Articles Posted in Drug Possession

A 29-year-old soap opera actor, and brother of “Captain America” star Chris Evans, has been arrested for allegedly trying to purchase drugs from an undercover officer. According to a news report in The Huffington Post, Scott Evans was arrested in Los Angeles. Officials say the up-and-coming actor was trying to purchase drugs from an undercover LAPD officer. There has been no mention of what types of drugs may have been involved in the arrest. He faces felony charges for attempting to possess a controlled substance.

Under California Health and Safety Code Section 11350, every person who possesses any controlled substance, which is classified in Schedule III, IV, or V which is a narcotic drug, “unless upon the written prescription of a physician, dentist, podiatrist, or veterinarian licensed to practice in this state, shall be punished by imprisonment.” Examples of drugs classified as controlled dangerous substances include: opiates, cocaine, heroin, peyote, hallucinogenic substances, GHB, and controlled prescriptions such as codeine and Vicodin.
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A 54-year-old woman and her 22-year-old daughter were arrested for attempting to smuggle more than 10 pounds of cocaine through Los Angeles International Airport. According to a CBS News report, both women are Spanish citizens who were on their way to Australia. A U.S. Customs officer noticed something unusual in the younger woman’s checked-in luggage. When officers probed packets of chocolate syrup and salad dressing, they found clear plastic bags containing a white paste that tested positive for cocaine. They also found more of the substance in the mother’s baggage. Both women were arrested and charged with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, they could face up to five years in federal prison.

Just possessing any type of controlled substance or narcotic is a crime under California law. Possession of a narcotic with the intent to distribute, sell, or transport is an even more serious crime. Intent to distribute charges are often filed by the prosecution when police officers confiscate large quantities of drugs from a person, when they find large quantities of cash along with the drugs, or find instruments, such as scales or baggies, which indicate that the drugs are meant for distribution or sale.

It is common for innocent people to get arrested or charged with possessing drugs with the intent for sale. In some cases, the drugs may not even belong to the defendant. This could be especially true if you are carrying items for someone else or if someone else packed your bags for you. The consequences of intent to distribute charges can be severe and often include a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines.

Police in Sierra Madre arrested a woman in Arcadia for possession and/or being under the influence of narcotics. According to a news report in The Sierra Madre Patch, police arrested the woman following a traffic stop at the intersection of Don Pablo Drive and Foothill Boulevard the night of February 19. Police say the arrest also involves a possible parole violation. Officials have not said what type of substance the woman was under the influence of at the time of the arrest.

The penalties for drug crimes in Los Angeles County can be extremely severe. The nature and extent of charges in drug arrests will depend on the quantity of drugs confiscated, the defendant’s intent to distribute or sell the drugs, and the defendant’s prior criminal record. If there is a parole violation involved, the penalties could be significantly more severe. Consequences could include lengthy incarceration and other hefty penalties.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a Los Angeles drug crime, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced drug crime defense lawyer who will make sure that your rights are protected.

A 31-year-old man from Ventura County was arrested in a parking lot for possession of methamphetamine on Monday, November 8. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the drug arrest was made near Rose Avenue and Lockwood Street in Oxnard. Police determined that the man had 3 ounces of methamphetamine on his person, which was valued at about $8,600. The man was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine for sale and sales of methamphetamine.

California Health & Safety Code 11378 makes it illegal to possess methamphetamine for sale. It is a felony crime that could result in a state prison sentence. The amount of illegal drugs found determines whether or not the individual will be charged with simple possession or possession with intent to sell. Defendants charged with possession with intent to sell face harsher penalties and have fewer legal options than those facing misdemeanor drug possession charges.

Defendants facing serious meth charges have it in their best interest to retain the services of a knowledgeable drug crime defense lawyer. A skilled drug attorney will determine if the defendant’s rights were violated in any way before, during or after a drug arrest. When illegal search and seizure leads to a drug arrest, there is a good chance that the drug charges will be dropped and the case dismissed.