Drug Possession Drug Distribution Possession with Intent to Sell Drug Trafficking Misdemeanor Drug Charges Felony Drug Charges Cultivation of Marijuana Drug Manufacturing Drug Diversion

Los Angeles Meth Defense Lawyers

Meth Charges

California meth charges have very stiff penalties, making it extremely important for anyone facing this type of charge to contact an attorney immediately after arrest. An experienced Los Angeles drug crime defense attorney can help protect your rights and build a strong defense against the charges.

Methamphetamines

The United States Controlled Substances Act includes methamphetamines, which are also called speed, crystal meth, glass, meth, chalk, crank, rock and crystal. Because of the prevalence of meth users and meth labs in California, prosecutors are very tough on those charged with meth possession, sales or manufacturing.

California Methamphetamine Charges

Under the California Health & Safety Code, a prosecutor can charge someone arrested for meth possession or sale with more than one crime depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Section 11377 covers the charge for possession of methamphetamine and section 11378 covers possession with the intent to sell methamphetamine. Both have a possible penalty of 16 months to three years in prison.

PLEASE CALL US - WE CAN HELP YOU 1-866-790-5858

Selling methamphetamine carries harsher penalties than simply having the drug in your possession. Section 11379 prohibits the sale of methamphetamine to others. This charge includes transporting or importing meth, furnishing meth to others, giving meth away or administering meth to another person. A conviction for this charge carries a possible penalty of two to four years in prison. Manufacturing methamphetamine results in the harshest penalties. Someone convicted of this offense faces a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for up to seven years.

Related Charges

Prosecutors sometimes tack on additional related charges depending on the circumstances of the case. Using a false compartment in a vehicle to transport or store methamphetamine is a misdemeanor charge under section 11366.8a and has a possible penalty of 16 months to three years in prison. Loitering in a public place with intent to commit a narcotics offense is also a misdemeanor under section 11352 of the Health & Safety Code.

Methamphetamine Sentencing Enhancements

Sentencing enhancements increase the potential penalties for this type of charge. Someone with prior drug convictions may face a sentence enhancement. Meth cases that involve high quantities of methamphetamine, minors, certain locations and firearms are also eligible for sentencing enhancements.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony

California law makes distinctions between misdemeanor meth offenses and felony meth offenses. The sentencing structure for these offenses allows a judge to impose a sentence based on the facts of each individual case. Possible sentences for meth convictions have lower, middle and upper terms. The judge also considers aggravating factors, which could add to the penalties imposed and mitigating factors, which could result in leniency.

Legal Strength Building Effective Defense Cases

Because the California drug laws are so complex, anyone charged with a meth-related offense should seek the advice of experienced legal counsel. The Los Angeles meth charge defense lawyers at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP have the experience needed to handle misdemeanor and felony drug cases. We may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dropped completely. Contact us at 1-866-790-5858 to discuss your case at no cost. There is no obligation and all information will be kept confidential.

Name:
Phone:
E-mail Address:
Case Summary:

Anti-spam question:


 

FAQs

In the News

Legal Links / Resources

Retainers & Fees

Offices / Directions

Attorney Profiles

Sitemap