CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Sale and Transportation of Drugs in Los Angeles

Sale and Transportation of Drugs in California: Know the Facts to Stay Safe

If you’re found moving drugs from one place to another in California, you can be charged with sale and transportation. The charges will stick even if you’re not moving huge amounts of drugs or transporting them over long distances. Prosecution requires proof of intent to sell, which means that you may be facing harsh legal consequences even if you’re merely moving drugs for personal use. Here’s what you need to know about sale and transportation charges to avoid incarceration.

Criteria for Sale and Transportation Charges

The first criterion for sale and transportation charges is the presence of controlled substances or narcotics that you were aware of possessing. You must be aware of the illicit nature of the drugs you’re carrying. The second criterion for conviction is proof that the drugs moved from one place to another. So, for instance, if you’re carrying illegal drugs in your bag, and the police catch you, it could lead to sale and transportation charges. However, ignorance of the illicit nature of drugs can be a defense to the charges.

Defenses to Sale and Transportation Charges

One of the most reliable defenses to sale and transportation charges is a prescription for the drugs legally. If you’re carrying pain medication that’s legally prescribed, for instance, the defense can argue that you shouldn’t be convicted of the charges. Even if you’re possessing more than the prescribed amount of painkillers, you should avoid conviction if the judge is convinced that it was for your personal use. If you can argue that you weren’t transporting drugs, you may avoid conviction, for instance, when you’re sitting on a park bench. Additionally, if the arresting agents entrapped you, it can be a valid defense.

Penalties for Sale and Transportation in Los Angeles

Sale and transportation are felonies in California, and if you’re found guilty of the charges, the consequences can include hefty fines, a permanent criminal record, limited job opportunities, and the loss of your freedom. If it’s your first offense, you can receive a sentence of 3-5 years of probation and at least one year in county jail. More severe penalties for sale and transportation charges range from three to nine years of imprisonment, depending on the nature and amount of the drugs you’re transporting.

The Way to Beat the Case

Drug offenses in California are serious, and your fate could hang on the quality of your attorney. When you move from one place to another with illicit drugs, you’re required to prove that the drugs are not for sale to avoid legal consequences. An attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence in several ways. Some legal defenses include showing that the evidence is inadmissible, the arrest was unlawful, or the informant was working under duress to entrap you. Experienced, aggressive and knowledgeable attorneys who understand California’s sale and transportation laws will fight until you get the possible outcome in your case. Don’t wait for an attorney because the art of preparing a criminal defense requires time. If the police arrest you on sale and transportation charges, contact a skilled attorney as soon as possible.