What are the Consequences of Drug Trafficking in CA?

May 16, 2024

California is no stranger to the illegal drug trade, with officials seizing over 70,000 fentanyl pills in Southern California just last year.

With illegal substances costing the lives of thousands of people each year, law enforcement is buckling down on the issue. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, you may be facing severe consequences.

If you have been accused of drug trafficking, you need to speak with our California drug crime defense lawyers immediately.

What is Drug Trafficking?

California law makes it illegal to transport, import, or sell a controlled substance. A $32 billion industry, drug trafficking is usually conducted by organized crime groups. When commerce takes place intrastate, the offense is charged as a state crime. If commerce occurred across state lines, you will likely be charged in a federal court.

Drug trafficking is usually tied to other crimes, most commonly money laundering. Drug traffickers often hide their revenue by tying the illegally earned income to legitimate sources. This allows offenders to still report their income but not have their revenue taken away by the government.

Drug Trafficking Penalties

Penalties will depend largely on the type of drug being distributed, the volume of distribution if you have any past offenses, and if you are a minor or an adult.

For example, even though marijuana has been legalized in California, you will be in violation of the law if you are found selling or distributing it. Under California Health and Safety Code §11360, if you are under 18 years old and found trafficking marijuana, you will be sentenced to eight hours of drug education and 40 hours of community service to be completed within 90 days.

If you are 18 years of age or older and convicted of trafficking marijuana, you may be imprisoned in county jail for six months and be fined $500. However, if you have past convictions or were selling illicit substances to a minor, you could be imprisoned for up to four years.

Those convicted of drug trafficking may be sentenced to prison anywhere between three to nine years, with a potential fine of $20,000. If you were caught transporting certain narcotics, such as pentobarbital, ketamine, Xanax, Ativan, or codeine, you would be sentenced to jail for three to five years.

The key point is that the drugs were obtained illegally. If you have a written prescription from a licensed physician, which is possible for certain narcotic drugs, then you will most likely not be prosecuted under the law.

How Can a California Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Assist Me?

Being charged with drug trafficking is scary, but it does mean that you are guilty. A California drug crime defense lawyer will know what defenses are available to you. If we choose to pursue a certain defense, we will gather the necessary evidence to meet the burden of proof required to have your charges dismissed or dropped.

Facing Drug Trafficking Allegations? Contact Our Legal Team Today

Any drug crime charge is serious and should not be taken lightly. If you have been arrested or charged with drug trafficking, do not hesitate to contact our California drug crime defense lawyers. Contact Bamieh & De Smeth online or by calling 805-643-5555 to schedule your complimentary consultation.