug attorney to ensure that your rights are protected under the law.
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