Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale Charges – HS 11378

Arrested for Methamphetamine for Sale? Speak with a Lawyer Immediately

Possession for sale of methamphetamine in California is one of the most common types of drug-related charges in the state, and one of the most serious ones. Unlike simple drug possession offenses, 11378 HS (possession with intent to sell) is usually considered a felony that comes with serious consequences, like imprisonment, fines, and a long-lasting criminal record.

To fight the Health and Safety Code 11378 accusations, you need an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of California law. That is exactly what My Rights Law is. We understand how such cases are prosecuted and how the evidence can be challenged to achieve the best results and protect your rights.

A conviction under HS 11378 CA can cause jail time, fines, and even lead to deportation for non-citizens. But with the right legal team, there are options for the client, including possible diversion, dismissal, or sentence reductions.

Ready to speak with a methamphetamine lawyer? Contact us now at (888) 702-8845 or contact us online.

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Health and Safety Code 11378

According to California Health and Safety Code 11378, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell it is considered a serious drug crime, and a more severe one than simple possession for personal use.

What Does HS 11378 Prohibit?

Under Health and Safety Code Section 11378, it is illegal to:

Possess methamphetamine with the intent of selling, distributing, or providing it to someone else.
Possess packaging materials, scales, ledgers, or communication that suggests the sale of methamphetamine in California, even if no sale actually took place.
Keep more meth than may reasonably be used for personal consumption.

The key thing to understand is that safety code § 11378 HS does not require proof that a transaction occurred—only that you possessed meth with intent to sell.

Meth Possession With Intent To Sell

Getting charged with possession of meth for sale often happens even when no transaction occurred, and the amount of the drug isn’t particularly large.

Prosecutors may still claim intent to sell based on:

Presence of cash in small denominations
Baggies or packaging supplies
Digital scales or weighing devices
Notes, ledgers, or text messages
Verbal statements made during your arrest

Even if you’re facing HS 11378 prosecution charges without a large supply of drugs, these indicators are used as evidence of intent to sell methamphetamine.

The Difference Between Simple Possession and Possession for Sale

Simple possession under Health & Safety Code 11377 refers to controlled substances intended solely for personal use and is often charged as a misdemeanor. In contrast, 11378 HS convictions involve proof of methamphetamine for sale in California, and the law makes it a felony crime, making most defendants not eligible for drug diversion or alternative sentencing programs.

Your Rights During Search, Arrest, and Interrogation

In many cases, the police don’t follow the Fourth Amendment during the arrest, meaning that the majority of such arrests fall into the category of illegal search and seizure. Any search without a warrant or valid consent can be proven unfounded, allowing your criminal defense attorney to get the evidence suppressed.

Also, don’t forget about your right to remain silent and talk to your attorney first. Any statements you made while being pressured or coerced can and will be challenged in court. Protecting your constitutional rights is often the first step in building a strong defense.

Penalties Under HS 11378 – Jail Time and Fines

A conviction for violation of Health and Safety Code 11378 is always a felony. According to the California penal code, the potential sentence includes:

Up to 3 years in state prison or county jail under California’s realignment laws
Fines up to $10,000
A permanent felony record
Loss of professional licenses
Deportation or immigration consequences if you are not a U.S. citizen

Your prison sentence may be longer if the meth was transported across county lines, sold near schools, or involved firearms. If you have prior convictions, penalties can be even more severe.

Defense Strategies Against HS 11378 Charges

No two cases are the same. A skilled criminal defense attorney will assess every detail of your situation. Some effective defense strategies against criminal charges under HS 11378 include:

Arguing the drugs were for personal use, not for sale
Proving that law enforcement violated your rights with unreasonable searches and seizures
Casting doubt on the credibility of informants or undercover officers
Challenging lab results or determining the drug type
Showing you were unaware of the drug’s presence
Demonstrating that the evidence was planted or mishandled
Pursuing alternative sentencing or a diversion program instead of jail time

Sometimes, what seems like intent to distribute is just a case of possessing meth in a bad situation. Our firm has experience uncovering these misunderstandings and helping clients avoid wrongful 11378 HS convictions.

Why You Need a Drug Crime Attorney Who Protects Your Rights

If you’re charged with possession of methamphetamine under Health and Safety Code 11378, you cannot afford to take chances. You need a criminal defense lawyer who goes beyond paperwork the one who will defend you.

At My Rights Law, we don’t just handle drug charges; we fight to restore our clients’ dignity and protect their futures. Whether you’ve been convicted of possession, are facing charges under HS 11378, or need a second opinion on a plea deal, we’re here to help.

Whether your case was 11378 retrieved in Los Angeles or anywhere else in California, we’re ready, contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced criminal defense attorneys defend your rights under California Health and Safety Code § 11378.