In Need of a Drug Trafficking Lawyer in San Diego, CA?
Our San Diego drug trafficking attorney, Patrick Griffin, understands the substantial impact both state and federal drug charges have on our clients’ lives, futures, and freedom. The sale and transportation of controlled substances is prohibited under California Health & Safety Code, and typically, the only result state or federal law enforcement seeks is the maximum sentence.
Partnering with a skilled criminal defense attorney could mean the difference between freedom and incarceration. At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our only goal is to produce real results for real clients.
Here is what California residents need to know about these significant charges, and what a conviction might mean to their livelihoods.
How is Drug Trafficking Defined by the California Health & Safety Code?
Drug trafficking is the sale and transportation of controlled substances, which may include selling, furnishing, administering, giving away, transporting for sale, or importing into California.
In addition, before there can be a criminal charge, the accused must have had knowledge that the drug was a controlled substance, the individual knew it was present, and was in a usable amount.
Essentially, the law is designed to prohibit the movement and sale of drugs on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, other motor vehicles, or airplanes to name a few — even in a small amount, and even when possessed for personal use or when sold to a friend.
The bottom line is, possession for the sale of narcotics is a felony in California, and with it comes prison time.
What is Considered a Controlled Substance in California?
Controlled substances in California include over one hundred specifically named “drugs” including, but not limited to:
Hallucinogenic Substances
- Cocaine
- Cocaine Base
- Dimethoxy-Amphetamine
- Ethylamphetamine
- Fenethylline
- Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid
- Marijuana
- Mescaline
- Peyote
- Psilocybin (Mushrooms)
Opiates & Opium Derivatives
- Codeine Methylbromide
- Desomorphine
- Dihydrocodeine
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Methadone
- Methyldihydromorphine
- Morphine Methylbromide
- Myrophine
- Nicocodeine
- Oxycodone
Stimulants
- Amphetamine
- Benzphetamine
- Dimethylamphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy)
Steroids
- Androisoxazole
- Chorionic Gonadotropin (HGC)
- Dihydromesterone
- Ketamine
- Nandrolone
- Testosterone
Depressants
- Amobarbital
- Lysergic Acid
- Phenylcyclohexyl Piperidine (PCP)
- Piperidinocyclohexane Carbonitrile (PCC)
- Pphenylcyclohexyl Morpholine (PCM)
If you have been arrested for drug trafficking in California, do not attempt to handle the charges on your own. Invoke your right to remain silent and contact our experienced drug trafficking defense attorney in San Diego right away. The sooner we can review your arrest, the evidence, and the unique circumstances of your case, the quicker we can begin establishing a strategic defense on your behalf.
Contact us today to get started, so you can put your best foot forward without delay.
Our skilled San Diego criminal defense attorney represents clients in the following practice areas:
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Driving Under the Influence
- Drug Crimes
- Expungement
- Federal Crimes
- White Collar & Fraud Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Professional Licensing Defense
- Sex Crimes
- Theft & Burglary
What are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking Charges in California?
All drug trafficking charges, and conviction penalties are unique to the individual who has been arrested for the crime.
Statutory penalties for drug trafficking felonies may include:
- Jail or Prison Time: 3 to 5 years in county jail or 2-4 years in state prison
- Probation: 3 to 5 years
- Community Service: Amount as determined by the court
- Fines: Up to $20,000
Additional penalties if convicted include, but are not limited to:
- Losing the right to possess a firearm.
- Losing the right to vote.
- Losing the right to sit on a jury.
- Losing the right to hold public office.
- Requirement to provide law enforcement with a DNA sample to maintain on file.
- Immigration consequences, including denial of an immigration application or visa if you are not an Americanized citizen.
- Suspension or revocation of professional licenses.
- Permanent felony record as a drug offender, even after completing the sentence.
- Difficulty obtaining federal financial aid.
- Civil consequences, including trouble obtaining or maintaining child custody.
In addition, aggravating factors may increase the legal penalties, including:
- Transporting certain quantities of controlled substances, namely heroin or cocaine.
- Selling controlled substances to a minor.
- Drug trafficking near drug treatment facilities.
- Selling or furnishing drugs to those who are pregnant, have mental health disorders, or have been previously convicted of a felony.
Drug trafficking is prohibited under federal law, too. If you have been arrested for drug trafficking, you may be prosecuted on the federal level if the drugs were transported across state lines or an international border, were distributed in an area classified as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or there was a substantial amount of methamphetamine involved.
If you have been arrested for drug trafficking charges anywhere in California, it is imperative to retain experienced legal counsel right away to assist in mitigating your charges and potential penalties. We can help. Contact our skilled drug trafficking attorney in San Diego to pursue the best outcome for your unique case in state or federal court today.
What is the Best Legal Defense for Drug Trafficking Charges in California?
Several factors must be considered when defending drug trafficking charges in California.
First, it is to prove the legal standard for drug trafficking charges has not been met.
That may include proving our clients:
- Did Not Possess the Controlled Substance.
- Did Not Intend to Sell The Controlled Substance.
- Were Arrested Without Sufficient Evidence.
- Were Entrapped by Law Enforcement.
At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our skilled drug trafficking attorney provides customized legal solutions for each of our client’s unique charges and overall needs in both state and federal court. No two drug trafficking cases are the same, and each must be examined with a fresh approach to delivering results that positively impact our clients’ lives.
Some of our most recent drug trafficking client victories include:
- Federal Drug Conspiracy: Case Dismissed
- Federal Distribution of Methamphetamine: Case Dismissed
- Federal Importation of Methamphetamine into the United States: Case Dismissed
- Possession of Drugs with Intent to Distribute: Case Dismissed After Suppression Hearing
- California Felony Possession and Transportation of Heroin: Charges Dropped
- Felony Drug Sales While Personally Armed With a Firearm: Probation and No Jail Time
- Felony Possession and Transportation of Cocaine by DACA Individual: Case Reduced to Misdemeanor Possession
- Federal Drug Trafficking: Record Minimum Sentence
- Possession and Transportation of a Controlled Substance: Sentence Reduced
If you have been charged with drug trafficking in California, do not leave your case, your future, or your freedom to chance. Contact our skilled San Diego criminal defense attorney at the Griffin Law Office, APC to learn more about your legal rights by calling 619-269-2131 to discuss the details of your case today.
