Defense for Marijuana Misdemeanors

Los Angeles Marijuana Defense Attorney

A person can face misdemeanor marijuana charges for committing the following offenses:

• Possession of once ounce (28.5 grams) of marijuana or less, this is now an infraction
• Possession of once ounce (28.5 grams) of marijuana or less while driving
• Transporting or offering to give away one ounce (28.5 grams) of marijuana or less

These offenses are punishable by a $100 fine. In some cases, such as when larger amounts of marijuana are present or when a person is found in possession of hashish (a more potent form of cannabis), the penalties can also include up to a year in jail.

Misdemeanor marijuana charges will also be brought against a person over the age of 18 for committing the following:

• Possession of one ounce (28.5 grams) of marijuana or less upon the grounds of, or within, an elementary school, middle school, Jr. high school, or high school during the hours the school is open for instruction or school-related programs.

This offense is punishable by no more than a $500 fine, no more than 10 days in county jail, or both. If the defendant is younger than 18 years old, and is convicted, he/she could face a fine of $250 for a first offense. For a second or subsequent offense, a person under the age 18 will be subjected to a $250 fine and/or commitment to a juvenile hall, ranch, camp, forestry camp, or secure juvenile home for no more than 10 days.

Penalties for Misdemeanor Marijuana Crimes

Once again, the summarize the new laws in California, any person who possesses concentrated cannabis can go to jail for up to one year or pay a fine of more than five hundred dollars ($500), or they can be punished with both. They can also be punished by imprisonment in the state prison.

The new law now states that any person who possesses less than 28.5 grams of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine no greater than $100.00.

However, if you are found to have greater than 28.5 grams of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, the maximum punishment is six months in jail or a fine of not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or by both the fine and imprisonment.

The infraction law does not apply to school grounds. What this means is that any person that is 18 years of age or over who possesses less than 28.5 grams of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, near any school, is guilty of a misdemeanor and the fine is no greater than five hundred dollars ($500), or up to ten days in jail, or both.

Contact a Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyer

If you are facing misdemeanor marijuana charges in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, or Kern County it is important to take your situation seriously. Even though you may think you don’t need to hire an attorney, hiring an experienced marijuana defense attorney can greatly serve your best interest. In many cases, first-time offenders are able to negotiate for a treatment program instead of jail. After successful completion of the program, the conviction will be erased from your record.

David D. Diamond has defended many clients charged with misdemeanor marijuana crimes, and has been very successful in helping them avoid a conviction. You can trust that Mr. Diamond will provide you with the dedication, personal attention, and experienced representation you need to overcome your charges and achieve the best outcome possible!

Contact Los Angeles drug crime attorney David D. Diamond today at (888) 860-6570 to learn how he can help you fight your misdemeanor marijuana charges!