On November 17, the Orange County Sheriff’s Stanton Specialized Enforcement Team (SET) located a stolen vehicle occupied by two individuals and conducted surveillance as it entered the Colony Inn Motel in the City of Buena Park.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and ammunition.
The driver was identified as a convicted felon and was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail on multiple charges.
Here are the likely penalties the convicted felon faces under California law:
Felon in Possession of a Firearm (PC §29800)
- Felony offense.
- Punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
- Fine up to $10,000.
- Permanent loss of firearm rights.
Felon in Possession of Ammunition (PC §30305)
- Felony offense.
- Punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail or prison.
- Fine up to $10,000.
Possession of Illegal Narcotics (Health & Safety Code §11350)
- Usually a misdemeanor for simple possession:
- Up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
- If possession is for sale or involves large quantities:
- Felony, 2–4 years in state prison and fines up to $20,000.
- Drug trafficking/distribution:
- Felony, 3–9 years in state prison and fines up to $500,000
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Health & Safety Code §11364)
- Misdemeanor.
- Up to 6 months in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
Sentencing for Multiple Felonies
- Judge may impose consecutive sentences, meaning time for each felony is served back-to-back.
- Multiple felonies can significantly increase total prison time.
- Prior felony convictions may trigger California’s Three Strikes Law, doubling sentences or leading to 25 years to life if prior strikes are serious or violent.