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.
Don’t forget Possession of STOLEN VEHICLE. This Felon can serve time for that offense.