What happens after someone is arrested at the Calexico-Mexicali border?

What happens after someone is arrested at the Calexico-Mexicali border?

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Many drug organizations convince people to smuggle drugs into the United States for money, and one way is through the Calexico-Mexicali border. However, if someone is arrested for this crime, depending on the number of drugs they carry, it can be considered a federal offense.

The most common drugs people smuggle are usually cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, or fentanyl, a new synthetic drug similar to heroin that has caused many accidental deaths due to its strength.

What happens if someone is caught with drugs at the Mexican border?

First, the individual will be arrested and taken to Imperial County jail for custody. A date will be set for a first appearance before the United States court in El Centro, California, and a judge will read their charges. The case will then be transferred to the San Diego, California District Court. 

An option, in this case, is to get out on bail while the case continues, but this can be complicated for people who are not US citizens. This is why a criminal defense attorney in San Diego, California, is useful. If you are being charged with a crime, having a lawyer by your side will make a difference. 

A criminal defense lawyer in San Diego can determine whether you have to serve jail time and how the case results. 

What are the consequences of being charged with a drug crime in California?

The consequences of being charged with a drug crime in California are serious, and their severity will depend on the specific charge, circumstances, and the defendant’s criminal history.

A person who is found guilty of a drug crime can face the following:

• Jail or prison time: Sentences related to drug crimes can be significant. People can spend anything from a few months to several years, depending on the severity of the charges and the amount of drugs involved. Criminal history also takes part in the decision of the length of the sentence.
• Fines: Drug convictions can also result in fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Probation: There are cases when a defendant can receive probation instead of jail or prison time. However, it does not mean that the person is let free without any consequences. They must still meet several conditions, such as attending drug treatment or abstaining from drug use.
• Driver’s license suspension: A drug conviction can also result in losing the driver’s license.
• Employment consequences: People with drug convictions may find it hard to find employment because many businesses perform criminal history background checks.
• Immigration consequences: If the convicted person is a non-citizen, they may face deportation or other immigration consequences.
• Loss of certain rights: Some rights that people may lose because of a drug conviction are the right to vote and the right to own a firearm.

Being accused of a drug crime in San Diego, California, can lead to substantial and enduring repercussions. Therefore, seeking guidance from a skilled criminal defense lawyer in San Diego is crucial to comprehend your legal alternatives and potential defenses. Contact Kannan Law today!