A routine traffic stop resulted in two arrests after the people in the vehicle (driver and passenger) were found to be in possession of methamphetamine and counterfeit money. The stop occurred on February 13th near Highway 14 and Golden Valley Road. It was discovered that the driver, a 33-year-old female was on probation and that the passenger, a 42-year-old male, was not. However, both were arrested in connection with the narcotics and counterfeit bills and taken to the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station to undergo booking and processing. The male suspect is being held in lieu of $21,000 bond, while the female was held in lieu of $1,000 bond. She was released on bail later that day.
Health and Safety Code 11377 HS makes it illegal to possess methamphetamine for personal use without a prescription. A defendant can be accused of “possessing” something in three ways:
- Actual Possession – when something is being held by a suspect, whether in their hand or in something they are wearing or carrying, they are considered to be in “actual possession” of the item or substance.
- Constructive Possession – when someone exercises control over an area where a substance or item is located, they are said to be in “constructive possession” of it. An example of “constructive possession” would include having drugs in a vehicle you owned and/or are operating, or having drugs in your home.
- Joint Possession – when someone shares possession of an item with someone else, they are said to be in “joint possession.” An example of this includes a situation in which two people head out to buy drugs to use together.
Violations of California Health and Safety Code 11377 HS are typically charged as misdemeanors and punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, those who have prior convictions of specific serious felonies, or certain sex crimes, the charges can be increased to felony-level. If convicted, the penalties for felony possession of methamphetamine include 16 months to three years in jail.