Drug Offenses

HS 11377, HS 11350 (Simple Possession of Controlled Substance)
Elements
  • (1) D possessed a controlled substance
  • (2) D knew of its presence
  • (3) D knew of the substance’s nature or character as a controlled substance
  • (4) The controlled substance was _______
  • (5) The controlled substance was a usable amount.
Case Law/Statutes/Notes
  • COCAINE is charged under HS 11350 – b/c its specified in HS § 11055, subdivision (b)
  • HEROIN is charged under HS 11350 – b/c its specified in HS § 11054, subdivision (c)
  • AMPHETAMINE is charged under HS 11377 – b/c its specified in HS § 11055, subdivision (d)
  • FENTANYL is charged under HS 11350 – b/c its specified in HS § 11055, subdivision (c)
  • CODEINE is charged under HS 11350 – b/c its specified in HS § 11055, subdivision (b)
  • OXYCODONE/HYDROCODONE is charged under HS 11350 – b/c its specified in HS § 11055, subdivision (b)
  • XANEX is charged under HS 11375(b)(2)
  • LORAZEPAM is charged under HS 11375(b)(2)
  • SUBOXONE is charged under HS 11350 – b/c it’s a Schedule III drug
  • CLONAZEPAM is charged under HS 11350 – b/c it’s a Schedule IV drug
  • KETAMINE is charged under HS 11350 – b/c it’s a schedule III drug
  • PSILOCYBIN is charged under HS 11377 – b/c its specified in HS § 11054, subdivision (d)
  • HS 11357(a): possession > ounce of marijuana = misdemeanor
    • CALCRIM 2375

Punishment: up to 1y CJ

HS 11360(a)(3) (Possession of Marijuana for Sale)
Elements
  • (1) D sold/furnished/administered/imported into California cannabis
  • (2) D knew of its presence & nature
  • (3) Usable amount
Case Law/Statutes/Notes
  • Felony ONLY IF > 18 years old AND one of these:
    • D has prior conviction for serious felony or offense requiring 290 reg
    • D has 2 prior convictions under HS 11360(a)(2)
    • Offense involving sale to minor
    • Offense involved import/export outside of CA of cannabis for sale and > 28.5g of cannabis or 4g of concentrated cannabis
  • CALCRIM 2350.

Punishment: Triad 2-3-4 // if misd up to 180d CJ

HS 11370.1 (Possession of Controlled Substance While Armed w/ Firearm
Elements
  • (1) D unlawfully possessed a controlled substance
  • (2) D knew of its presence & nature
  • (3) Usable amount
  • (4) While possessing that controlled substance, D had a loaded, operable firearm available for immediate offensive or defensive use
  • (5) D knew he had he firearm available for immediate offensive or defensive use
Case Law/Statutes/Notes

Punishment: Triad 2-3-4

Drug Sales
Elements
  • HS 11351, HS 11378 (Poss. CS for Sale) Elements
    • (1) D possessed a controlled substance
    • (2) D knew of its presence
    • (3) D knew of the substance’s nature as a controlled substance
    • (4) When D possessed the controlled substance, he intended to sell it
    • (5) Controlled substance was a usable amount.
  • HS 11352, HS 11379 (Transport CS for Sale) Elements
    • (1) D sold/furnished/transported for sale a controlled substance
    • (2) D knew of its presence
    • (3) D knew of the substance’s nature as a controlled substance
    • (4) When D transported the controlled substance, he intended to sell it
    • (5) Controlled substance was a usable amount
Case Law/Statutes/Notes
  • A usable amount is a quantity that is enough to be used by someone as a controlled substance. Useless traces [or debris] are not usable amounts. On the other hand, a usable amount does not have to be enough, in either amount or strength, to affect the user.
  • Selling means exchanging the controlled substance for money, services, or anything of value.
  • CALCRIM 2302; 2300

Punishment: Triad 16-2-3 1170h

HS 11550 (Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance)
Elements
  • (1) D willfully used a controlled substance
  • (2) D was willfully under the influence of a controlled substance when he was arrested
Case Law/Statutes/Notes
  • Under the influence CS has appreciably affected D’s nervous system, brain, or muscles or has created in D a detectable abnormal mental or physical condition.
  • HS 11550(e) – meth, heroin, or cocaine ONLY
  • CALCRIM 2400.

Punishment: up to 1yr CJ