California Health and Safety Code Section 11366.8 HSC: Concealing Drugs In A False Compartment

While it is generally lawful to build and use secret compartments to store valuables and other items, use of hidden compartments is illegal when used in a vehicle to conceal drugs. Under California Health & Safety Code Section 11366.8 HSC concealing drugs in a false compartment of a vehicle is a criminal offense that can lead to significant penalties for those convicted.

To prove that a defendant committed the crime of concealing drugs in a false compartment, a prosecutor must be able to prove the following elements:

1. The defendant possessed, used or controlled a false compartment with the intent to store, conceal, smuggle or transport a controlled substance in the false compartment of a vehicle


2. OR the defendant designed, constructed, built, altered, fabricated, installed or attached a false compartment for or in a vehicle with the intent to store, conceal, smuggle or transport a controlled substance in it.

A false compartment is any box, container, space or enclosure intended or designed to conceal any controlled substance within or attached to a vehicle. A false compartment may be original factory equipment that is modified or a compartment that is added to the vehicle.

Similar offenses include the following:

1. Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance - California Health & Safety Code Section 11351 HSC
2. Possession for Sale of Marijuana - California Health & Safety Code Section 11359 HSC

A man owns a truck that has an extremely large gas tank. The man decides to use the truck’s gas tank to conceal marijuana while transporting it. In addition to being charged with possession for sale of marijuana, the man could be charged with concealing drugs in a false compartment in violation of California Health & Safety Code Section 11366.8 HSC. The fact that the compartment was not added to the vehicle would not preclude criminal prosecution, as the false compartment does not require modification.

In another example, a mechanic runs an auto body shop that specializes in after-market modifications. A man approaches the mechanic at the shop and asks him to install various hidden compartments throughout his vehicle to help him conceal drugs when he travels throughout the state. The mechanic complies and builds the compartment according to specifications. The mechanic could be charged under California Health & Safety Code Section 11366.8 HSC for building a false compartment for use in concealing drugs, as this action violates the statute.

If the driver or owner of a vehicle has no knowledge of the presence of a false compartment, he or she could not be charged criminally with this offense. Additionally, if the false compartment was used to conceal something other than drugs, the defendant would not be criminally liable for this offense.

Concealing drugs in a false compartment is a "wobbler" offense. This means that a prosecutor can charge the case as either a felony or misdemeanor. When deciding what level of charges to file, Prosecutors tend to evaluate factors such as the criminal history of the defendant and the circumstances of the crime. If charged and convicted of the misdemeanor, a defendant can be sentenced to up to a year in jail in addition to costly court fines. If charged and convicted of the felony, a defendant can be sentenced to up to three years in prison.

The act of building a false compartment to store drugs is always a felony-level offense. Those convicted can be se sent to prison for up to three years.

If you or someone you know are being investigated for concealing drugs in a false compartment, or have been charged criminally with this offense, it is crucial that you speak with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer right away. As a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Kraut knows how to effectively fight all varieties of drug crimes. Mr. Kraut is well-known throughout the court system as an aggressive litigator who works hard to ensure the best possible outcome for his clients.

For more information about concealing drugs in a false compartment charges, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.