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Forover40yearsasacriminaldefenseattorneyIhavesuccessfullydefendedmyclients in almost everytype ofcriminal matter, including thousands ofmarijuanacases.
IamofferingmyguideinhopesthattheinformationIprovidewillhelpyouandothersstayoutoftroublebecausenoonebelongsinjailformarijuana.
Knowledgeofthelawsandyourrightsisthekeytoyourfreedom.
Myguideiseasytoreadandmakesthecurrentmarijuanalawsandyourrightssimpletounderstand.
TheCaliforniamarijuanalawsaresimilartothosethroughouttheU.S.;however,therearevastdifferencesinpunishmentsbetweenCalifornia,otherstatesandinthefederalcourts.Additionally,CaliforniasMedicalMarijuanaLawsareextraordinaryin thattheyaffordmanyuniquerightsandprotectionsforqualifiedpatients.SeetheFederalSentencingGuidelines,Lawsinall50StatesandMedicalMarijuanasectionsinmyguide.
Beaware, as explained in my guide, that convictions for marijuana offenses can have seriousconsequences including jail or prison, probation, loss of drivers license, and deportation ofnon-citizens.
Thisisaguide,itisnotlegaladvice.Ihaveexpressedmyopiniontomakethelawsmoreeasilyunderstood,and insomecases, toexplainhowthe laws havebeeninterpreted bythecourts.Ultimatelyonlytheactualstatutesandthecaserulingsshouldbereliedupon.Myguideincludesmany case law citations. Also, be aware that laws change frequently due to appellate courtdecisionsandlegislation.Iamavailableforaphoneandofficeconsultationfreeofchargeshouldyou,oranyoneyoucareabout,getsintroublethelawandneedshelp,call1800420laws.Myofficeisavailable24/7.
Sincerely,
BruceMargolin
YoumaydownloadfreeaPDFformatofmyguideat1800420laws.com.JustclickontheMargolinGuideicon.
From the Author
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tAble oF ContentsFromtheAuthor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------i
Possession --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
PossessionofLessthananOunce--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
PossessionofMorethananOunce-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
PossessionofConcentratedCannabis(Hashish)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
Juveniles--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
PossessionforSale ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
Wobblers-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
Second&ThirdStrikes------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2Cultivation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Transportation,Importation,SaleorGift------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
DefinitionofProbation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
MirandaRights-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
DrivingUndertheInfluence------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
HowtoSaveYourDriversLicense--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
YouthfulOffenderAlternativePrograms--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
DrugTestingandEmployment--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
CleansingtheBodyofTHC-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
ForfeitureLaws ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
SearchandSeizureLaws---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
ConstitutionalRights---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
CourtroomStrategyforHowtoAvoidConvictionforLessthananOunce-------------------------------------------------------------------------9
DestructionofArrestorConvictionRecords-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
DeferredEntryofJudgment(DEJ)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Proposition36 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
(DEJ)v.Prop.36--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Entrapment --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
PostingBail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
FederalSentencingforMarijuanaOffenses------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
MedicalMarijuanaLaws--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
CompassionateUseAct---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
MedicalMarijuanaProgramAct----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
PrimaryCaregivers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
LocalGuidelinesthatExceedSB420-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
AppellateCourtLandmarkCasesMedicalMarijuana--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
PatientsRighttoaHearingtoDismissBeforeTrial--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
