Los Angeles Cocaine Defense Attorney

Cocaine-related offenses are aggressively prosecuted in Los Angeles and throughout California. Whether you're facing a simple possession charge or a more serious allegation involving trafficking or intent to sell, a conviction can have devastating consequences. At Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc., we understand the complexity of California's drug laws and provide experienced, strategic defense for individuals accused of drug-related crimes.

Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience. He knows how prosecutors build drug cases, and more importantly, how to challenge them.

How California Classifies and Penalizes Cocaine Offenses

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under California law. This designation means that while it has limited medical use, it also carries a high potential for abuse and addiction. Cocaine base forms, such as crack and freebase cocaine, are considered even more dangerous and fall under Schedule I, which denotes no recognized medical use and the highest risk for addiction.

Despite these classifications, cocaine remains widely used in party scenes, clubs, and social settings, leading to frequent arrests and criminal charges. Being caught with cocaine, even in small quantities, can quickly escalate into a life-altering legal issue. Knowing your rights and your legal options is essential.

What Happens If You’re Caught With Cocaine in Los Angeles?

Under California Health and Safety Code §11350 HSC, it is illegal to possess cocaine for personal use. This statute also applies to a wide range of other narcotics, including heroin, ecstasy, LSD, and non-prescribed opioids or benzodiazepines.

Proposition 47, passed by voters in 2014, changed the legal landscape by reclassifying simple drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor in most cases. A conviction under this statute can lead to:

• Up to one year in county jail
• Fines and court fees
• Probation
• A permanent criminal record

However, the law also allows diversion programs, such as Penal Code §1000 PC (Deferred Entry of Judgment) or Proposition 36, which may enable eligible defendants to enter drug treatment instead of jail time. Successful completion of a diversion program can result in dismissal of charges.

These alternatives are not guaranteed; a skilled attorney can help fight for your eligibility and guide you through the process.

Facing Charges for Cocaine Possession With Intent to Sell?

Possessing cocaine with the intent to sell is a far more serious charge than simple possession. Prosecutors pursue these cases under California Health and Safety Code §11351 HSC, and the penalties reflect the state's tough stance on drug sales.

To prove intent to sell, prosecutors rely on circumstantial evidence, including:

• Packaging materials (such as baggies or bindles)
• Scales or measuring devices
• Large quantities of cash
• Text messages or communications referencing drug transactions
• Testimony from witnesses or confidential informants

Conviction for possession with intent to sell can result in up to four years in state prison, and if the substance is cocaine base, the maximum increases to five years.

Significantly, these cases often hinge on police interpretation of evidence. Innocent items may be misconstrued as distribution tools, making it vital to have a defense attorney who can dismantle the prosecution's assumptions.

California Laws on Selling or Transporting Cocaine"

Engaging in the sale, transportation, or distribution of cocaine is prosecuted under California Health and Safety Code §11352 HSC. This law applies both to those who physically sell the drugs and to individuals accused of facilitating or moving the drugs from one location to another.

A conviction for this offense carries severe penalties, including:

• Three to five years in state prison
• Up to nine years if the cocaine is transported across two or more county lines
• Enhanced penalties for large quantities or prior convictions
• Substantial fines and asset forfeiture

Even being caught transporting a small amount of cocaine with the alleged intent to distribute can result in felony charges. The specific sentencing may also be influenced by aggravating factors, such as proximity to schools or involving minors in the offense.

Why Crack Cocaine Carries Harsher Sentences in California

While powder cocaine and cocaine base both fall under controlled substance laws, cocaine base, commonly referred to as crack cocaine, typically results in harsher sentences. The law treats cocaine base as more addictive and more widely linked to street-level trafficking.

For example:

• Possession for sale of cocaine base can result in up to 5 years in prison under §11351.5 HSC.
• Transporting cocaine base across county lines could result in enhanced penalties of up to 9 years.

A strong legal defense may involve challenging the substance's form, intent, and the procedures law enforcement followed during the investigation and arrest.

Effective Legal Defenses to Cocaine Charges in Los Angeles

At Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc., we build comprehensive, aggressive defenses tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Common defense strategies include:

• Illegal Search and Seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unlawful searches. If law enforcement violated search and seizure rules, lacked a warrant, exceeded the scope of a search, or lacked probable cause, we can file a motion to suppress evidence under Penal Code §1538.5 PC. If granted, the prosecution may lose the ability to proceed.
• Lack of Knowledge. To secure a conviction for possession, the prosecution must prove that you knew the drug was present and knew it was a controlled substance. This could be a robust defense if you were unaware of the substance, for example, if it was placed in your car or home without your knowledge.
• Entrapment. If you were induced or pressured into committing a crime by law enforcement or undercover officers, you may have a valid entrapment defense. This often applies in undercover sting operations or cases involving informants.
• Not a Usable Quantity. A defendant cannot be convicted for possessing trace or residue amounts of cocaine. The substance must be usable or measurable, meaning there is enough for consumption.
• Substance Was Not Cocaine. In some cases, substances believed to be cocaine turn out to be legal or benign materials. A forensic lab analysis must confirm that the substance is controlled. Errors in lab testing or chain of custody issues can cast doubt on the evidence.

Why You Need an Experienced Los Angeles Cocaine Defense Attorney

Facing cocaine charges in Los Angeles is serious, and the outcomes can affect your job, your reputation, your immigration status, and your freedom. Prosecutors in Los Angeles take a tough stance on drug crimes, and navigating these cases without seasoned legal representation is extremely risky.

At Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc., we don’t just defend your case; we protect your future. Our firm is led by Michael Kraut, a former Deputy District Attorney who now uses his insider knowledge to defend clients against the exact charges he once prosecuted.

We provide:

• Thorough case evaluations
• Aggressive courtroom defense
• Personalized legal strategies
• Access to top investigators and forensic experts
• Clear, honest communication throughout your case

Contact a Top-Rated Cocaine Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you or someone you love has been arrested for a cocaine-related offense, time is critical. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome.

Contact Michael Kraut at Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc. today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our office is conveniently located in the heart of Los Angeles:

6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Available 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453

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