Call the Law Office of Michael J. Aed at 559-495-9320 to learn how we can help you.

Penalties For Drug Trafficking And Sales In California

The sentence you may face depends on the amount and type of controlled substance involved. There are several factors that can aggravate the charges, such as if minors were involved or if the alleged drug sale occurred near school grounds. Any previous convictions can escalate the charges and penalties as well. Drug trafficking is a felony and can mean 1 to 5 years in prison, as well as potential fines. Drug distribution, transport or sale, are felonies punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison. If it involves trafficking drugs across county lines, this can mean 3 to 9 years prison. Some example substances can illustrate the penalties you are likely to face if charged with drug sales.

• Marijuana: The delivery or sale of marijuana is always a felony. A conviction could mean 2 to 4 years in prison, and if the sale was to a minor, this could entail 3 to 7 years in prison. Even a gift of marijuana is a misdemeanor on your record and a fine of $100.
• Cocaine: This drug is a Schedule I controlled substance, and as such, is subject to some of the harshest penalties in California for drug crimes. If cocaine is sold to a minor, then this can lead to a sentence of at least 3 years and up to 9 years of imprisonment. If the sale or delivery was within a thousand feet of a school, then 3, 4, or 5 years could be added to the sentence. It is an additional year in prison if the sale took place upon the grounds of a day care, school, church, synagogue, or youth center. The transport of cocaine can entail 3 to 9 years in prison.
• Heroin: Sale of this Schedule I controlled substance to a minor can mean 3, 5, 7, or 9 years in prison. A court can also add 3, 4, or 5 years to a sentence if the sale took place within 1,000 feet of school grounds. If the sale took place on the actual grounds of a school, day care, church, synagogue, etc., then another year is added to the sentence. The offender could also be fined up to $50,000. Transport of heroin across county lines can mean up to 9 years in prison.

Whatever the charge, if you are convicted of a felony, then this will be a stain on your record. This will appear every time someone runs a background check on you. Life as a convicted felon can make it intensely difficult to land a job or find a decent place to live.

Retain A Tenacious Fresno Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

We are committed to providing a solid defense to all of our clients, and we have the potential ability to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Attorney Michael Aed has defended clients in criminal cases throughout his career. He was named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list through the National Trial Lawyers. He will work diligently on your case.

Call Aggressive Criminal Defense For Your Drug Case

If you are faced with a drug sale charge and need an aggressive drug crime defense attorney, look to the Law Office of Michael J. Aed. Do not hesitate to learn more about what we can do for you.

Fill out the free case evaluation offered online, and call us as soon as possible. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 559-495-9320 or by email. We will either answer or someone will return your call promptly.