How to Find Information on the Penalty for Drug Dealing in California

Anyone who contributes to the production, packaging, distribution or sale of narcotics can be charged with drug dealing in California. The penalty for distributing drugs is usually prison, and drug dealers are rarely given probation in California, even for first-time offenses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Legal counsel

1. Determine the variables of the charges against you. The penalties for drug dealing in California vary, and your specific sentence will be determined by the amount of drugs in your possession and the exact classification of these drugs.
2. Consider your options as you face charges. Drug dealing is considered a felony in California, regardless of the amount or type of drug you sold. In most cases, even first-time offenders will have difficulties getting this charge reduced to a misdemeanor, which carries a lighter sentence.
3. Find out about specific California codes that deal with the sale of illegal drugs by browsing the California penal code. You can perform a search of the penal code at the official California Legislative Information Web site (see Resources below).
4. Contact a competent attorney with experience handling drug dealing cases in California. Your attorney should be able to provide concrete information about common drug dealing penalties in the state.
5. Visit your local legal aid clinic for low-cost or free legal counsel. You need to know more about the penalty for drug dealing in California to come up with a concrete defense for your case. You can locate a nearby legal aid clinic on the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site (see Resources below).
6. Know your rights. Even if you have been charged with intent to sell illegal drugs, you still have fundamental civil rights under the United States Constitution. The American Civil Liberties Union can tell you if your rights have been violated (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If you have been charged with drug dealing in California, you have the right to a speedy trial. You also have the right to reasonable notice of public hearings regarding your case.
• Since drug dealing is considered a felony, a conviction may limit your eligibility for college or a job after your release.