Powder Cocaine Charges with Weight Enhancements
California cocaine charges are extremely serious allegations that carry substantial punishment, and the repercussions can be made even harsher by sentencing enhancements — factors that prompt the court to impose additional consequences.
One possible sentencing enhancement in a California cocaine case is a weight enhancement. If you’re facing a California cocaine charge with a weight enhancement, you need a qualified drug defense lawyer fighting your case. Experienced California drug attorneys from The Kavinoky Law Firm is ready to review your case and build a strong defense strategy.
The prosecutor must prove your guilt in both the underlying cocaine charge and the weight enhancement in order to prompt the court to impose the additional punishment. You cannot be convicted of, or punished for, the weight enhancement without being found guilty of the underlying drug charge.
The following weight enhancements can be filed in a California cocaine case:
Code Section Weight Sentence 1203.073b1 Two ounces of a substance containing cocaine or one ounce of pure cocaine No probation, judge has discretion 11370.4a1 More than one kilogram (approx. 2.2 lbs) Add three years 11370.4a2 More than four kilo Add five years 11370.4a3 More than 10 kilos Add 10 years 11370.4a4 More than 20 kilos Add 15 years 11370.4a5 More than 40 kilos Add 20 years 11370.4a6 More than 80 kilos Add 25 years
Fortunately, experienced California defense attorneys can aggressively defend both a cocaine charge and the accompanying weight enhancement. One possible defense strategy that your defense attorney may employ is a motion to suppress evidence. If the drug evidence against you wasn’t properly obtained, it cannot be used to convict you.
In some California cocaine cases, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing, which may include a deferred entry of judgment (DEJ), Proposition 36, or drug court. Your defense lawyer can review your case and determine whether any of these sentencing alternatives may be an option in your California cocaine case.
If you’re facing a California cocaine charge with weight enhancements, you need a knowledgeable defense lawyer aggressively fighting for your freedom. A skilled California drug lawyer from The Kavinoky Law Firm can review your cocaine case and develop a comprehensive defense strategy anywhere in the state. Please contact us today at 1.800.NO.CUFFS for a free consultation.
