Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
Crimes by Code
Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
Post Conviction
A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
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In California, it is illegal to possess, use, or be under the influence of benzodiazepines (such as Xanax) without a valid prescription. These are considered Schedule IV drugs under the Controlled Substances Act and are subject to strict regulation.
Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are the most commonly abused type of prescription drug in the United States. Common drugs of this type include:
A violation of HS 11550 (being under the influence) is a misdemeanor in California. The crime is punishable by:
Depending on the facts of a given case, a violation of HS 11375 (unlawful possession) can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Either charge can lead to imprisonment for up to a year or even more.
Benzos are listed as Schedule IV drugs per the Controlled Substances Act. They are minor tranquilizers commonly prescribed for:
The Food and Drug Administration has approved 15 different types of benzos. The most common include:
Benzodiazepines are the most commonly abused prescription drug in the United States.
HSC 11550 is the California statute governing the use of controlled substances and narcotic drugs, including benzos.
Under this statute, it is a crime for a person to:
However, it is permissible for a person to do either of the above if he/she has a legal prescription for the drug taken.2
Regarding being “under the influence,” Health and Safety Code 11550 only requires that a person is under the influence in any detectable manner. Impairment or other misconduct isn’t necessary to prove an accused is guilty of this charge.3
A violation of HSC 11550 is charged as a misdemeanor in California. The crime is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year.4
In addition, a guilty charge can lead to:
If a party suffers a third conviction of this section within seven years of his first conviction and has refused court-appointed drug treatment, he will be sentenced to a minimum of 180 days in the county jail.5
HSC 11375 is the California statute governing the following with regards to controlled substances (including benzodiazepines):
Under this statute, it is a crime for any person to:
Under HS 11375b2, it is also a crime for any person to possess a benzos unless that person has a lawful prescription for the drugs.
The offenses of possession for sale and sale are wobbler offenses in California. This means they can be punished as either a California misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of a given case.
If charged as a misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year. If charged as a felony, the offense is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years in the county jail or state prison.
A person guilty of possessing a benzos is guilty of either a misdemeanor or an infraction.7
If guilty of a misdemeanor, the defendant can face:
A defendant guilty of a possession infraction can face a substantial fine.
A defendant can raise a legal defense if accused of a crime under HSC 11550 or 11375. A successful defense can work to reduce a charge or dismiss one altogether.
Common defenses to HSC 11550 benzos use charges include that the defendant:
Common defenses to HSC 11375 benzos possession/sale accusations include that the defendant:
Under Vehicle Code 23152c VC, driving while addicted to drugs is considered a form of California DUI.
A driver is considered “addicted to drugs” if he is physically or emotionally dependent upon them.
Most first, second and third instances of driving while addicted to a drug are California misdemeanors. But fourth and subsequent offenses can be charged as felony DUI.
In general, selling or trafficking benzodiazepines is a California felony under Health & Safety Code 11352 HS. The standard penalties include:
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.