Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. With the passing of Proposition 47 in California most cases of possession of methamphetamine—meaning possession of the drug for personal use—are charged as misdemeanors, with up to a year of jail time if convicted. But it’s a much different story when you are charged with possessing methamphetamine for sale, which is a felony that can result in a lengthy prison sentence. This is why if you are facing charges of possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell you need a drug defense lawyer on your side. The attorneys at the Law Offices of William Kroger have lengthy experience helping clients accused of selling methamphetamine and ensuring that they do not have to end up in prison. Having a knowledgeable Los Angeles drug defense lawyer on your side is crucial to your future. Contact us today for a free consultation at (313)-655-5700.

Methamphetamine Law Enforcement and Prosecution

California Health and Safety Code 11378 makes it a felony to possess methamphetamine for sale. But what distinguishes a person who is possessing meth for personal use from a person who is possessing meth for sale? There are a number of factors that law enforcement take into consideration when determining whether someone is a recreational user or whether he or she is a dealer.

Some of the main factors are:

1. Quantity: Possessing a large quantity of methamphetamine sets off alarm bells and gives police enough reason to suspect that you are selling the drug rather than using it yourself.
2. Money: Having large quantities of cash, especially in small denominations, will make police take notice and make you a potential drug-dealing suspect.
3. Packaging: If you have methamphetamine separated into multiple little baggies that are equal in weight, and scales to weigh them, law enforcement is going to assume that you’re selling the product.
4. Suspicious behavior: If you are caught lingering or hanging around an area that is known for drug sales you are more likely to be charged with possession to sell methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine is closely linked with violent crime, gang activity and drug wars which is why it’s carefully monitored by law enforcement, who dedicate an extraordinary amount of resources, time and money to fighting against these crimes. There are specific divisions that are exclusively dedicated to eliminating the sales of methamphetamine. There are also sentencing enhancements for repeat offenders, offenses involving large meth amounts and offenses involving meth and firearms together.

Methamphetamine Possession for Sale Penalties in Los Angeles

Possession of methamphetamine for sale is a felony in California and it carries a sentence of up to 3 years in state prison and $10,000 in fines. Green Card or Visa holders are also subject to deportation if convicted of possessing methamphetamine for sale.

Defense Strategies for Sale of Methamphetamine

Being accused of selling methamphetamine is a serious charge, but if you have an experienced Los Angeles drug defense lawyer on your side there is a variety of defenses they can argue on your behalf.

Some common defense strategies for sale of methamphetamine are:

1. Illegal Search and Seizure: you were searched without probable cause or without a warrant.
2. Drugs Were Not Yours: maybe you were pulled over in a car and meth was found inside, but it’s possible that the car was used by other people and you didn’t even know the meth was in there.
3. Drugs Were For Personal Use: your lawyer can argue that the drugs you had were for personal use which can get the charge reduced from possession to sell to just a possession, taking the charge from a felony down to a misdemeanor and giving your lawyer a chance to get you into a drug diversion program instead of doing jail time.

Our Drug Defense Experience

In 2011, Mr. Kroger represented a young woman who was accused of possession of meth for sale. Although her situation seemed dire, we were able to get her case reduced to a misdemeanor and no jail time. It was expunged at the end of her probation. That client now has a college degree and stable job. Being charged with this serious crime can be terrifying, but it doesn’t need to negatively impact your life forever. Having a good attorney who will fight to help you get the best possible results in regards to your case is crucial on your road to recovery.

Because methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that makes it difficult to quit, our attorneys strongly push for rehabilitation treatments versus prison sentences. We advocate for rehabilitation instead of punishment in all drug cases. In many instances, we can work out a treatment option for clients that were initially facing prison time.

Contact A Los Angeles Drug Defense Lawyer

Getting charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale is a very serious offense in California. When you are charged with a meth crime, you want an attorney who has represented dozens of people in your same situation with the same judge and prosecutor you will be in front of. You want an attorney who has always been a criminal defense lawyer. You want an attorney that advocates for treatment and rehabilitation in meth cases, rather than punishment and retribution. You need a Los Angeles drug defense lawyer on your side as soon as possible. Contact the Law Offices of William Kroger today at (313)-655-5700 for a free consultation.