Types of drug crimes
There are a variety of drug-related crimes you could be charged with in California. A conviction could have a profoundly negative impact on your life, including your finances and employment. These are some of the most common offenses:
Possession of a controlled substance
The list of controlled substances includes heroin, opiates, cocaine, and prescription drugs. To be convicted of this crime, the prosecution must prove that you unlawfully possessed a controlled substance and knew of its presence.
Possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to sell
In California, it is a felony crime to possess certain controlled substances with the intent to sell. Cocaine and heroin fall in this category. If convicted of this offense, you are not legally eligible for any drug diversion program, and you could face up to four years in state prison and a $20,000 fine.
Transportation for sale of a controlled substance
California makes it illegal to sell, administer, furnish, transport, or give away a controlled substance. Transportation for sale is a felony that is punishable by three to five years in state prison and a maximum fine of $20,000. Your penalties could be increased if you transported the controlled substance across two county lines, the substance was heroin, or if you knowingly operated a business engaged in furnishing or dispensing a controlled substance.
Other common drug-related offenses include possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine. If you are a first-time offender and the charge is simple possession, you could be eligible for drug diversion programs rather than serving time in jail. If you fail to complete the program, however, you will be sentenced and will serve time.
