Broadcom Founder Indicted on Drug Charge
Posted on June 9, 2008
Filed Under Drugs, Felonies, Law, Los Angeles |
The co-founder of Broadcom, one of Southern California’s largest technology firms, has been indicted for using and distributing illegal drugs in his home. Henry Nicholas and Broadcom’s former CFO William Ruehle were also indicted in an alleged stock option back-dating scheme. Nicholas surrendered to federal law enforcement officers late last week.
Personal use of illegal drugs is a crime, as is providing them to others. Penalties can be stiff, but California does offer alternative sentencing for non-violent drug crime offenders. Depending on the situation, if you are charged with a drug crime, you may be eligible for one of three alternative sentencing options:
- Proposition 36: First and second time non-violent offenders charged with simple drug possession can receive substance abuse treatment in lieu of jail time. One year of limited inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, halfway house, narcotic replacement therapy and/or education classes with an additional six months of aftercare can be required.
- DEJ: Deferred Entry of Judgment, also known as Diversion, requires the defendant to plead guilty but instead of a conviction, the case is placed on hold for 18 months. During that time the defendant must take a 6-month drug education class and avoid arrest or conviction. If the defendant accomplishes this, the case is dismissed and no charge is recorded.
- Drug Court: A phased program of court-ordered supervision and treatment that allows the defendant increasing freedom with the successful completion of each phase. Upon completion of the program, the case is dismissed and no charge is recorded.
Alternative sentencing can help you avoid jail. An experienced drug crimes lawyer can review your case to see if you qualify for alternative sentencing under California law. For information about alternative sentencing on our Spanish language website, click here.
-LegalPro
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