It’s 10:00 AM, and a black Mercedes E350 caught a police officer’s eye as it had no front plate and the driver made a sudden high-speed attempt to evade a traffic stop, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.
The driver, Matthew Stanwick, a resident of Costa Mesa, slammed into a driveway and tried to exit the vehicle to get away, but the police officers handled business quickly and detained him.
A search of the vehicle revealed drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, and further checks uncovered a suspended license and an outstanding warrant.
Stanwick was arrested on multiple charges, narcotics were booked as evidence, the vehicle was towed, and the case is now with the DA’s Office.
The Newport Beach Police have this to say to potential criminals “If crime is your motivation, then jail is going to be your vacation.”
Based on California laws, here are the penalties that Matthew Stanwick could face for the offenses described above:
1. Possession of Methamphetamine (HS §11377(a))
- Misdemeanor (most cases):
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fine up to $1,000
- Possible drug diversion program instead of jail if eligible
- Felony (if prior serious convictions):
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail
- Fine up to $10,000
2. Suspended Driver’s License
- Driving with a suspended license in California (VC §14601) is typically a misdemeanor:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fine up to $1,000
- Additional penalties may include probation and mandatory driving classes
3. Outstanding Warrant
- Penalties depend on the nature of the warrant (e.g., failure to appear, probation violation, or another criminal charge).
- If it’s for a prior criminal offense, it could add jail time or trigger enhanced sentencing.
4. Attempting to Evade Police (VC §2800.1 or §2800.2)
- Misdemeanor or felony, depending on whether it involved reckless driving:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
- Felony (reckless evasion): 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
5. Drug Paraphernalia (HS §11364)
- Misdemeanor:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fine up to $1,000
Summary
If convicted on all charges, Stanwick could face multiple years in jail, fines exceeding $10,000, and loss of driving privileges. However, if he qualifies for drug diversion programs, some charges may be reduced or dismissed in exchange for treatment.