In San Diego, possessing certain controlled substances without having a prescription is prohibited. The controlled substances referred to by the law can include (but are not limited to):

  • Cocaine
  • LSD
  • Heroin
  • Opiates

Drugs that necessitate a valid prescription are:

  • Oxycontin
  • Vicodin
  • Codeine

Possessing "bath salts" is also a crime.

"Bath salts" are a number of recreational designer substances.

In San Diego, possessing marijuana for medical use is allowed by the law. However:

  • Possessing one ounce or less for recreational use is a crime
  • Possessing a quantity bigger than an ounce is a misdemeanor
  • Possessing on school grounds is a misdemeanor
  • Possessing any quantity of concentrated cannabis is a misdemeanor

A person possessed a substance when:

  • Knew what type of substance it was
  • Had the substance on his or her person or
  • Knew about the substance's presence

Drug Possession Bail Bonds Costs in San Diego County

Some of the drug possession crimes are:

  • Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription 
  • Possession of clonazepam prohibited 
  • Possession of marijuana less than an ounce 
  • Possession of marijuana more than an ounce 
  • Possession of marijuana on school grounds
  • Use or possess any synthetic cannabinoid compound
  • Use or possess any synthetic cannabinoid derivative
  • Possession of marijuana by a driver 
  • Transport or give away marijuana, less than one ounce
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia 
  • Use or possess "bath salts"
  • Possession of non-narcotic drugs/controlled substance

San Diego County has its own Bail Schedule. Initially, the Police Department or the Sheriff Department will set the bail according to this schedule. A judge can later raise the bail amount or can even refuse bail.

The Bail amounts for Drug Possession can range from $100 to $2,000 depending on the circumstances of the case.

If your loved one has been arrested under San Diego County's drug possession laws, an experienced bail bond agent can help him or her get out of jail and have time to prepare for court. Reach out to our bail bondsmen in San Diego, Vista or Santee today.

Call 24/7: 760.505.0811 (Local) | 844.BAIL.400 (Toll-Free)

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How Much Time in Jail Can Someone Get for Drug Possession in San Diego County?

Possessing a controlled substance can lead to a conviction of up to a year in jail in a county facility. In some cases, punishment can consist only in a fine of up to $1,000, or the fine can add to jail time. Also, the defendant could be eligible for treatment instead of jail time.

Possessing marijuana can lead to confinement up to 6 months in jail and possessing concentrated cannabis can lead to a sentence of up to 16 months in jail.

Drug Possession in San Diego County: Case Examples

  • The defendant, a 16-year-old boy, was at a friend's house and they exchanged information about drug paraphernalia. Later, his friend was caught by the police carrying a bong. After hearing the whole story, Police charged both teenagers with drug possession.
  • The defendant was traveling to a music festival when she was pulled over. She allowed the car and her things to be searched. The Police found she was carrying without a prescription a bottle of pain relievers and also found an old tab of ecstasy and less than a gram of cocaine. The woman was charged with possession and taken to jail.
  • The defendant ingested LSD before being investigated. As he was under the influence, the Police concluded that prior to ingesting the substance he possessed it, and charged him with the crime.
  • The Police raided the defendant's house and found drugs in his drawer. Although the defendant was not present at the search, he was charged with possession.
  • The Police were called to a hotel because a woman was damaging her room. They found the room walls damaged and the defendant rambling about evil spirits. A family member told the Police she was a bath salts user and she was charged with drug possession.
  • The defendant was stopped while driving accompanied by a friend. When he stopped the car, the friend placed a bag of cocaine at his feet. The Police Officer who approached them saw the bag and arrested both of them and charged them with drug possession.