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.
- Committing a new offense while out on bail can lead to:
- 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.