It is illegal to possess, sell or traffic cocaine in California. If you are caught with this substance, you could face a variety of penalties such as a fine, probation or incarceration. The severity of your sentence will depend on the amount of cocaine you're found...
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Drug Crimes
The trouble with field drug tests
If the police see a vehicle operating erratically in California, they might pull the driver over. A sobriety check could follow, and the driver may face a subsequent arrest. Results from roadside field tests for drugs may support the validity of the arrest and serve...
Heroin laws in California
In California, heroin, like most opium derivatives, is considered a Schedule I controlled substance. The Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code, outlines the drug laws and penalties in the state. Simple possession of...
Decriminalizing drug use during pregnancy
Doctors in California are calling for an end to state laws that criminalize the use of drugs during pregnancy. This is in response to findings by medical experts that the existing laws are outdated and unduly strict. While the use of drugs during pregnancy remains a...
Drug addiction and adverse childhood experiences
Adverse childhood experiences can cause trauma, which can play a role in substance abuse. It's important to look at any California drug crimes through this lens to determine what the proper legal consequences will be for these crimes. The definition of adverse...
Marijuana use and its impact on driving simulator performance
Some people in California feel marijuana is a safe drug that allows users to function competently while under the influence, including safely driving a car. While this could be true for some people, getting high effects each person differently. Researchers have...
What are the possible punishments for heroin in California?
Heroin is a Schedule I narcotic in California, which means that there aren't any accepted medical uses for it. Crimes involving heroin are often felonies, but they may be misdemeanors in certain situations. Misdemeanor versus felony Heroin drug crimes are usually a...
The difference between state and federal drug charges
Drug charges are some of the most common and serious allegations that people face in California. There are a wide variety of penalties and complex legal arrangements associated with these charges. One distinction is that between state and federal drug crime charges....
What to know about California drug laws
While California has lighter sentencing on possession of controlled substances, the penalties for cultivating, manufacturing and intent to distribute are harsher. It helps to know the basics of the state's drug laws in case a person gets charged. Overview California...
CA bill SB-73 bill ends mandatory minimum for some drug crimes
Residents of Vista and other nearby areas of Northern California may want to learn more about the bill, SB-73, that is effective on January 1, 2022. It had recent passage and ends the minimum sentencing that is mandatory for nonviolent drug offenses. Lawyers, such as...