Punishment for Possession of Meth in Ventura – HS 11377(a)
Possession of methamphetamine is a violation of California Health and Safety Code section 11377(a). If you have been charged with possession of meth in Ventura, it is important that you hire a team of defense attorneys with experience in drug possession cases. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 40 years of experience defending possession of methamphetamine cases. We are ready to answer any questions you have about your possession of meth charge.
In order to convict you of possession of meth, the prosecution must prove that:
1. You unlawfully possessed a controlled substance
2. You knew of its presence
3. You knew of the substance’s nature or character as a controlled substance
4. The controlled substance was methamphetamine; AND
5. The controlled substance was of a usable amount
The sentencing and punishment for meth possession in Ventura can be severe. A conviction for possession of meth can lead to a jail sentence. Below is a more detailed explanation of the levels of punishment for various categories of meth possession.
Sentencing for Possession of Meth in Ventura
According to the California Health and Safety Code section 11377, the sentencing for possession of methamphetamine depends on whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Possession of methamphetamine is considered a “wobbler” in California. That means that possession of meth can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor offense depending upon the facts of your case, the amount of methamphetamine found to be in your possession, and your prior criminal history.
• Misdemeanor meth possession is punishable by up to one year in county jail and can include a fine of up to $1,000
• Felony meth possession is punishable by up to 3 years in county jail and can include a fine of up to $1,000
Reduced Sentencing for Possession of Meth
Fortunately, depending on the circumstances of your particular case, an experienced criminal defense law firm like Wallin & Klarich may be able to secure a substantially reduced sentence. Instead of a jail sentence, the court may:
• Place you on probation
• Place you on probation with no jail time, but order you to complete community service, a work release program, and attend drug counseling or substance abuse classes
• Place you on formal probation and assign you a probation officer; OR
• Offer you a drug diversion program and dismiss the charges against you once you complete the program. (See California Penal Code section 1000)
Ventura Meth Possession Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know has been accused of possession of methamphetamine in Ventura, you need to contact an experienced Ventura meth possession defense attorney who will carefully review the facts of your case to give you the best representation possible. With offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura, Wallin & Klarich has over 40 years of experience in defending our clients against meth possession charges. We will carefully review the evidence against you and help protect your legal rights.
If you are facing prosecution for meth possession in Ventura, call our skilled defense attorneys today at 877-4-NO-JAIL or 877-466-5245. We can get through this together.
