Drug Transportation Attorney Orange County
Dedicated to the Success of Our Clients in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino & Los Angeles
Any drug crime accusation is not a matter to be taken lightly, but the circumstances become especially serious if you have been accused of transporting controlled substances. According to California State laws, merely carrying drugs in your vehicle can turn into a serious felony conviction. In fact, prosecutors are well-known for taking what would be a normal possession charge and blowing it far out of proportion.
Unfortunately, when it comes to drug cases, both the jury and the judge often succumb to stereotypical bias that the defendant is guilty. This is why you need powerful drug transportation attorneys in Orange County on your case.
Every second counts—get the legal help you need now! Contact us at (844) 285-9559 to speak with an experienced attorney who will fight for you.
What Does “Transporting Controlled Substances” Mean?
It may seem clear what the accusation of “transporting controlled substances” entails, but it is crucial to know every facet and angle which the prosecutor will try to use against you. According to California State Laws, the moment you are found with illegal substances in your automobile, you instantly run the risk of also being accused of illegal transportation. It does not matter how short a distance you are traveling, or whether you are using a car, motorbike, or any other form of transportation. All of these modes are equally subject of being penalized.
Penalties for Drug Transportation in CA
While California HSC Code §11352 states that whoever has been involved in transporting drugs is liable to be punished, not all penalties have the same severity. Particularly if you are being accused of a driving felony for the first time, you actually have options available that are less damaging in the long run.
Some of the possible penalties which new offenders could receive include:
- A period of formal probation
- Three to five years of being incarcerated under the California realignment program
- Three to nine years of being imprisoned if you carried drugs across at least two different county lines in California
Common Defenses Against Drug Transportation Charges
If you’ve been accused of drug transportation, you are not automatically guilty. Several defense strategies can challenge the charges against you, including:
- Lack of Knowledge – You may not have known the drugs were in your vehicle. If someone else placed them there without your knowledge, this could be a strong defense.
- Illegal Search and Seizure – Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when searching your vehicle. If they violated your Fourth Amendment rights, any evidence they found could be thrown out.
- Entrapment – If an undercover officer or informant pressured you into transporting drugs, this might qualify as entrapment, which is illegal.
- Insufficient Evidence – The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly transported drugs. If their evidence is weak or unreliable, your charges could be reduced or dismissed.
Differences Between Drug Possession and Drug Transportation
Understanding the difference between possession and transportation is crucial because the penalties vary:
- Drug Possession – Having a controlled substance for personal use. Depending on the amount and type of drug, this could result in a misdemeanor or felony charge.
- Drug Transportation – Moving controlled substances from one location to another, even a short distance. This is considered a more serious crime and can lead to felony charges.
- Key Legal Implications – Transporting drugs carries harsher penalties than possession, often resulting in longer prison sentences and higher fines. Even if you didn’t intend to sell the drugs, you could still face severe consequences.
The Impact of a Conviction on Your Future
A drug transportation conviction can have long-term consequences, affecting various aspects of your life, including:
- Employment – Many employers run background checks. A felony conviction could make it difficult to find a job.
- Professional Licenses – If you work in a licensed profession (such as healthcare or law), a conviction could lead to suspension or revocation of your license.
- Immigration Consequences – Non-citizens convicted of drug transportation may face deportation or be denied U.S. citizenship.
If you’re facing drug transportation charges, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference in protecting your future.
Defense Against a Drug Transportation Accusation in CA
A prosecutor may be able to prove that you were aware of a drug’s presence on your person, or even that you understood the drug’s nature and potential risks. However, trying to demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that you were transporting the drugs with the intention of receiving payment is much more difficult to prove.
WHY WE'RE THE RIGHT CHOICE
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Over 45 years of Collective Experience
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Former Deputy District Attorney
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Impressive Track Record of Results
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Highly Respected by Peers and Clients
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Free Initial Consultation
GET DEFENSE FROM AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF ATTORNEYS
Over the years our firm has earned numerous awards and accolades for delivering outstanding legal representation. Some of our awards include: Admission to The National Top Trial Lawyers Association since 2014, AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb Rating, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys Award "10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction" in 2018, Nationally Ranked Top 100 Under 40 in California Attorney Award in 2017, Member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2018, Martindale-Hubbell Accredited Law Firm, Distinguished in Orange County Metro "Top Attorneys" section, and Featured in Orange Coast Magazine in April 2010 as one of "Orange County's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys".
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