CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles PCP

PCP: What You Need to Know
Phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP, is a dangerous drug classified as a schedule II drug in California, which means it has a high potential for abuse and limited medical use. PCP is also known as angel dust and zoom when sold on the streets. It is known to cause intense hallucinations, physical numbness, confusion, and mood alteration when ingested or smoked. California has imposed harsh penalties for those who sell, transport or purchase PCP, and has even criminalized the manufacture of chemicals known to act as precursors or bases for PCP.

PCP-Related Crimes and Possible Penalties
Individuals from Los Angeles who are accused of possession, intent to sell, or distribution of PCP face severe legal penalties. Even a possession charge can lead to harsh financial and punitive consequences. The penalties can increase even more for more serious charges such as intent to sell or distributing PCP. The possible charges and penalties for each crime are as follows:

1. Possession of PCP
Possession of PCP can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The prosecution must prove not only that the confiscated substance was PCP, but that the PCP was in usable form and clearly possessed by the accused person. A misdemeanor possession charge carries up to a $1000 fine, whereas a felony charge can lead to imprisonment of up to three years if the accused person has a lengthy criminal history or if there were minors involved in the case.

2. Intent to Sell PCP
Being convicted of intent to sell PCP carries severe legal consequences. It is a felony charge that can lead to imprisonment of up to three years. The sentence can increase up to 15 years if the accused person was in possession of more than one kilogram (8 gallons liquid volume) of PCP during the arrest. The jail sentence can be extended even longer if the arrest took place near a drug treatment center or in a school zone. The prosecution needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused person had intent to sell. The possession of scales, burner cell phones, sales records, or packaging bags is considered evidence of intent to sell.

3. Transporting, Selling or Manufacturing PCP
These are serious and high-risk felony charges. Each carries severe fines and prison sentences. Jail sentences can be as long as nine years if the person transporting the PCP crossed two California county lines. For manufacturing PCP, a person can be sentenced up to seven years in prison and a fine of $50,000, even if they did not complete the batch. The prosecution needs to present concrete evidence such as informant information or heavy surveillance footage to build up a strong case against the accused person.

The Importance of a Trained PCP Lawyer
Having a lawyer trained in PCP-related cases is essential for anyone accused of PCP-related crimes. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, which gives the defense ample opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s argument. Defense lawyers can question every point in the prosecution’s argument, review search warrant procedure and search legality, negotiate cases down from felonies to misdemeanors, and challenge eyewitness and informant accounts about intent to sell or distribute. It would be if you had a tenacious legal firm on your side if you have been arrested and accused of a PCP-related crime. This legal firm will have the necessary insider knowledge and special relationships to handle your case.

Table of Possible Charges and Penalties:

| Crime | Charge | Penalty |
|—————————-|———————–|—————————|
| Possession of PCP | Misdemeanor/felony | Up to $1000 fine/up to three years in prison
| Intent to Sell | Felony | Up to three years in prison / up to 15 years in prison (if possession is > 1kg) |
| Transporting, Selling, or Manufacturing | Felony | Up to nine years in prison for transport / no completion of batch can lead to seven years in prison and a fine of $50,000 for manufacturing |

Conclusion
In conclusion, PCP is a highly dangerous drug that can have severe legal consequences if you are caught possessing, transporting, selling, or manufacturing it. Possession of PCP can lead to either misdemeanor or felony charges, & the possible penalties include fines and imprisonment. Charges as serious as intent to sell and transport, and manufacture of PCP, carry longer jail sentences and massive fines. That being said, it is highly recommendable to hire a lawyer trained in PCP-related cases to help lessen the penalties, and reduce the charges.