PatientsareEntitledtotheReturnofTheirMedicalMarijuana------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
DoctorsOralRecommendationandPatientsTestimonyAloneinEnough--------------------------------------------------------------- 18
TheJudgecanDismissaPatientsCaseintheInterestofJustice--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
PatientscanDefeatProbationViolationsBasedUponMedicalUseofMarijuana----------------------------------------------------- 18
GrowersMayNotProvidetoDispensariesUnlessasaMemberofaCo-OporCollective------------------------------------------------------ 18
CopsandNarcoticsOfficersMustbeQualifiedinMedicalMarijuanaLaws-------------------------------------------------------------- 18
TransportationisPermitted------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
TheReasonforaDoctorsRecommendationisConfidential---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
DoctorsRecommendationMustbeObtainedPriortotheBust----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
NineandaHalfPoundsorMoreMaybeOkayforPatientstoPossess/Cultivate----------------------------------------------------- 18
OnceaPatienthasaDoctorsRecommend,itDoesNotExpire----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
AmountaPatientcanPossessisthatwhichisReasonablyRelatedtoHisCurrentMedicalNeeds---------------------------- 19
ToQualifyasaCaregiverOneMustConsistentlyProvideServicesBesidesSupplyingMarijuana------------------------------------------ 19PatientCollectivesandCooperativesareLegalUnderCaliforniaLaw------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
Dispensaries -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
Dispensaries,Co-OpsandCollectives-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
AnExampleofaLegallyDefensibleCo-Op------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22
HowManyPlantscanaPatientGrow?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23
CountyHealthPatientI.D.Cards---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24
MedicalMarijuanaWhileonProbation,ParoleorinJail------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24
MedicalConcentratedCannabis(Hashish)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24
TheMarijuanaLawsinAll50States---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25
MoreAboutBruce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
ReporttothePeople------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
PartialListofRecentSuccesses----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------32
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LAW:itisillegaltoknowinglyhavemarijuanaunderyourdominionandcontrolunlesslegally
authorizedformedicinalpurposes.
POSSESSION OF LESS THAN AN OUNCE(28.5grams)[11357(b)H&S]isamisdemeanor.Nobookingwithvalididentification.Acitation,similartoatrafficticketisissued,requiringacourtappearancebythedefendantorhis/herattorney.
PENALTY:Nojailsentenceorprobationcanbeimposed.Themaximumpenaltyisafineof$100,pluscourtassessments,foratotalofapproximately$371.DeferredEntryofJudgment(DEJ)andDrugSentencingAlternativesareavailable.
Thoseunder21yearsoldwilllosetheirdriverslicensefor1yearifconvicted.SeetheHowtoSaveYourDriversLicensesectionoftheguideonpage5.
POSSESSION OF MORE THAN AN OUNCEofmarijuana(28.5gramsandup)[11357(c)H&S]isalsoamisdemeanor.
PENALTY:Themaximumsentenceisupto6monthsinthecountyjailandafineofupto$500.Possessionofover30gramsisadeportableoffense.DeferredEntryofJudgment(DEJ)andProposition36areavailable.
NotefromBruce:Myexperienceisthatalmostwithoutexceptionfirsttimeoffendersdonotgotojail.Summary(non-reporting)probationisusuallygrantedonconditionofasmallfineorcommunityservice.
Seethedefinitionofprobationonpage4oftheguide.
POSSESSION OF CONCENTRATED CANNABIS (HASHISH)[11357(A)H&S]Maybechargedorsentencedasafelonyormisdemeanor;therefore,itiscalledawobbler.
PENALTY:Asamisdemeanor:maximumpossiblesentenceupto1yearinjail,afineofnotmorethan$1,000orboth.Asafelony:Stateprisonsentencerangingfrom16monthsto2or3years,plusafineupto$10,000.Thoseundertheageof21willlosetheirdriverslicensefor1year.DeferredEntryofJudgment(DEJ)andProposition36areavailable.SeetheDEJandProp.36sectionsoftheguideatpages10and11.
JUVENILES (Uptoage18):Allmarijuanaoffenses,includingpossession,sales,possession
forsale,andcultivationmaybedismissedbyparticipationinadrugeducationprogram,andcommunityservice.Otherwise,thecourtscanimposeanythingfromhomeprobation,campplacement,orayouthauthoritycommitmentuptothemaximumtermofimprisonmentfortheoffense.Minorsrecordsarenotpermanentandcanbesealed.A1yeardriverslicensesuspensionismandatory.Therearenofinesimposedinthejuvenilesystem.
