How Cocaine Offenses are Treated in Court
For many years, California law imposed harsher penalties when the crime involved crack cocaine rather than powder cocaine. That continues to be true under federal law, although recent reforms have eliminated some of that disparity. Responding to concerns that the disparity is driven by racism more than sensible policy (given that powder is perceived as a “white” drug while crack is more prevalent in nonwhite communities), California enacted the Fair Sentencing Act in 2014 to put an end to the crack/powder sentencing disparity.
Unfortunately, while California’s sentencing reform made the law more equitable, it did not address the underlying problem. California still uses the criminal justice system to address a public health problem. Penalties for cocaine crimes continue to be harsh. Cocaine users who need drug counselors find that they have a more urgent need for a drug defense attorney.
Possession, Dealing, Trafficking, & DUI Penalties in Orange County
Law Offices of Randy Collins assists individuals who are arrested or prosecuted for all California crimes involving cocaine, including:
- Sale or transportation of cocaine. A conviction of selling cocaine carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. Transporting cocaine across more than two counties carries a maximum sentence of nine years.
- Possession of cocaine for sale. A conviction of possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it carries a maximum sentence of four years.
- Possession of cocaine for personal use. A conviction of possessing cocaine for your own use carries a maximum sentence of three years.
- Being or driving under the influence of cocaine. Merely using cocaine subjects you to a maximum sentence of one year. Driving under the influence of cocaine carries additional penalties that affect your driving privileges.
Fortunately, defenses can be raised to charges involving cocaine. Defenses to the charge of selling cocaine include mistaken identity and false accusations made by unreliable witnesses. Charges of possession for sale fail when the prosecution is unable to prove that the accused did not possess the cocaine for personal use. Successful defenses to all cocaine charges are often based on challenges to illegal searches and arrests.
Drug diversion programs and other alternatives to conviction and incarceration are available when the charge involves the use or personal possession of cocaine. In more serious cases, negotiating from a position of strength often results in reduced charges and avoidance of prison time.
Orange County Cocaine Defense Lawyers
Whether you are a recreational user, an addict, a dealer who never uses drugs, or an innocent bystander caught up in a drug sweep, an arrest for a cocaine crime exposes you to serious consequences. Our skilled and experienced Orange County lawyers can help you build a strong legal defense and aggressively fight for your interests.
Call our office at (844) 524-4011 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation today.
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