Trying to handle your own criminal defense is risky. If you are facing marijuana charges, a Costa Mesa drug crimes lawyer can help you fight them.
The lawyers at Simmrin Law Group have decades of combined legal experience. A Costa Mesa marijuana lawyer from our team can look into your case, gather evidence to strengthen your defense, and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
How a Costa Mesa Marijuana Attorney Can Help
Facing marijuana charges is a stressful experience. A marijuana lawyer serving Costa Mesa can:
- Evaluate your case: A lawyer can review the details of your situation to determine the strength of the evidence against you.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: An attorney can communicate with the district attorney to seek reduced charges or more favorable sentencing.
- Prepare for court: If your case goes to trial, a lawyer can ensure all required paperwork is filed correctly and represent you in court.
- Protect your rights: An attorney can make sure law enforcement and the courts follow proper procedures throughout your case.
For a free legal consultation with a marijuana lawyer serving Costa Mesa, call (310) 896-2723
What Is Marijuana Possession?
Possession is one of the most common marijuana offenses in California. Adults 21 and older can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use. However, possession of larger amounts can lead to serious criminal consequences. Items used to consume or store marijuana, such as pipes or bongs, can lead to separate charges.
If you have been charged with marijuana possession, a Costa Mesa criminal defense lawyer can defend you.
Costa Mesa Marijuana Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Is Possession with Intent to Sell Marijuana?
Possession with intent to sell is a more serious offense than simple possession. This charge applies when law enforcement believes the marijuana in your possession is intended for commercial distribution.
Factors that may indicate intent to sell include:
- Large quantities of marijuana
- Packaging materials like baggies or containers
- Scales or other measuring devices
- Evidence of transactions, such as cash or digital records
Penalties for possession with intent to sell are significantly harsher than simple possession. A marijuana attorney serving Costa Mesa can help minimize them.
Click to contact our Costa Mesa Drug Crimes Lawyers today
What Is Marijuana Cultivation?
Marijuana cultivation refers to growing plants for personal use or sale. California’s cannabis laws allow adults 21 and older to grow a limited number of plants for personal use, but growing beyond the legal limit or selling what you grow is illegal without a license.
Cultivation charges may include:
- Unauthorized personal cultivation: Growing more plants than the legal limit can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
- Illegal commercial cultivation: Operating a grow operation without the proper licenses or permits is a felony.
- Environmental violations: Large-scale cultivation can sometimes violate local environmental laws, adding additional penalties.
Penalties for cultivation vary depending on the number of plants, location, and whether the cultivation was for personal or commercial purposes.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What Is Marijuana Distribution?
Marijuana distribution involves supplying marijuana to others, either through sales or delivery. California law differentiates between legal commercial distribution, which is permitted only under strict licensing, and illegal, unlicensed distribution.
Several factors can elevate distribution charges, such as:
- Selling to minors
- Selling near schools or public areas
- Large-scale sales or repeated offenses
What Is a Marijuana DUI?
Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal in California. Police can measure impairment through field sobriety tests, blood tests, or other chemical tests. Consequences of a marijuana DUI can include fines, license suspension, DUI education programs, and, in some cases, jail time.
Even if you believe you were only mildly impaired, law enforcement and prosecutors can pursue a marijuana DUI charge.
Penalties for Marijuana Offenses in California
Penalties for California marijuana charges vary widely depending on the offense, quantity of marijuana, prior convictions, and whether aggravating factors exist. That said, common penalties include:
- Fines: Financial penalties can range from a few hundred dollars for minor possession to thousands for distribution or cultivation.
- Probation: Many first-time offenders are placed on probation instead of being jailed.
- Jail or prison: Serious offenses, such as large-scale distribution or repeat possession with intent to sell, can result in months or even years behind bars.
- Community service: Courts may require you to perform community service or attend a drug education program.
- Property seizure: Equipment, vehicles, or property used in cultivation or distribution may be subject to forfeiture.
What Is the Best Defense Against Marijuana Charges?
The best defense for your case will depend on the specific charges you received and other case-specific factors. Defenses that may apply include:
- Illegal search and seizure: If law enforcement conducted an unlawful search, any evidence they found may be inadmissible in court.
- Lack of knowledge: Your lawyer can argue that you were unaware of the presence of marijuana in your possession.
- Medical marijuana use: California law allows patients with medical marijuana cards to use marijuana for medical purposes. This can be a defense if your use is legally protected.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed, this may be a valid defense.
- Chain of custody issues: Errors in handling evidence, such as contamination or improper storage, can weaken the prosecution’s case.
Talk to a Marijuana Lawyer Serving Costa Mesa
California marijuana laws carry serious penalties. If you have been charged with a crime related to marijuana, a Costa Mesa marijuana attorney from Simmrin Law Group can protect your rights, improve your defense, and fight for you throughout the legal process.
Schedule a free case evaluation to start building
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form