San Clemente deputies conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation on July 16, 2023 at approximately 11 p.m.
During the stop, the deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search yielded over 900 grams of Meth, approximately 40 grams of Fentanyl, a scale, and multiple small baggies.
One of the suspects lied about his name and it turned out he was on parole.
The deputies arrested both of the suspects for possession of narcotics for sale.
The possession of methamphetamine is a misdemeanor in California, involving a penalty of up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of $1,000, according to McElfresh Law.
Furthermore, you may face additional jail time—up to 3 years—if you have any of the following prior offenses on your record:
- Murder
- Sexual violence
- Sex crimes against a child under 14
- Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
- Any sex crime requiring you to register as a sex offender
If the police have evidence that you intended to sell or distribute the methamphetamine, you may face felony charges for possession of methamphetamines with intent to sell under California Health and Safety Code section 11378. The prosecutor may be able to convict you of this more serious offense if there is evidence that:
- You had a large amount of methamphetamines
- The drugs were divided into small doses, packages, or baggies
- You had a scale
- You were observed systematically meeting with many different people (your alleged clients) for short periods
- You were found with an abnormal amount of cash
If convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, you may face between 16 months and 3 years in prison along with fines reaching $10,000.