PossessionCalifornia Health & Safety Code 11357 (b, c, a) Misdemeanor
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POSSESSION FOR SALE:Possessionofmarijuanawiththeintenttosellanyamountisafelony.Salemeansanyexchangeofmarijuana
forcash,favors,goods,orotherbenefits.Notethatgivingawayuptoanounceis amisdemeanor,witha $100maximumfine. SeetheMedicalMarijuanaLawssectionoftheguideonpage14.
PENALTY:Possessionofanyamountofmarijuanawiththeintenttosellispunishablebyimprisonmentinstateprison[11359H&S].Unlessprobation is granted, which it usually is, penalties can be up to 16months or 2-3 years in state prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.Persons under age 21 will lose their drivers license for 1 year. For
non-citizens,convictionforpossessionforsaleisadeportableoffenseandwillresultindenialofcitizenship.DeferredEntryofJudgmentandDrugSentencingAlternativesareNOTavailable.
NotesfromBruce:FOR SALEcanbeprovensolelyontheexpertopinionofaqualifiednarcoticsofficerthatthemarijuana seized was for sale rather than personal use. The narcotics officers opinions areoftenbasedupon the quantityof marijuana, the number ofpackages, the packaging material,thepresenceofmoney,scales,ledgers,cellphones,pagers,and/orfoottraffictoandfromthepremises.Dealingorbarteringmarijuanaforanythingofvalue(notjustmoney)isillegal.Thedefensehastherighttopresenttheirownopinionastowhetherornottheamount,etc.areconsistentwithpersonaluse.Thedefendantmayalsochoosetotestifyandcallotherwitnessesonhis/herbehalf.Ourofficehasaccesstocourtqualifiedcannabis/marijuanaexpertstotestifyonbehalfofthedefense.
IamthedirectorofTheNationalInstituteofCourtQualifiedCannabisExperts.SeetheReportto
thePeoplesectionintheguideonpage31.
SEARCH OF RESIDENCE CAN BE EXPECTED: No matter where the location of the arrest forpossessionforsaletakesplace,policecangetasearchwarrantforthedefendantsresidence.
THE NUMBER OF PACKAGES! Thenumberofpackagesseizedisoftenthecontrollingfactorrelieduponbytheprosecution.Forexample,ahalf-poundinasinglepackagemaybechargedassimplepossession,while16half-ouncepackageswillalmostcertainlybechargedaspossessionforsale,especiallyifthepackagesareinspecificweights.
WOBBLERS AND PLEA BARGAINING: Felony marijuana offenses of possession for sale,cultivation,andtransportationmaysometimesbereducedbypleabargainingtomaintaininga
placewheremarijuanaispossessed,[11366H&S],orpossessionofhashish[11357(a)H&S].Theseoffensesarewobblers,whichmeanstheyarereducibletomisdemeanors.
NotefromBruceonSecondandThirdStrikeLaw:UnderCalifornialaw,anythirdfelonyconviction,includinganyfelonymarijuanaoffense,with2previousstrikes,nomatterhowlongagotheyoccurred,mandatesasentenceof25yearstolifeinprison.However,thefirstorsecondconvictions,tobeconsideredasstrikesmustbeseriousorviolent.UnderCalifornias3-Strikelaw,marijuanaoffensesarenotstrikesforstrikesoneandtwo.Anyfelonymarijuanaconvictionwithonepreviousstrikemandatesnoprobationanddoublethesentence,andserving85%ofthetime(not50%).
Possession For sAleCalifornia Health & Safety Code 11359 Felony
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LAW: Persons who plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, or process even one plant are guilty of a felony.(Californiasmedicalmarijuanalawsprotectpatientsandtheircaregivers.SeetheMedicalMarijuanaLawssectionoftheguideonpage14.
