Marijuana has been recreationally legal for adults in California since 2016. However, there are still a number of criminal offenses related to the illicit sale, possession, distribution, and use of cannabis. Many of these crimes are lower-level infractions or misdemeanors, but they can still have an undesirable impact on your personal and professional life.
If you are facing charges for marijuana offenses, you need legal representation from a knowledgeable drug crime lawyer serving Alhambra. The attorneys at Simmrin Law Group have a deep familiarity with California’s cannabis laws, decades of experience, and a strong desire to protect the accused from injustice.
We can defend you from the charges and work to mitigate the worst consequences of a marijuana conviction. Contact our offices today to schedule a case consultation with a marijuana lawyer serving Alhambra. Your freedoms may hang in the balance, so don’t delay.
Why You Need a Marijuana Crimes Lawyer
Even a low-level marijuana offense can rob you of your freedoms and opportunities. You may have to spend time in jail or pay an expensive fine. A marijuana conviction can show up on a criminal background check, making it harder to get certain types of jobs. A conviction can also destroy your social reputation.
An Alhambra criminal defense lawyer can stand up for your rights and protect your freedoms and privileges. An attorney can meet the charges, create a defense strategy, and identify pathways to reduce sentencing or case dismissals.
For a free legal consultation with a marijuana lawyer serving Alhambra, call (310) 896-2723
Types of Marijuana Crimes in Alhambra
Below is a list of some of the most common kinds of marijuana crimes that our team oversees:
Possession of Marijuana
Adults over the age of 21 can legally buy and smoke marijuana, but California Health and Safety Code 11357 limits how much they can possess at a given time. Adults can only possess up to 28.5 grams of plant material or up to eight grams of concentrated cannabis products. Individuals under 21 years old are prohibited from possessing any amount of marijuana.
Illegal possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $500. Underage possession is an infraction and can carry mandatory drug counseling and education.
Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana
There are also laws against the illicit cultivation of marijuana plants. Adults in California are allowed to grow and cultivate a maximum of six individual marijuana plants for personal use, provided they are grown on private property and out of public view.
Cultivating more than six plants is illegal and charged as a misdemeanor. The penalty for unlawful cultivation is up to six months in prison and a maximum $500 fine. However, the offense can be charged as a more serious felony offense for cultivating a substantial amount of plants.
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
California’s DUI laws also apply to marijuana. Unlike alcohol, there is no defined per se limit for marijuana concentration, so driving with any amount of cannabis in your system is illegal. Since the police cannot chemically test for marijuana as they can with alcohol, they make arrests based on physical indicators, such as bloodshot eyes, erratic driving, and cannabis odor.
Marijuana DUIs are typically treated the same as alcohol-related DUIs in terms of punishment. A conviction can carry up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a six-month license suspension. The penalties for repeat marijuana DUIs can be more severe, just as with alcohol DUIs.
Illegal Sale of Marijuana
Even though marijuana is recreationally legal, the state still heavily regulates its sale and transportation.
According to California Health and Safety Code 11360, transporting, importing, or selling marijuana without a valid seller’s permit is a crime that can be punished as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount and the presence of prior criminal convictions.
Violators can face enhanced penalties for selling marijuana to underage individuals, as well as selling marijuana near certain types of property (e.g., schools). It is legal for an adult to give away marijuana to another adult, provided that no compensation is received and the amount is under the legal possession limit of 28.5 grams.
Driving With Marijuana in the Vehicle
It is also illegal to drive with cannabis products out in the open in a vehicle. If marijuana is in a car, it must be in a closed receptacle that is sealed or stored in the trunk. Driving with marijuana in the vehicle is an infraction that can carry a maximum $100 fine.
Alhambra Marijuana Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Potential Defenses Against Marijuana Criminal Charges
There are a number of potential strategies that a marijuana lawyer serving Alhambra could utilize to defend you from accusations:
- Illegal search and seizure. The police cannot search your vehicle or home without your consent or probable cause. If the police illegally searched and seized marijuana from your possessions, your lawyer could petition to have the evidence and charges thrown out of court.
- Lack of intent. Most marijuana crimes, such as possession, require intent to prosecute. For example, if someone left marijuana in your car or home without your knowledge, an attorney could argue you lacked the necessary criminal intent.
- Not a crime. Your lawyer could also argue that your actions were not criminal in nature. For example, you may have possessed under the legal limit or had a valid seller’s permit to make sales.
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Contact a Marijuana Lawyer Serving Alhambra
Charges for a marijuana crime might not seem serious, but the penalties can jeopardize your personal freedoms and professional reputation. If you want to strive for a favorable outcome, you need to work with a trial-tested criminal defense lawyer.
Simmrin Law Group can go to bat for your rights and protect you from criminal charges for marijuana crimes. Contact our offices today or call us by phone to schedule a case evaluation with a marijuana lawyer serving Alhambra.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form