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California Ketamine Crimes Involving a Minor Lawyers

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What is Ketamine?

Ketamine, referred to as a club drug, can be extremely popular with minors. But in California, there are laws to punish anyone involved in selling, supplying, giving away, or administering ketamine to a minor.

What Does Selling Ketamine to a Minor Refer To?

It means the defendant exchanged something of value, such as goods, money, or service, with a minor for the purposes of selling them ketamine.

What If I Didn’t Sell the Drug, But Gave it Away Instead?

In California, giving away a controlled substance is a crime. The defendant can still face criminal charges.

What Does It Mean If I Am Accused of Administering Ketamine to a Minor?

It means the defendant purposefully applied the drug to a minor. For example, the defendant may have injected the drug into the minor or put it into another substance, like a drink.

What Will Prosecutors Have to Prove Regarding Me Giving, Selling, Administrating or Furnishing Ketamine to a Minor?

A prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt a defendant:

Unlawfully furnished, sold, administered, or gave away ketamine to a minor
Knew about the presence of the drug
Knew the drug was ketamine
Was older than 18 years old at the time
The ketamine was in a useable amount
The person receiving the drug was under 18 years old
Gave the minor ketamine

What is the Penalty to Proving, Administering, Furnishing, or Giving Ketamine to a Minor?

A defendant convicted of the charge faces a felony conviction, punishable by 3 to 9 years in prison.

Are There Any Defenses Against Offering Ketamine to a Minor?

Yes, there are a few defenses. Such as:

The defendant did not offer, furnish, or administer the ketamine to a minor;
The defendant did not intend to offer, furnish, or administer ketamine to a minor;
The defendant does not even have access or possession of ketamine; or
Illegal search and seizure of the evidence.