On Tuesday, January 25th, members of the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station J-Team saw a car on the road with expired registration. When they approached the vehicle and contacted the driver, they discovered that she had an active warrant out for her arrest. They also discovered that the passenger was currently on active probation.
During a search of the vehicle, the deputies found cocaine, Xanax pills, and shrooms. When they searched the passenger’s person, they found a firearm. Both suspects were from Lancaster but were arrested in Canyon Country. They are currently facing several narcotics and weapons charges.
If the passenger was on felony probation, that is, he was previously convicted of a felony, he may be facing a violation of California Penal Code 29800(a)(1) PC – felon in possession of a firearm. The law makes it illegal for someone who has a felony warrant out for their arrest or was previously convicted of a felony from owning, possessing, or purchasing firearms. Violations of PC 29800(a)(1) PC are considered felonies, and the punishments include up to 3 years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
If the suspects were selling the drugs that were found in their possession, they may be charged with violating California Health & Safety Code 11351 HS – possession with intent to sell or distribute. This law makes it illegal to possess certain controlled substances, including narcotics and prescription medications, with the intention of selling them. The crime is a felony with the potential penalties including probation and up to 1 year in county jail, 2, 3, or 4 years in county jail, and/or a maximum fine of $20,000.
Last, since the passenger had a firearm on him and there was a usable amount of a controlled substance also in his possession, it’s possible he is facing a violation of California Health & Safety Code 11370.1 HS – possession of a controlled substance while armed. The law makes it illegal to be in possession of a controlled substance and a loaded firearm at the same time. The crime is considered a serious California felony, and the potential penalties include 2, 3, or 4 years in California state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
