Deputies responded to a robbery call in the area of 12860 Beach Boulevard, according to the Orange County Sheriff.
Upon arrival, several individuals matching the subject’s description were detained. During the investigation, deputies located a loaded firearm and illegal narcotics on one individual’s person.
Further investigation determined no robbery had occurred. One subject was later arrested on multiple firearms, illegal narcotics charges and booked into the Orange County Jail.
As of 2025, the potential penalties for these offenses include:
Primary Criminal Penalties
- State Prison: A conviction for possession of a controlled substance while armed carries a sentence of two, three, or four years in California state prison.
- Fines: Suspects may be ordered to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
- Formal Probation: In some cases, a judge may grant formal felony probation instead of prison. This typically involves up to one year in county jail, followed by three to five years of strict court supervision.
Additional Legal Consequences
- Ineligibility for Diversion: Unlike simple drug possession charges, individuals charged under HS 11370.1 are ineligible for drug diversion programs (such as Proposition 36 or PC 1000) that would otherwise allow for treatment instead of jail time.
- Loss of Firearm Rights: A felony conviction results in a lifetime ban from owning or possessing firearms in California.
- Immigration Status: Non-citizens face serious consequences, including potential deportation or removal.
- Fentanyl Enhancements: Under California laws effective in 2025 (Proposition 36), the list of substances covered by these felony charges explicitly includes fentanyl.
Related Secondary Charges
The individual may also face separate, concurrent charges for:
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm (PC 25850): Often a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in county jail, but can be elevated to a felony depending on the suspect’s criminal history.
- Carrying a Concealed Firearm (PC 25400): If the weapon was hidden on their person, they face up to one year in jail (misdemeanor) or up to three years in prison (felony).