In California, drug distribution charges, or the transportation or sale of drugs and controlled substances, are serious matters that can have far-reaching consequences. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be facing charges on the state or federal level. A conviction can impact your future, limiting your ability to obtain employment, housing, or pursue educational opportunities. If you’re facing drug distribution charges in San Diego or surrounding areas, it’s in your best interest to obtain legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Bernal Law.
As a former Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office and decade-long prosecutor, Attorney Pedro Bernal, Esq. understands the intricacies of California and federal drug distribution laws. Our San Diego drug distribution attorneys have helped countless clients obtain favorable outcomes by implementing personalized legal strategies to lessen penalties or drop charges. Let us fight for your freedom and future by handling all aspects of your case.
California Drug Distribution Laws
Drug distribution involves the sale, transportation, import, export, or exchange of controlled substances or illegal drugs. In California, this offense is prosecuted vigorously to curb drug-related crimes. If you are arrested for felony drug distribution, law enforcement has reasonable belief you possess illegal drugs with the intent to sell.
The DEA targets the following illegal drugs and controlled substances:
- Large quantities of marijuana imported or exported across the Mexican border
- MDMA imported from drug organizations in Asia
- Large quantities of various types of drugs distributed at once
- Mexican black tar heroin in quantities under five pounds
- Distribution of controlled substance medications
You may be charged with a drug distribution felony that carries a penalty of up to five years in prison if it is transported from one location to another in the same town, or up to nine years in prison if it is transported across two California counties.
Drug Distribution Penalties
If you are charged with drug distribution, penalties will depend on California’s sentencing guidelines. Generally, drug distribution is a felony offense, with up to five years imprisonment. However, the following factors and a prior criminal history may also affect the potential penalties you may face:
- Type of drug or controlled substance distributed
- The amount distributed
- Location of distribution operation
- If you employed a minor
Working with an experienced San Diego drug distribution lawyer at Bernal Law can help increase your chances of minimizing penalties and potentially having charges dropped altogether, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Potential Defense Strategies for Drug Distribution Charges
When facing drug distribution charges, the guidance and focused knowledge that a San Diego drug distribution lawyer provides are invaluable. Our ability to navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and craft a robust defense strategy can influence the outcome of your case.
The following are potential defense strategies our San Diego drug distribution attorneys can explore depending on the unique details of your case:
- Illegal search and seizure: If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated by law enforcement carrying out an illegal search or seizure, evidence obtained as a result of the violation may be suppressed. This can weaken the prosecution’s case significantly.
- Lack of possession or knowledge: We can argue that you were not aware of the presence of drugs or did not have control over them. For example, if the drugs were found in a shared space, you may be able to challenge possession.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have engaged in, we can argue entrapment, asserting you were coerced or manipulated into committing the offense.
- Mistaken identity: We may present evidence or witnesses to show you were mistakenly identified as the person involved in drug distribution.
- Chain of custody issues: Our San Diego drug distribution attorneys may challenge the authenticity or integrity of the evidence by questioning the chain of custody.
- Lack of intent to distribute: The prosecution is required to prove you had the intent to distribute drugs. If we can prove the drugs were for personal use or other lawful purposes, it can weaken the distribution charge.
- Violation of Miranda Rights: If you were not properly informed of your Miranda Rights during your arrest and subsequent questioning, any statements you made might be inadmissible in court.
- Duress or coercion: If you were forced to engage in drug distribution under threat of harm to yourself or your loved ones, we may argue you acted under duress and should be held fully responsible.
- Insufficient evidence: San Diego drug distribution attorney may challenge the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, arguing it does not meet the required standard to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
It’s important to note that the viability of these defenses can vary based on the specifics of your case. The highly qualified drug distribution lawyer in San Diego at Bernal Law will thoroughly assess the circumstances and evidence to determine the most effective defense strategy for your situation.
Contact the Experienced San Diego Drug Distribution Lawyer at Bernal Law
When your freedom is at stake, it’s essential to partner with a San Diego drug distribution lawyer with years of experience and knowledge behind them. At Bernal Law, we tirelessly fight to ensure your rights are upheld, and you obtain the most favorable outcome.
Call us today at (619) 736-9092 or fill out a contact form for a free consultation. Our San Diego drug distribution attorneys are fluent in both English and Spanish.
