Riverside Drug Possession for Sale Lawyer

My Strong Defense Against Drug Possession for Sale Allegations

A charge of possession with intent to sell is significantly more serious than simple possession because it carries mandatory jail or prison time. Unlike basic possession allegations, possession for sale cases fall under California drug crimes that rely heavily on inference rather than proof of an actual transaction. Prosecutors infer intent from circumstantial evidence, not admissions. My approach to defense at the Law Office of Gregory H. Comings is built on challenging that assumption from day one.

I examine how the evidence was found, how it was handled, and what the police claim it means. I push back against shortcuts, inflated narratives, and unsupported conclusions. When the government overreaches, I expose it. As a Riverside drug possession for sale lawyer, I take these cases personally because the penalties are severe and the accusations often stretch far beyond the facts.

Drug Possession for Sale in California and Everything You Should Know

The California Health and Safety Code contains several different statutes that govern the possession of controlled substances for sale. These laws are complex, and the specific section you are charged with depends on the type of drug involved. Knowing which law applies to your case is the first step in building a successful defense strategy.

Health and Safety Code 11351

This is the general statute for possessing controlled substances with the intent to sell. It applies to "narcotics" such as:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Fentanyl
• Oxycodone and other prescription opioids
• LSD and other hallucinogens

Health and Safety Code 11378

This law specifically covers "non-narcotic" stimulants and other substances. In Riverside, this is most commonly used for:

• Methamphetamine
• MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
• Certain types of anabolic steroids
• PCP (Phencyclidine)

Health and Safety Code 11351.5

This section deals specifically with cocaine base, better known as crack cocaine. Historically, the penalties for cocaine base have been harsher than those for powder cocaine, making it essential to have a Riverside drug possession for sale attorney who knows how to fight these specific allegations.

Health and Safety Code 11359

While cannabis is legal for recreational use in many contexts, it is still a crime to possess it for sale without a proper license. Depending on your criminal history and the circumstances of the arrest, the case may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony.

The goal of these laws is to punish the distribution of drugs more severely than the use of drugs. I can identify the specific legal requirements the prosecution must meet and identify gaps in their evidence.

Cases of Drug Possession for Sale I Handle

I represent clients facing a wide range of drug-related allegations in Southern California. Whether the case involves a small amount of a substance or a large-scale trafficking operation, I provide the same level of dedicated advocacy. The following list represents the types of cases I frequently manage:

• Narcotics possession for sale under HS 11351;
• Methamphetamine possession for sale under HS 11378;
• Possession of cocaine base for sale under HS 11351.5;
• Marijuana possession for sale under HS 11359;
• Transporting drugs for sale under HS 11352 or HS 11379;
• Prescription drug fraud and possession with intent to distribute;
• Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

No matter the substance or the quantity, my priority is to protect your liberty. I have the resources and the advanced legal knowledge to take on any case, no matter how complex the evidence may seem.

What You Should and Should Not Do When You Are Alleged

The moments following an arrest are often the most stressful, but they are also when you have the most power to help or hurt your case. The decisions you make while talking to the police or sitting in a holding cell can change the outcome of your trial. Follow these guidelines to give yourself the best chance at a successful defense.

What You Should Do

• Use your right to remain silent: Tell the officers clearly that you will not answer questions without a lawyer.
• Ask for an attorney immediately: Once you ask for a lawyer, the police are generally required to stop questioning you.
• Keep track of the details: Write down the names of the officers, the location of the search, and any witnesses who saw the arrest.
• Reach out to me as soon as possible: Early intervention allows me to contact the prosecution before they have even filed formal charges.

What You Should Not Do

• Do not give consent to search: Even if the police say they will get a warrant anyway, never give them permission to search your car or home.
• Do not talk about the case on jail phones: These lines are recorded, and the District Attorney will listen to every word you say.
• Do not discuss the arrest on social media: Prosecutors use your posts, photos, and messages as evidence of your lifestyle and intent.
• Do not try to explain things to the police: Their goal is to gather evidence to convict you, not to listen to your side of the story.

As your Riverside drug possession for sale defense attorney, I will take it from there and start building a case that challenges the government's narrative.

Penalties for Drug Possession for Sale in Riverside County

A conviction for a "for sale" charge is a felony that can stay on your record forever. Unlike simple possession, these charges often lead to incarceration in state prison or county jail. The exact penalty depends on the specific code you are charged with and your prior criminal history.

Typical Prison and Jail Sentences

For a conviction of narcotics, you face a jail term of two, three, or four years. For methamphetamine, the sentencing range is 16 months, two years, or three years. If the case involves cocaine base, the potential sentence increases to three, four, or five years.

Factors That Can Add Years to a Sentence

Certain factors can make these sentences much longer:

• Quantity enhancements: If you possess more than one kilogram of a substance, you face an additional 3 to 15 years.
• Prior drug convictions: Each prior felony drug conviction can add 3 years to your current sentence.
• Possession while armed: Having a firearm near the drugs can lead to additional charges and consecutive prison time.
• Sales near schools: If the arrest happened near a school or playground, the judge can impose extra time.

The consequences of these penalties extend far beyond jail time. A felony conviction can cost you your job, your professional licenses, and your right to own a firearm. My goal is to minimize these risks and push for an outcome that allows you to move on with your life.

How I Build Leverage Against the Prosecution’s Case

My defense strategy is built on the idea that the best defense is a strong offense. I do not wait for the trial to begin to start fighting for you. My work begins the moment I take your case, as I look for ways to weaken the prosecution's evidence and create reasonable doubt.

My process includes:

• Reviewing the legality of the stop, detention, and arrest;
• Challenging unlawful searches and seizures through suppression motions;
• Attacking the chain of custody and laboratory testing procedures;
• Questioning officers' opinions dressed up as expert testimony;
• Demonstrating alternative explanations for cash, packaging, or messages;
• Negotiating from a position of strength when resolution serves the client.

When a trial is necessary, I present a clear, disciplined defense focused on reasonable doubt. Jurors are instructed to judge evidence, not assumptions.