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Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed

Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed - Health and Safety Code 11370.1 HS

Health and Safety Code 11370.1 HS makes it a crime for anyone to have possession of certain drugs and a loaded and operable firearm.

The unlawful controlled substances under this statute include methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and PCP.

Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed - Health and Safety Code 11370.1 HS

It should be noted there is no requirement that you actually use or threaten someone with the firearm in order to be arrested, prosecuted, and convicted.

In other words, just having possession of a controlled substance and a loaded firearm is sufficient for a criminal charge this statute.

HS 11370.1 is a felony crime punishable by up to four years in a California state prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Further, a conviction will make a defendant is ineligible for a drug diversion program, such as:

  • Proposition 36, or
  • deferred entry of judgement (DEJ) - Penal Code 1000 PC

Our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys are providing readers a detailed review below.

Factors That Must Be Proven for a Conviction

The prosecutor will have to prove all the elements of the crime (CALCRIM 2303) in order to convict you of HS 11370.1 possession of a controlled substance while armed, including:

  • you were in possession of a useable amount of a controlled substance;
  • the controlled substance was unlawful to possess;
  • you knew the substance's nature as a controlled substance;
  • while you possessed a controlled substance, you also had a loaded and operable firearm that was accessible and available for immediate use.

Each of the crucial factors above could potentially be challenged. For example, it is sometimes difficult for the prosecutor to prove the firearm was actually operable.

Further, there are cases where it could be argued the firearm possession was not in a manner that made it accessible for immediate use. Perhaps it was in a locked cabinet or safe and only used for self-defense.

It should be noted that a small amount of residue of a controlled substance is not typically sufficient for a Health and Safety Code 11370.1 conviction.

Penalties for HS 11370.1 Possession of Drugs While Armed

A conviction for possession of drug while armed defined under California Health and Safety Code 11370.1 is a felony. The potential penalties include the following:

  • up to four years in California state prison,
  • a fine up to $10,000 fine,
  • formal probation.

It should be noted that HS 11370.1 HS is a straight felony offense and can't be reduced to a misdemeanor. 

This makes plea bargaining with the prosecutor very important. Your criminal lawyer needs to negotiate in order to get the charges reduced to a lesser offense such as simple HS 11350 drug possession which could be charged as a misdemeanor.

felony probation 

In some cases, you could be eligible for formal felony probation rather than spending time in jail. If the judge decides to grant you probation, they might first require one year in county jail and under direct supervision for three years.

The typical terms and conditions of probation include the following:

  • regular monthly meetings with a probation officer;
  • routine drug testing and drug counseling;
  • community service hours, such as Caltrans.

If you are found in violation of any of the conditions of your felony probation, then the judge might revoke probation and send you to jail.

Related California Crimes for HS 11370.1

Health and Safety Code 11350 HS – simple possession of a controlled substance;

Health and Safety Code 11351 HS – possession of controlled substance for sales;

Health and Safety Code 11352 HS – transportation of a controlled substance;

Penal Code 25850 PC – carrying a loaded firearm.

Defenses for Drug Possession Whiled Armed Charges

If you have been accused of possessing drugs while armed, our criminal lawyers will examine all the details in order to prepare a strategy to fight the case. Some common defenses for HS 11370.1 charges include:

  • you didn't know of the firearm's presence;
  • lack of knowledge for possessing a controlled substance;
  • illegal search and seizure by law enforcement
  • the firearm was not loaded or operable.

Recall from above the elements of the crime that a prosecutor must prove several different factors. We might be able to create reasonable on some or all or the requisite factors.

Perhaps we could make an argument you lacked knowledge of the firearm's presence, which means you did not “knowingly” possess the firearm.

Further, maybe we could argue you were unaware of the presence of the controlled substance found by law enforcement.

Defenses for California Possession of Drugs Whiled Armed Charges

Perhaps we could challenge the possession of drugs while armed case by presenting a defense argument there was an illegal search and seizure by law enforcement.

In some HS 11370.1 cases, we might have the option to file in court a Penal Code 1538.5 motion to suppress evidence to challenge the probable cause used by police.

If this motion is granted by the judge, then the prosecutor will most likely dismiss the case due to the fact they will no longer have sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction.

If you were arrested and charged with the felony drug crime of HS 11370.1 possession of a controlled substance while armed, contact our experienced legal team to learn how we can help you.

We might be able to convince the prosecutor from filing formal charges through negotiation during prefiling intervention.

Cron, Israels & Stark is is located at 11755 Wilshire Blvd, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Call our firm for a free case evaluation at (424) 372-3112.

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