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Los Angeles Cocaine Charges Defense Attorneys 
Cocaine Charges
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug with dangerous consequences. California drug law defines cocaine as a Schedule II drug and puts it in the same category as morphine, heroine, methadone and methamphetamine. Because of the dangerous nature of the drug, even a simple possession charge is considered a felony in California. Anyone arrested for cocaine possession, use, sale or trafficking would be well-advised to immediately seek the counsel of a skilled Los Angeles drug crimes defense lawyer to examine his or her legal options.
California Cocaine Criminal Charges
Since cocaine is such a dangerous drug, simple possession of cocaine under the California Health & Safety Code 11350, is a felony. Controlled substances covered under this law include heroin, prescription drugs, codeine and cocaine. Under this law, you do not have to use, sell or be under the influence of the drug to be charged with a felony. Possession alone is sufficient.
Depending upon the amount of cocaine found during the arrest, a person may be charged with purchasing cocaine with intent to sell. California Health & Safety Code 11351 deals with the sale of controlled substances. Someone with a large amount of drugs may be charged with intent to sell even if the drugs were purchased for personal use only. Possession of 500 grams of powdered cocaine results in an automatic possession to sell charge and possession of five grams or more of base cocaine may also lead to intent to sell charges.
Penalties for Cocaine Charges
There are many laws related to cocaine. Here are a few examples of penalties relating to cocaine charges:
- Felony possession of cocaine may result in a year in jail or a year of probation and drug rehabilitation.
- Possession of cocaine for sale may result in two to four years in prison. Probation and rehabilitation programs are not offered to offenders facing cocaine sale charges.
- Being arrested for possessing 5 grams of base cocaine or more could result in a mandatory five-year prison term.
- Sale and trafficking of cocaine may result in three to five years in prison. Cutting powdered cocaine for sale can result in seven years of incarceration.
- Fines are also commonly issued in addition to prison sentences. Cocaine fines may add up to several thousands of dollars.
- Cocaine convictions may also lead to a strike under California's Three Strikes Law, which can result in 25 years to life in prison.
Defending Cocaine Charges
If you are facing cocaine possession, sale or trafficking charges, it is crucial to obtain an experienced Los Angeles cocaine defense attorney, who will fight for your rights and ensure that you get a fair trial. A knowledgeable drug crimes defense lawyer will consider if any rights were violated during the arrest, if the search and seizure was legal, if the defendant knowingly possessed the drugs and if law enforcement officials used entrapment to make an arrest.
In cases where the charges cannot be dismissed, the Los Angeles drug crime defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP work to ensure that the charges are lessened and that the charges do not result in a strike under California's Three Strikes Law. Cocaine charges carry serious penalties and it is crucial that you have someone experienced in handling cocaine cases on your side. If you or a loved one is facing serious drug crime charges, please contact our offices today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
If you have been arrested for a cocaine offense then please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844
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Drug Crimes Resource Center
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses Overview
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses FAQs
- Los Angeles Cocaine Charges
- Driving under the Influence of Drugs in Los Angeles
- Drug Diversion Program in Los Angeles
- Drug Paraphernalia Charge in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Drug Possession
- Los Angeles Drug Sales
- Los Angeles Drug Trafficking
- Marijuana Charges in Los Angeles
- Meth Charges in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Prescription Drug Fraud
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses Resources
