CA HSC 11550: Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance

CA Health and Safety Code Section 11550 HSC: Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance makes it illegal for someone to use or come under the influence of any controlled substance without a valid prescription.

HSC 11550 is a misdemeanor in California. A conviction can result in fines, jail time, and other penalties. You can learn more about this charge and other California Health and Safety Codes with an attorney.

Basic Information About HSC 11550

Individuals may face charges under HSC 11550 if the police accuse them of using or being under the influence of a narcotic drug or another controlled substance. Individuals should only face a conviction if the prosecution shows that they acted willfully to use or come under the influence of a drug or substance.

Substances Associated With HSC 11550 Allegations

The alleged usage of many controlled substances could result in HSC 11550 charges. Prosecutors may consider this charge for individuals accused of using:

Hydrocodone or codeine
Heroin
Methampetamines
PCP

Note that these charges should not apply to the usage, influence, or possession of marijuana. California has separate laws dealing with marijuana usage after legalizing many uses of this substance.

What Does It Mean to be “Under the Influence”?

The legal system considers individuals “under the influence” if a substance affects their:

Physical condition or muscles
Mental condition or brain
Nervous system

Individuals do not have to use a specific amount of a substance to qualify as under the influence, unlike charges related to alcohol usage. In some cases, individuals can face this charge without engaging in misconduct or demonstrating signs of impairment.

Results of an HSC 11550 Conviction

California treats CA Health and Safety Code Section 11550 HSC: Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance as a misdemeanor-level offense. Individuals convicted under HSC 11550 may face fines and up to one year in county jail.

Additionally, a conviction can have immigration consequences in some cases.

Handling HSC 11550 Charges

An attorney can help individuals charged under CA Health and Safety Code Section 11550 HSC: Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. Attorneys can explore several methods to resolve these charges and may focus on:

Admittance Into a Drug Diversion Program

California offers some drug diversion programs that may allow an individual accused of a HSC 11550 violation to seek treatment instead of facing jail time and other penalties. For example, an attorney may review a client’s situation to see if they qualify for this option under CA Penal Code 1001.80 – Military Diversion Program.

Getting Charges Dropped

In some situations, an attorney can petition the court to dismiss a criminal charge. A judge may dismiss these charges if the prosecution lacks evidence or if the police violated a defendant’s rights. In this situation, a lawyer may take action under CA Penal Code 995 – Motion to Dismiss.

Fighting the Charges in Court

An attorney may also build a defense to support a client in court after an arrest under HSC 11550. In these situations, an attorney could argue that their client never knowingly used or came under the influence of a controlled substance.

Charges Like HSC 11550

California has many other drug crime charges that resemble HSC 11550. For example, individuals could face charges under:

An attorney can build a defense for any of these charges, helping individuals accused of misconduct address these allegations.

Lawyers Provide Support After a HSC 11550 Accusation

An attorney can provide extensive legal support after an arrest for HSC 11550. Lawyers know how to:

Protect a Client’s Rights

Individuals do not have to try to handle HSC 11550 accusations alone. A lawyer can assist during all legal questioning and monitor the actions of the police during an investigation to ensure they respect the rights of the accused.

Help With Pre-Trial Hearings

Individuals facing HSC 11550 allegations may need to attend multiple pre-trial hearings. An attorney may provide support during an arraignment hearing, where the court provides specific information about the charges an individual faces.

Lawyers can also assist during bail hearings, when applicable. Bail represents a payment made to the court to stay out of jail until the start of a criminal trial.

Build a Personalized Defense

Finally, an attorney can develop a personalized defense for each client facing charges under HSC 11550.

Get Help After an Arrest Under HSC 11550

An attorney can help you handle charges related to CA Health and Safety Code Section 11550 HSC: Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. You can get professional help building a defense against this misdemeanor charge immediately.

Los Angeles DUI Lawyers can help you get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer who can provide the assistance you deserve. Contact us now to learn more about your options.