CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Codeine

Codeine: The Risks Involved and the Penalties for Abuse

Codeine is a potent opiate that is used in the treatment of pain, coughs, and diarrhea. It is a scheduled drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act and California state law, which means that you can only possess it with a valid prescription. If you are caught possessing, using, trafficking, or selling codeine without a prescription, you face serious legal penalties. As a Los Angeles resident, you need to know about the laws that govern codeine use and the potential repercussions of codeine abuse.

Crimes Involving Codeine

The penalties for codeine abuse can be severe, depending on the particular charge against you. Let’s take a look at some of the crimes that can be brought against you if you are found using, possessing, or selling codeine without a valid prescription.

Codeine Possession

Under Health and Safety Code §11350, it is illegal to possess codeine unless you have a valid prescription for it. If you are convicted of this offense, you will be charged with a felony and face harsh consequences such as a state prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to $20,000.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are convicted of this felony, you may face deportation. However, you may have the option of participating in a drug treatment program as an alternative to serving time in prison. Successfully completing the treatment program may lead to your drug charges’ dismissal.

Codeine Possession with Intent to Sell

Under Health and Safety Code § 11351, possessing codeine with the intent to sell it is considered a more severe crime than personal possession. If you are found to be selling or attempting to sell codeine, you will be charged with a felony and face severe consequences, including up to four years in a state prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Codeine Transportation with Intent to Sell

Under Health and Safety Code § 11352, it is illegal to transport codeine with the intent to sell it. If you are convicted of this offense, you will be sentenced to a state prison term of up to five years with a fine of up to $20,000, or up to nine years if transportation involved crossing two or more county lines.

Codeine Influence

Under Health and Safety Code §11550, it is illegal to be under the influence of codeine obtained without a prescription. You do not have to engage in any misconduct to face charges under this offense. The undetectable effects of the codeine on your physical or psychological state are enough evidence to warrant a conviction of this misdemeanor count. You can participate in a drug diversion program that may qualify you to avoid serving time in prison.

Driving Under the Influence of Codeine

Under Vehicle Code 23152a VC, it is illegal to drive under the influence of codeine, even if you have a valid prescription for it. If the police catch you driving under the influence of codeine, you face charges that could result in a misdemeanor conviction or felony charges. The level of charges depends on the extent of the accident, whether it led to serious injury or the loss of life.

Penalties for Codeine Offenses

Codeine is a potent drug with addictive tendencies. Codeine abuse can lead to the loss of professional licenses and imprisonment for up to nine years under California law. However, you can avoid serving time in prison, and your drug charges are likely to be dismissed if you participate in a drug treatment program under medical supervision. Here is a table summarizing the penalties for codeine offenses under California law.

| Offense | Code | Penalty |
| ——- | —- | ——- |
| Possession without prescription | Health and Safety Code § 11350 | A state prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to $20,000 |
| Possession with intent to sell | Health and Safety Code § 11351 | A state prison sentence of up to four years and a fine of up to $20,000 |
| Transportation with intent to sell | Health and Safety Code § 11352 | A state prison term of up to five years with a fine of up to $20,000, or up to nine years if transportation involved crossing two or more county lines. |
| Influence | Health and Safety Code § 11550 | Enrollment in a drug diversion program |
| Driving under the influence | Vehicle Code 23152a VC | Misdemeanor conviction or felony charges depending on the extent of the accident |

Protecting Your Legal Rights

If you are accused of a codeine-related crime in Los Angeles, the way to protect your legal rights is to work with an experienced attorney specializing in substance abuse laws. Your attorney will assess the circumstances of your case and develop a defense that could lead to reduced charges, dismissal of charges, or reduced penalties. With a comprehensive understanding of the laws that govern codeine use and abuse, you can confidently face your charges and avoid the severe consequences of codeine-related offenses.