California Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

An Undercover operation in Santa Ana, which lasted approximately 1 year, ended with the arrest of 16 people on suspicion of being involved in illegal distribution of narcotics. The distribution of narcotics operation included distributing crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.

Transporting, importing and selling or distributing controlled substances is a felony in California. This is also known as drug trafficking. The trasportation of narcotics is when an individual or group knowingly transfers the substances from one place to another. Whether the amount is small or large, transporting drugs is considered a seirous offense. Drug distribution is the act of selling narcotics to others.

The consequences of drug transportation and/or distribution vary depending on several factors. Some of the mitigating factors are: 1. The type of drug, 2. the location, 3. the amount, and 4. whether or not minors are involved. Importing large quantities of narcotics from another country face the most severe penalties.

Consequences of being convicted of drug transportation, drug distribution also known as drug trafficing, may include a long prison sentence, large fines, parole/probation, registration as a narcotics offender, forfeiture of assets, drug testing, rehab, counseling, search and seizure of property, deportation (if not a U.S. citizen) and more.

A good criminal defense attorney, in this case, an Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney, specializing in Distribution of Narcotics, will be aware of the important factors listed above. In addition, an attorney specializing in drug trafficing will look closely at two important facts, the quantity of drugs and prior criminal record, specifically prior drug convictions. The quantity will point to the question of whether or not the drugs were for personal use or distribution. Someone with a prior conviction of sales of narcotics, could be facing a minimum 3 year enhancement, which is added to the time he would serve if convicted on the new drug charge.

An experienced criminal defense attorney, specializing in Narcotics Distribution, Drug Transportation and/or Drug Trafficking will be well aware and equipped to utilize the best defenses and/or sentence alternatives to get the best result possible. For example, drug treatment would be more appropriate than jail time. Especially for non-violent indviduals who may suffer with a drug problem. Depending upon the situation, there are alternatives. In California, if you qualify, you could be eligible for Proposition 36 which would allow substance abuse treatment instead of jail time. DEJ, or Diversion, is another alternative which would allow the case to be dismissed after a period of time if all requirements were fulfilled. There is also Drug Court which is a program that involves supervision and treatment.

There are alternatives and therefore, it is critical that anyone being charged which a seriuos drug charge needs the representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney.