CA Health and Safety Code Section 11365 HSC: Aiding and Abetting Controlled Substance Use criminalizes being present while someone else uses illegal drugs and supporting their use of the controlled substance.
Even if you never touch the substance, simply being there while drugs are used or allowing drugs to be used in your home could lead to criminal charges.
If you’ve been accused of violating this statute, you could face costly fines, imprisonment, and other unwanted penalties. Fortunately, a skilled attorney with a thorough understanding of CA Health and Safety Codes can build a strong defense case and fight the charges that have been made against you.
What is CA Health and Safety Code Section 11365 HSC: Aiding and Abetting Controlled Substance Use?
CA Health and Safety Code Section 11365 HSC: Aiding and Abetting Controlled Substance Use makes it a crime to be present at a location where you know a controlled substance is being unlawfully used and to aid or abet that use.
This law is often used in cases where someone didn’t directly use drugs but is accused of facilitating, encouraging, or passively allowing others to use controlled substances. To be convicted under this statute, the prosecution must prove the following:
- You were knowingly present at a place where a controlled substance was being unlawfully used
- You were aware of the drug use
- You intentionally aided, abetted, or facilitated the use in some way
Offering a place for someone to inject an illegal substance into their body or not stopping someone from using drugs in your presence are offenses that violate this statute.
That said, there are many other ways that one can violate this law. Whether your case involves the use of heroin, cocaine, or another drug, you’ll need a skilled attorney to defend you.
Penalties for Violating CA Health and Safety Code Section 11365 HSC
While it might seem like a minor offense, a conviction under CA Health and Safety Code Section 11365 HSC: Aiding and Abetting Controlled Substance Use is a misdemeanor and can lead to serious legal consequences. If you’re convicted of this offense, you could face the following outcomes:
- Up to six months in county jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Probation with mandatory drug counseling or community service
- A permanent criminal record
These consequences can turn your life upside down, negatively impact your finances, and make it hard for you to find employment in the future.
o avoid the worst outcomes, you’ll need to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can work with prosecutors to get your charges reduced or even represent you in court and fight for your charges to be dropped.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Fight Your Charges
If you’ve been charged with Aiding and Abetting Controlled Substance Use, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some of the steps your lawyer will take to protect you from a serious conviction:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your alleged offense and arrest
- Challenge the evidence that prosecutors have against you
- Question the legality of the search that law enforcement officers conducted
- Argue for dismissal or reduction of the charges you’re facing
- Negotiate alternatives to jail, such as diversion programs and drug education classes
- Represent you in court, presenting compelling evidence and legal arguments on your behalf
Defenses an Attorney Can Use To Protect You From a Conviction
If you’re facing Aiding and Abetting Controlled Substance Use charges under CA Health and Safety Code Section 11365 HSC, there are several legal defenses your attorney may use to shield you from unwanted consequences. Depending on your unique situation, your lawyer may use one of the following arguments:
- You didn’t know drug use was happening in your home or vicinity, and therefore, you cannot be convicted.
- You did not aid or encourage the substance use in any way
- The drugs in question were found through an unconstitutional search, and as such, the case must be thrown out
- You were wrongly accused of aiding or abetting another person’s drug use
Don’t Wait to Get Help with a CA Health and Safety Code Section 11365 HSC Case
If you’ve been accused of violating CA Health and Safety Code Section 11365 HSC: Aiding and Abetting Controlled Substance Use, don’t wait to hire a lawyer and get started on your defense case.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we connect individuals like yourself with attorneys who have a great deal of experience handling drug and alcohol-related cases.
With the help of a dedicated criminal defense lawyer, you’ll be able to mount a strong defense against your charges and get the best outcome possible for your situation.
Contact us today to get connected with a lawyer who will give you peace of mind and fight to protect your best interests throughout the legal process.
