Marijuana Defense Attorneys in Oakland
California’s Marijuana Laws
The state of California, though comparatively lax on marijuana laws compared to many other states, still has consequences for marijuana crimes. As of January 1, 2018, California voters legalized the use of recreational marijuana. This means that adults who are 21 or older may possess one once of dried marijuana, eight grams of cannabis concentrate, and six plants for personal use. Exceeding these amounts is a misdemeanor, punished by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail.
California DUI law also dictates the following actions are illegal:
- Possessing marijuana when under the age of 18
- Selling or possessing marijuana with the intent to sell, unless you have a valid business license to do so
- Selling marijuana to a minor, even if you have a valid license
- Violating California environmental laws when cultivating marijuana
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana
- Smoking marijuana in a public or non-smoking space
- Smoking on the grounds of a school or youth center
- Consuming or possessing marijuana in an open container while behind the wheel
Employers and landlords also maintain the right to enforce a drug-free workplace, in which they can report your use or possession of marijuana to law enforcement.
Call (510) 953-5551 or contact us online today. After an arrest, there is no time to delay. Don’t speak with police without a lawyer on your side.
Potential Penalties for a Marijuana Conviction
Punishments of a marijuana drug crime generally include fines and up to 6 months in jail, if a convicted of a criminal misdemeanor. If there are multiple people involved, or if there are prior convictions for serious or violent offenses, the crime can also face felony enhancements. Potential punishment and your right to possess or use marijuana are also dependent on your criminal history. For example, you may not obtain a license to sell marijuana if you have had previous convictions for serious felonies, knowingly selling to a minor, or selling without a license.
In addition, penalties can be increased if the marijuana crimes were carried out in addition to other offenses, such as weapons crimes, if you are a registered sex offender, or if the crime is in connection with vehicular manslaughter when driving under the influence.
Contact Torres & Caraves Law
Despite becoming more and more acceptable across the board, marijuana use or possession is still subject to being punishable by law. Because the lines regarding marijuana use are so blurred in today’s world, it can be difficult to fully understand when one’s actions are truly illegal. This is why it is important you don’t take your charges lying down; instead, confront them head-on with the help of a trusted Oakland criminal defense attorney, such as ours at Torres & Caraves Law.
If you or a loved one are facing drug charges, whether they are regarding marijuana or not, please don’t hesitate to enlist the legal counsel, care, and representation of an Oakland drug crime lawyer you can trust, such as ours at Torres & Caraves Law. We bring more than 25 years of collective experience and will go above and beyond in our efforts to prevent one mistake from determining the course of your life. We understand just how much is on the line. Allow us to fight for your rights today.
Contact us online or by calling (510) 953-5551.

Testimonials
Hear Directly from Our Clients-
“I was particularly impressed by his trial approach and strategy. He made sure that my son was set up for success. I am grateful to Martin because my son was found to be not guilty by the jury.”
- Paulette Smith -
“It definitely felt like he had my back and wanted me to win as much as I wanted to win. I highly recommend Mr. Caraves I felt like Mr. Caraves did everything he could to help us win the case. I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. Great win!”
- Langston W. -
“Martin me dijo el primer dia que tuve la entrevista con el........ no se preocupe por nada, yo voy a pelear su caso y olvidese del caso, si necesito algo lo llamo. Eso es lo que hice, y despues me ...”
- Gloria C. -
“Es una firma de abogados que necesita nuestra comunidad; en más de 5 casos han apoyado y tenido éxito con los casos si tienes un DUI, un accidente de cualquier género no duden en buscar en ellos su ...”
- Myriam R. -
“El mes Julio 31 19 me atendió este abogado muy bien y todo le entendi mi caso era que un investigador privado quería mi información y yo tenía mucho miedo y el me ayudó.”
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