If you’ve been arrested on a drug charge in California, the amount of the substance involved can shape the entire outcome of your case. Whether it’s a small personal stash or a larger amount, drug quantity is a key factor that determines how serious the charges will be and what kind of penalties you might face.
At RP Defense Law APC, we understand the stakes, and we don’t waste time. Every drug case demands a sharp legal strategy from the start. Call us now at (818) 646-3443 for a free discovery call.
In California and under federal law, the weight of the drugs is often the deciding factor in how a case is charged. A smaller amount may be treated as simple possession, while a larger quantity can lead to accusations of possession with intent to sell or even trafficking. It doesn’t always matter what your true intentions are. Prosecutors often use quantity to infer what you were allegedly planning to do.
For example, having under a gram of cocaine might suggest personal use, while several grams, especially when paired with things like baggies or cash, could support a charge of intent to sell. With methamphetamine, anything over an ounce can lead to felony charges, even for someone with no prior criminal record.
Additionally, authorities usually weigh the entire substance, not just the pure drug. If a pill contains trace amounts of a controlled substance mixed with other ingredients, the total weight still counts. This means people are often hit with harsher charges than the actual drug content would warrant.
Drug cases in California can be handled in either state or federal court, depending in part on the quantity. State courts tend to focus more on rehabilitation for first-time, low-level offenders. However, when larger quantities are involved, or when there’s evidence of transportation across state lines, the case may shift into federal jurisdiction, where the rules are stricter and the penalties steeper.
Federal law uses “threshold amounts” that trigger mandatory minimum prison sentences. Even if you didn’t intend to distribute the drug, possession over these limits could push your case into the mandatory sentencing territory, often without the possibility of probation or diversion.
Drug quantity isn’t the only thing prosecutors consider, but it’s often the starting point. Prosecutors will typically look at additional evidence and findings to make a complete case. Other factors that may influence sentencing include:
While quantity plays a large part in charges, it can also be significant in plea negotiations. If there were lab errors or questions regarding the chain of custody, we can fight for reduced charges. This is also possible if the amount found was near a threshold quantity.
Call RP Defense Law APC now at (818) 646-3443 for a confidential case evaluation. We can begin to build a defense for you that is appropriate for your individual situation.
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