Facing charges under CA Health and Safety Code Section 11375.5 can be overwhelming. This law targets those accused of selling or possessing synthetic stimulant compounds with the intent to distribute—substances often disguised as “bath salts” or “plant food” but designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like methamphetamine or MDMA.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we serve as a trusted resource for individuals charged with offenses related to synthetic stimulants. We connect people with criminal defense attorneys who understand the specific legal challenges of California drug laws, including those detailed in the broader category of California Health and Safety Codes.
What is CA Health and Safety Code Section 11375.5?
California Health and Safety Code Section 11375.5 criminalizes the sale, distribution, or possession for sale of synthetic stimulant compounds. These substances are chemically engineered to imitate the effects of controlled drugs, often making them appealing to users seeking a legal alternative—until the law catches up.
Lawmakers introduced this code section to crack down on designer drugs that were once sold openly in gas stations, smoke shops, or online, often under misleading product names.
What Kinds of Substances are Covered?
This section of the code covers a wide range of synthetic stimulants, many of which are chemically similar to banned substances. While the law can evolve to include new compounds, we often see cases involving:
- Synthetic cathinones: These are commonly sold as “bath salts” and are known to cause aggressive or erratic behavior.
- Substituted phenethylamines: These are related to MDMA and amphetamines and are frequently found in party drugs.
- Other synthetic variants: These include chemical compounds that are structurally and functionally similar to controlled stimulants.
Even if the name of a substance doesn’t appear on the original statute, prosecutors may still pursue charges if the chemical makeup falls within the prohibited categories.
What are the Penalties?
Although charges under CA Health and Safety Code Section 11375.5 are typically filed as misdemeanors, they can still carry life-altering consequences. When individuals reach out to us after being charged, we help them understand that a conviction may lead to:
- Up to six months in county jail: Even first-time offenders face possible incarceration.
- Fines up to $1,000: These financial penalties can create long-term hardship.
- A criminal record: A conviction can impact job prospects, housing opportunities, and even immigration status.
If other factors are involved—such as proximity to a school or sales involving minors—charges may be enhanced, resulting in more severe consequences.
What Defenses Might Be Available?
We work with attorneys who craft defense strategies based on the specific circumstances of each case. Common defenses in synthetic stimulant cases may include:
- No intent to sell: Simply possessing a synthetic substance isn’t enough to support a charge under this code. There must be proof of intent to sell or distribute.
- Unlawful search and seizure: If law enforcement violated someone’s constitutional rights during the arrest, evidence might be inadmissible in court.
- Substance not listed under the law: If the compound in question isn’t covered by the statute, charges may not hold.
- Entrapment or mistaken identity: In some cases, the person accused may not be the one who committed the act, or they may have been influenced unfairly by police activity.
We’re here to help connect individuals with attorneys who know how to evaluate the evidence, challenge the prosecution, and fight for the best possible outcome.
What Should You Do If Charged?
If you’re facing charges under Section 11375.5, the steps you take early on can have a major impact on your case. Here’s what we recommend:
- Stay silent: Anything you say can be used against you. It’s important to avoid making statements to law enforcement without legal representation.
- Write down everything: Documenting what happened during and after your arrest can help your defense.
- Reach out for help: We can connect you with a defense attorney who understands how to handle charges under this section of the code.
Are These Charges Related to DUIs?
Although Section 11375.5 focuses on drug sales, we often hear from individuals who were initially stopped for a DUI and later charged with drug offenses when synthetic substances were found in their vehicle or on their person. Because synthetic stimulants are often undetectable by standard tests, these cases can be particularly complex.
Attorneys we work with are equipped to handle overlapping DUI and drug-related charges, especially when it comes to issues like evidence admissibility or field sobriety testing.
How Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Can Help
With 19 years in operation, decades of combined experience, and thousands of people helped, we’ve become a reliable resource for those facing serious criminal charges. We connect individuals with experienced attorneys who understand how to handle cases involving CA Health and Safety Code Section 11375.5 and other drug-related offenses.
Whether you’re dealing with accusations of selling synthetic stimulants or facing additional charges connected to a DUI stop, we help you find legal guidance from professionals who know California’s criminal laws inside and out.
