Del Mar Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

Fighting Drug Crime Charges in Del Mar

In Spanish, Del Mar means “of the sea.” The small community of Del Mar, CA offers spectacular beaches, along with fine dining, unique shops, luxury hotels, and Tudor-style architecture with old-world charm. Del Mar attractions include horse races, the San Diego County Fair, hot air balloon rides, and the Saturday farmer’s market, offering fresh flowers, produce, and seafood.

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Why Drug Crimes Might Be an Issue in Del Mar, CA

Although recreational and medical use of marijuana has been legalized, California is still tough on drug crimes. Law enforcement fights the war on drugs even more aggressively in areas such as Del Mar, which is located only 20 miles north of the Mexican border. Drug crimes may carry heavy penalties upon conviction.

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What Activities Qualify as Drug Crimes in San Diego County?

Individuals aged 21 and older can purchase up to a small amount of cannabis for recreational use – 28.5 grams of plant material or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. Otherwise, it is a criminal offense to possess, sell, traffic, distribute, or manufacture a controlled substance in California. Activities that constitute crimes include:

• Drug possession: Controlled substances are classified in schedules according to how dangerous they are, how great the threat of addiction, and whether they have a valid medical use. Possession of a controlled substance (excluding a small amount of cannabis for personal use) is a criminal offense in California. Examples of controlled substance categories include the following:
  • Mescaline, heroin, and LSD are Schedule I drugs (the most dangerous category).
  • Methamphetamine, cocaine, and opium are included in Schedule II.
  • Testosterone, depressants, and anabolic steroids are Schedule III substances.
  • Sedatives, tranquilizers, and prescription drugs are included in Schedule IV.
  • Tylenol with codeine and other drugs with relatively low risk of dependency are classified in Schedule V.
• Possession with intent to sell: To convict a person of this offense, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was aware of the controlled substance, knew it was illegal, possessed enough of it to indicate intent to sell, and did in fact intend to sell it.
• Drug distribution or trafficking: The crime of drug distribution encompasses the sale or transportation of controlled substances or illegal drugs. Drug trafficking involves crossing state lines while importing, transporting, selling, furnishing, administering, or giving away illegal drugs.
• Manufacturing or cultivation: This category of drug crime includes cultivation of marijuana and manufacturing of methamphetamine. Under California law, “manufacturing” means propagation, compounding, preparation, production, conversion, or processing of a controlled substance.

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Penalties for Drug Crimes Upon Conviction in Del Mar

Charges and penalties upon conviction for drug crimes can vary widely, depending on the offense, the type and amount of illegal substance, the purpose for possession, and the defendant’s criminal record. Proposition 47 passed in 2014 made many drug possession offenses punishable as misdemeanors. Penalties may include up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Possession with intent to sell is charged as a felony and carries heavier penalties, which may include a mandatory one-year jail sentence, probation, steep fines, and longer imprisonment in some cases. Manufacturing drugs is a felony offense, punishable by three, five, or seven years in state prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

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Why You Need an Attorney

If you have been charged with a drug crime, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced Del Mar criminal defense attorney at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys can thoroughly investigate your case, evaluating evidence, witnesses, and surrounding circumstances to fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us at (760) 630-2000 to arrange for a free initial consultation with a lawyer who is a board certified criminal law specialist and former LAPD narcotics officer.

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