Many people facing marijuana charges are students, working adults, parents, or professionals with little experience in criminal court. Questions often focus on what marijuana use is allowed under California law and how a charge may affect future plans.
In these moments, speaking with a Glendale drug crimes lawyer from Simmrin Law Group can bring clarity and direction. We review the arrest, explain what the law allows, and build a defense that fits the facts of the case.
Our marijuana lawyers serving Glendale bring decades of experience and have represented thousands of clients over more than 20 years. We handle criminal cases in state and federal courts and prepare each matter with close attention to the facts and the courtroom process. Call us today to discuss the next steps during a free and confidential consultation.
How Our Glendale Marijuana Defense Attorneys Handle Your Case
Our Glendale criminal defense lawyers move quickly once we learn that our client is facing charges or possible charges. When you come to us, you can expect us to explain how California’s marijuana laws work and review the arrest from the ground up.
We look at all the evidence in the case. This includes the police reports, body camera footage, lab results, and witness accounts. Our attorneys also look for errors, shortcuts, and violations of rights. To date, we have handled more than 100 jury trials, including serious felony and capital cases. These experiences shape how we prepare for cases.
Our lawyers know how prosecutors approach negotiations and court hearings, and we will put this knowledge to work for you. You will work with a legal team that knows California courts and knows how marijuana cases are prosecuted today.
For a free legal consultation with a marijuana lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
Why Marijuana Use Can Lead to Criminal Charges in California
In California, adults age 21 and older can have and use limited amounts of marijuana. Even so, many marijuana-related actions remain illegal under state law.
Although marijuana is legal in California, the law sets clear limits on possession, use, and conduct. Police focus on factors such as quantity, location, intent, and driving activity when deciding whether to make an arrest.
California marijuana cases fall under the Health and Safety Code and the Vehicle Code. Each charge brings its own risks and potential consequences. The following sections explain the charges most often filed in these cases.
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Marijuana Possession Charges in Glendale
Simple possession cases often involve small amounts meant for individual use rather than for sale. California Health and Safety Code § 11357 controls these charges.
Under the law, adults over 21 may have up to 28.5 grams of marijuana flower or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. Possession over those limits can lead to criminal charges. Possession by someone under 21 can also lead to penalties.
Police often base possession cases on traffic stops, searches, or calls for service. The way officers found the marijuana matters. Search and seizure rules play a major role in these cases. Our Glendale cannabis defense lawyer looks closely at how the stop happened and whether the search followed the law.
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Possession With Intent to Sell Marijuana
Possession with intent to sell is a more serious charge. Prosecutors do not use proof of a completed sale. Instead, they rely on signs that suggest intent. These signs may include the amount found, packaging, cash, phones, or comments made at the time of arrest.
Even legal marijuana can lead to this charge if police believe the purpose was sales. These cases move quickly and often carry felony exposure. Early legal review matters because the facts can be interpreted in different ways. A weed lawyer handling cases in Glendale challenges assumptions and forces the state to prove intent beyond guesswork.
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Marijuana Sales and Distribution Charges
Marijuana sales and distribution charges involve selling, transporting for sale, or giving marijuana away illegally. Some cases involve licensed businesses, while others involve private individuals accused of unlicensed activity.
The difference affects how the case is charged and where it is prosecuted. Distribution cases often include phone records, surveillance, and informant statements. These cases require detailed review and strong defense planning. We examine every report, message, and video tied to the accusation.
Marijuana DUI in California
Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal in California. Vehicle Code § 23152(f) applies to drug-related DUI cases. Unlike alcohol cases, marijuana DUIs do not rely on a set blood alcohol limit. Officers look at driving behavior, field sobriety tests, and blood results.
This creates room for dispute. Many drivers are charged even when they feel sober. Delays in testing and natural THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) retention can affect results. Our firm will review the stop, the testing process, and the officer’s conclusions.
Marijuana Charges and Weapons Allegations
In some arrests, officers also report finding a firearm or other weapon. When that happens, prosecutors may try to link the weapon to the drug charge, even if the two are not connected.
Ownership of a lawful firearm does not automatically support a marijuana offense, and each allegation must be reviewed on its own facts. Prosecutors still carry the burden of proof. Our legal team addresses each charge individually and challenges improper stacking of allegations.
When to Hire an Attorney to Fight Marijuana-Related Charges
Hiring an attorney handling marijuana charges in Glendale early allows more control over the case. Any statements a person makes after an arrest can affect charging decisions. Court deadlines arrive fast.
Anyone facing a misdemeanor or felony marijuana charge benefits from legal guidance before court appearances begin. Simmrin Law Group handles cases at every stage, from arrest through trial and appeal.
What Happens After an Arrest in California?
After an arrest, police submit reports to the prosecutor. Charges are reviewed and filed. An arraignment follows, where the defendant enters a plea. Pretrial hearings address motions and evidence.
During this stage, the parties discuss possible resolutions. Some cases resolve early, and others move toward trial. California law sets deadlines for criminal cases. Under California Penal Code § 802, prosecutors generally have one year to bring misdemeanor charges.
California law generally allows three years to file felony cases, as set out in California Penal Code § 801, though some offenses follow different timelines. Meeting these deadlines affects whether a case can move forward.
Common Defenses in Marijuana Cases in Glendale
The strategy we use to challenge the charges in your case will depend on the facts. Illegal searches, lack of probable cause, testing issues, and weak proof of intent can all be considered when building a defense.
Some defenses focus on whether the amount of marijuana exceeded legal limits. Others focus on ownership or knowledge. In DUI cases, the defense may challenge whether impairment existed at all. We select defenses that we can base on the evidence, not assumptions.
Get Help From Our Marijuana Lawyers Serving Glendale at Simmrin Law Group
Marijuana charges move fast, and early decisions can shape how a case unfolds. Waiting often means less control over the outcome. Speaking with a criminal defense attorney early gives you a clear view of what you are facing and what steps make sense next.
Simmrin Law Group offers free, private consultations for people facing marijuana charges in Glendale and across California. These conversations stay confidential. You can ask questions, share what happened, and get straight answers about the law, the process, and possible defenses.
Our Glendale marijuana lawyers will step in and defend your rights after a review of the charges you or your loved one is facing. There is no cost to talk, and no obligation to move forward. Contact us today.
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