Marijuana Charges And San Francisco Criminal Attorney

By Author: James Rockett
Total Articles: 64
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Before the 20th century, cannabis plants, also known as the marijuana plant, were relatively unregulated and the common in the U.S. Marijuana used to be a common ingredient in medicines in those days. By the time we entered the 1930s, several research studies had linked marijuana to crime, violence and anti-social behavior.

Most states, including California, lay marijuana charges at the feet of criminals in the event of possession, growing, transporting, selling or distribution of marijuana. A state or a federal prosecutor usually decides whether to issue a felony or misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession. That depends on the amount of marijuana. If it's relatively small (it’s less than an ounce), then the accused may be eligible for a dismissal of the charge, or just the payment of a fine.

A competent San Francisco criminal attorney can put up a good defense and keep his client updated on what he or she can expect. A marijuana defense lawyer will bank on his experience and even draw up experts when needed. Several factors ...
... that affect the charges, other than the amount of marijuana, are matters such as the accused individual’s age – adult or minor, his or her criminal record, prior drug convictions or arrests. The situation makes a difference as well, such as if a minor was involved in the incident, if there were other supplies such as scales, baggies, large amounts of cash found on the scene when charged or arrested, and if the marijuana was in plant form or ready to be used.

As soon as an arrest is made or charges are filed, it is best to hire a San Francisco Bay Area criminal attorney for possible pre-filing of the case and protection of individual rights. Many people are unaware that the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which prohibits any unlawful searches and seizures of yourself or your property. This is where a good lawyer, timely employed, comes handy.

The law can penalize marijuana offenders with prison time, fines, forfeiture of property, work release, registration as a drug offender, electronic monitoring and even with mandatory drug counseling and community service. A good defense lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of the case and the penalty that the charged person will receive, if any. He or she can question the circumstances of the arrest, interrogation and investigation.

Any San Francisco criminal attorney will definitely lay out all the client’s options out even if they include a plea bargain or checking themselves into a rehab. The year 2007 showed more than thirty thousand marijuana‐related check-ins for drug treatment services in California. Of these, more than half can be attributed to California criminal justice system. This is how the expertise, skill and knowledge of a defense attorney can protect individual rights and minimize the negative outcomes from the charges.