Practice area – Drug Trafficking
Charged with drug trafficking in Riverside County?
Transportation, sales, distribution – the larger the quantities, the more aggressive the charging. Federal jurisdiction can come into play.
Available 24/7
What you’re facing
Drug transportation (HS 11352, HS 11379) and large-scale sales charges are felonies with significant exposure. State trafficking: 3, 4, or 5 years state prison base, with quantity enhancements (HS 11370.4) that can add 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 additional years. Federal trafficking charges under 21 USC 841 carry mandatory minimums: 5 years (small quantities), 10 years (medium), or 20 years (large). School-zone enhancements add 3-5 years. Money laundering and conspiracy counts often stack on top of the base trafficking charges.
Defenses I build
Trafficking cases turn on three areas. First, the search and seizure – vehicle stops, hotel room searches, border searches, and warrants are all challengeable. Suppression motions often eliminate the core evidence. Second, identification of the substance – field tests are unreliable; lab analysis can be challenged. Third, jurisdiction – state vs. federal charging makes an enormous difference in exposure, and the choice is sometimes negotiable in cases that straddle the line. Conspiracy theories can be attacked by disputing the agreement element and the overt act requirement.
Drug Trafficking Case Results
Charged With
Case result available on consultation
Outcome
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Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Assault w/ Deadly Weapon + Great Bodily Injury
Outcome
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Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Take-Over Robbery, Kidnapping, 3 Strikes – Multiple life counts
Outcome
12 Years
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Case result available on consultation
Outcome
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Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Case result available on consultation
Outcome
12 Years
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
ADW + Robbery + GBI + Gang Affiliation
Outcome
NOT GUILTY
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Attempted Murder – Facing 7 yrs to Life
Outcome
Misdemeanor, Time Served
Drug – Riverside Co.
Common Questions
What is the difference between state and federal drug trafficking?
California defines violent crimes broadly: murder and attempted murder, assault and assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code 245), robbery and armed robbery, kidnapping, criminal threats, and any offense resulting in great bodily injury. Many include gang or firearm enhancements that stack additional years on top of the base sentence. Most are also Strike Offenses, meaning the conviction follows you for life and doubles your exposure on any future felony.
How do quantities affect sentencing?
Quantity drives sentencing in trafficking cases at both state and federal levels. California HS 11370.4 adds 3 years for 1+ kg of heroin, 5 years for 4+ kg, escalating up to 25 years for 80+ kg. Federal mandatory minimums kick in based on weight thresholds that vary by substance. Sometimes weight challenges – dilution, total weight vs. pure weight, packaging weight – can move a case below threshold and change the entire sentencing calculation.
What is the school-zone enhancement?
HS 11353.1 (sales to minors), HS 11353.6 (sales near schools), and similar provisions add 3-5 years for drug activity occurring within 1000 feet of a school, public swimming pool, video arcade, or other youth-frequented location. The enhancement applies regardless of whether minors were actually present. It is often charged where the physical location of the alleged offense puts it within the buffer zone.
Types of Drug Trafficking Charges I Defend
Trafficking charges come in state and federal forms, with various enhancements:
HS 11352 (Narcotics Transportation)
3, 4, or 5 years state prison.
HS 11379 (Stimulants Transportation)
2, 3, or 4 years state prison.
HS 11359 (Marijuana Transportation)
Wobbler. Felony version up to 3 years.
HS 11370.4 (Quantity Enhancements)
3 to 25 years on top of base sentence.
21 USC 841 (Federal Trafficking)
Mandatory minimums apply: 5/10/20 years.
21 USC 846 (Federal Conspiracy)
Same penalties as completed offense.
School Zone Enhancements
Adds 3-5 years for activity near schools or youth areas.
Money Laundering
Often charged alongside trafficking. Separate sentencing exposure.
State vs. Federal Jurisdiction
Whether a drug trafficking case is charged in state or federal court is often the single biggest factor in the outcome:
- Federal cases have mandatory minimum sentences (5/10/20 years) – no discretion below them
- California has more flexibility with diversion, Prop 47, and Romero motions
- Federal sentencing guidelines push for longer sentences than California penal code
- Interstate movement, federal task force involvement, and large quantities tend to trigger federal
- Some cases can be negotiated between jurisdictions in the early stages
If you are facing drug trafficking charges, knowing which court will hear the case matters enormously. Early defense involvement can sometimes affect that decision.