California Criminal Lawyer Blog

Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials arrested two men after they found about 1,000 marijuana plants at various stages of growth in a Diamond Bar residence. According to a news report in The Diamond Bar Patch, the drugs were estimated to have a value of $4 million. Deputies apparently received a tip that marijuana was being grown at a home in the 24000 block of High Crest Drive. Authorities issued a search warrant and found the elaborate growing operation. Officials estimate that the operation may have been running for as long as three years.

Under California law, it is illegal to cultivate marijuana for sale. According to California Health and Safety Code Section 11358: "Every person who plants, cultivates, harvests, dries, or processes any marijuana or any part thereof, except as otherwise
provided by law, shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code."

Marijuana laws are extremely complicated in California because California is one of the few states where voters legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes through Proposition 215. Individuals who have a medical marijuana card and who follow the program's strict guidelines cannot be charged for drug crimes. Under the law, card-holding users of medicinal marijuana may possess up to six mature plants, 12 immature plants, and 8 ounces of dried cannabis. These laws vary from county to county. Medical marijuana users are also allowed to form cooperatives to cultivate marijuana for members. However, what makes these laws complex is the fact that marijuana, even when used for medicinal purposes, is illegal under federal law.

If you or a loved one has been charged with possession, sale, or cultivation of marijuana, you need the advice and guidance of an experienced Los Angeles County marijuana defense lawyer who knows and understands state and federal marijuana laws. The knowledgeable marijuana defense lawyers at Takakjian & Sitkoff have represented those who have been wrongfully charged with such serious drug crimes. We have also been able to get drug charges dismissed citing illegal search and seizure. If you are facing marijuana-related charges, please contact us at (866) 430-8383 to find out how we can help you.

Since medical marijuana in California became available, marijuana dispensaries have become a billion dollar industry. According to an October 8, 2011 report by Bloomberg, federal officials have promised to crack down on marijuana dispensaries in Southern California by going after property owners who allow these businesses on their properties. Federal officials say the California law permitting the cultivation and sale of marijuana for medical purposes is being abused. The Board of Equalization (BOE) reports that approximately 400,000 Californians now use pot on a daily basis.

On November 5, 1996, Californians voted to approve Proposition 215 which allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Starting the next day, California Health and Safety Code 11362.7 – 11362.83 removed state-level criminal penalties for medical marijuana use. However, marijuana remains on the federal government's list of controlled substances. In California, patients who have been diagnosed with debilitating illnesses, such as cancer, may have marijuana prescribed to them to offer some relief from the pain and suffering they undergo. Many also choose to use marijuana instead of other prescription medications to alleviate problems such as back pain.

Anytime there is a crackdown on drug use, there is the potential for innocent individuals to face wrongful charges. Dispensary workers and owners are facing harsh penalties despite having facilities that follow the many required rules and regulations. Users who are legally prescribed marijuana may face wrongful charges during the crackdown as well. Anyone charged with a marijuana crime in Los Angeles would be well advised to discuss his or her case with a skilled drug crime lawyer.

The experienced Los Angeles drug crime defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff have years of experience handling marijuana charges in California. We help our clients fight wrongful charges. If you or a loved one is facing marijuana possession, cultivation, or sale charges, call us today at 866-430-8383 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A 23-year-old Los Angeles man faces multiple drug charges after officials found bags of marijuana in his vehicle.

According to a news report in The Redding Record Searchlight, the man was travelling from Tehama County back to Los Angeles when officials pulled him over for not having a front license plate.

The man apparently told officials that the marijuana was for his own personal use. He has been charged with transportation of marijuana for sale. Transportation of a controlled substance is a serious allegation that carries heavy penalties. An individual need not intend to sell the drugs to be charged with transportation. Mere possession of the controlled substances could result in these serious charges.

The penalties for transporting marijuana in California become more serious when the authorities decide the defendant had more drugs than one person could reasonably use. This means that large quantities of drugs typically result in an "intent to sell" charge, which is a felony. In some cases, a transportation charge can even increase to a trafficking allegation, which could result in even more serious penalties.

The Los Angeles marijuana defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff have a long history of successfully handling marijuana possession and transportation cases. Under most circumstances, we are able to have the charges reduced or even thrown out. To discuss your case at absolutely no cost, please call our offices at 866-430-8383.