Marijuana Charges in Valencia

Santa Clarita Drug Crime Lawyer

At Barnholtz & Kugler, we have almost 40 years of combined legal experience and are adept at defending marijuana charges in Valencia and Santa Clarita. While California's marijuana laws have become increasingly more forgiving in recent years, in many cases a marijuana offense can incur fines and a criminal conviction, which can have a lasting and negative impact on many aspects of your life – don't assume this risk!

On January 1, 2011, possession of one ounce (28.5 grams) or less of marijuana became an infraction, punishable by a maximum $100 fine, plus fees with no criminal record under CA Health & Safety Code 11357b; however, possession of a larger amount is punishable by up to $500 and 6 months in jail.

Marijuana Possession

The penalties for marijuana possession are as follows:

• 28.5 grams or less: infraction, punishable by a maximum $100 fine
• Over 28.5 grams: misdemeanor, punishable by 10 days in jail and maximum $500 fine
• Possession with intent to distribute (any amount): felony, punishable by 16 months to 3 years in jail or prison

Sale or Delivery

If you are charged with sales or delivery, you face the following penalties:

• Any amount is a felony, punishable by 2 to 4 years in prison
• A gift of 28.5 grams or less is a misdemeanor, punishable by a $100 fine
• Over 18 years of age to an individual between the ages of 14 and 17 is a felony, punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison

The good news is that there is no arrest or imprisonment allowed for possessing less than one ounce of marijuana; however, police sometimes try to get around this by charging an individual with felony intent to sell.

Possession of any amount of marijuana with the intent to sell is a felony under Health and Safety Code 11359, this means that if you were found with items such as scales or multiple packages, or an "excessive quantity," the state may attempt to prosecute your case as a felony.

Facing marijuana charges? Engage a solid defense!

If you are facing marijuana charges, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depending upon the circumstances of your case, thus you must have aggressive defense representation if you want to avoid the maximum penalties under the law.

My firm has have a solid grasp on California's drug laws and will fight hard to get your charges reduced, if not dropped altogether so you can put this matter behind you and move on with your life.

Contact a Valencia criminal defense attorney from Barnholtz & Kugler if you are facing marijuana charges, or charges for any other drug-related offense.