Thu. Oct 9th, 2025

Last month, one of Lake Forest’s Special Enforcement Teams (SET) conducted a routine traffic stop near Jeronimo Road and Los Alisos Boulevard.

It was determined that an occupant of the car was on bail for a pending narcotics case. A search yielded 26 grams of methamphetamine, 3 grams of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

One subject was arrested, for misdemeanor and felony charges and received a road trip to jail.

Based on California law and recent updates, the suspects involved in the Lake Forest traffic stop face the following penalties:

  • Possession of Methamphetamine (Health & Safety Code § 11377(a))
    • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
    • Felony (if prior serious convictions): 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail and/or up to $10,000.
  • Possession of Fentanyl (Health & Safety Code § 11350(a) & AB 701)
    • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or fines.
    • Felony (if intent to sell or aggravating factors): 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    • Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
  • Possession While Out on Bail
    • Committing a new offense while out on bail can lead to:
      • Revocation of bail and immediate custody.
      • Enhanced sentencing due to violation of bail conditions.
      • Potential denial of future bail and increased penalties for repeat offenses.
  • Diversion Programs (if eligible)
    • First-time or non-violent offenders may qualify for drug diversion programs (e.g., PC 1000), allowing treatment instead of jail.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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