Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Health & Safety Code 11377(a) is possession of certain drugs, including methamphetamine and ecstacy. It is a "wobbler," meaning it can be charged as a felony with a maximum sentence of three years in prison, or as a misdemeanor with a maximum of a year in jail.

Health & Safety Code 11350 is possession of other specified drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, and includes some prescription drugs, such as morphine or Vicodin, if possessed without a prescription. It is a felony with a maximum punishment of three years in prison, and cannot be reduced to a misdemeanor.