Sat. Oct 4th, 2025

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM, an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop in unincorporated Tustin, according to the O.C. Sheriff’s North Patrol.

A probation search of the vehicle yielded approximately 210 grams of methamphetamine and narcotic sales indicia.

The suspect was arrested and booked into OCJ on a felony drug charge.

Based on California law, here are the penalties the suspect is likely facing for possession of approximately 210 grams of methamphetamine with intent to sell:

  • Felony charge under Health & Safety Code § 11378: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell is a felony in California.
  • Jail time: Up to 3 years in county jail.
  • Fines: Up to $10,000.
  • Probation possibility: In some cases, probation may be granted instead of jail time, but this is less likely when the quantity is large and sales indicators are present.
  • No drug diversion eligibility: Because this is a possession-for-sale charge, the suspect is not eligible for California’s drug diversion programs, which are typically available for simple possession cases.
  • Additional consequences:
    • A felony record, which can affect employment, housing, and access to public benefits.
    • Possible enhanced penalties if the suspect has prior convictions or was near a school or children during the offense.

The recidivism rate for probationers in California varies depending on how it’s measured, but here are the key figures:

  • Reconviction rate: Approximately 44.6% of individuals on probation in California were reconvicted within three years.
  • Rearrest rate: Typically higher than reconviction rates, though specific numbers for probationers vary by county and supervision type.
  • Return-to-prison rate: Lower than reconviction and rearrest rates, especially after reforms like SB 678 and Proposition 47.
  • Impact of reforms: California’s probation system has implemented evidence-based practices that have helped reduce prison revocations and improve public safety without increasing crime rates.

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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