PENALTY: Unless probation is granted (and it usually is), the sentencingrangeis16months,2or3yearsinstateprison,andafineofupto$10,000.
Personsunder21willlosetheirdriverslicensefor1year.Thisisadeportableoffensefornon-citizens.SeetheDeferredEntryofJudgmentsectionoftheguideonpage10.
PROBATION CAN BE EXPECTED:Probationisalmostalwaysgrantedtofirsttime offenders, even when large numbers of plants are seized (e.g., 150).Someprosecutorswillchargeonlymisdemeanorpossessionwhenjustafewplantsareseized.SeetheDefinitionofProbationintheguideonpage4.
PLANTS ALONE MAY BE POSSESSION FOR SALE:Thedefensemaybeabletorefutetheprosecu-tionscharge ofpossessionforsale incultivation cases byintroducing the1992DEA CannabisYieldsStudy,whichstatesthat(saleable)marijuanabudscompriselessthan10%of thetotalnet weightof
theplants.See theReporttoPeople sectionofthe guideregardingTheNational Instituteof CourtQualifiedExpertsonpage31.AlsoseetheTheexperttestimonyinthePhomphakdycaseregardingtheevaluationofapatientsneedssectionoftheguideonpage23.[2008Lexis1177]
TOO MANY PLANTS FOR DEFERRED ENTRY PROGRAM: The prosecution may object to DEJ bycontendingthecultivationisnotforpersonaluse,eventhoughpossessionforsaleisnotcharged.Thedefendantis entitledto ahearingto decidewhetherornot DEJwillbe grantedover theprosecutorsobjection.SeetheLandmarkRulingsSectionre:PEOPLEV.PHOMPHAKDYintheguideonpage19.AlsoseetheDEJsectionoftheguideonpage10.
FEDERAL MARIJUANA LAWS:InFederalCourts,andinsomestatesotherthanCalifornia,thenumberofplantspresumptivelydeterminesthelengthoftheprisonsentence.UnderFederallaw,therearemandatorysentencinglawsoffiveyearsfor100+plants,anda mandatorysentencingof10 yearsfor1,000+plants,nomatterhowbigorwhatstage,evenjustrootedseedlings.SeetheFederalSentencingsectionoftheguideonpage13.
PROTECTION FROM POLICE WITH FENCES: Fully-enclosed residential yards with 6-foot fences arelegallyprotectedfrompoliceobservation.However,ifthepolicecanviewplantsinotherwaysforexample,fromaneighborspropertyorfromaircraft,theycanobtainawarrant.
TRASH CANS ARE NOT PROTECTEDifleftoutsidetheproperty.Trashcansleftoutsidethepropertycanbesearchedwithoutawarrant.Ifplantsorotherincriminatoryitemsconstitutingprobablecausearefound,asearchwarrantcanbeissuedfortheresidenceandtheentireproperty.
HIGH ELECTRIC BILLS AND PROBABLE CAUSE FOR SEARCH WARRANT:Indoorcultivationbustsareoftentheresultofunusuallylargeelectricbills(comparedtoothersintheneighborhood)combinedwithinformant tips, orthe smell detectedfrom outsidethe property. Electric bills are notconstitutionallyprotected,sotheymaybeobtainedwithoutawarrantorprobablecause.
THEFT OF ELECTRICITY:Personswhotapelectriclines,orotherwisebypassconventionalmetering,willalsofacefelonygrandtheftcharges.
CultivAtionCalifornia Health & Safety Code 11358 Felony
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CaliforniaHealth&SafetyCode11360-FelonyorMisdemeanor
LAW- LESS THAN AN OUNCE:Givingawayand/ortransportationoflessthananounceofmarijuanaforpersonaluseisanon-arrestablemisdemeanoroffense,withproperidentication[H&S11360(b).]
PENALTY: Same as possession of less than an ounce. See thePossession,lessthananouncesectionoftheguideonpage1.Nojail.Upto$100ne.
LAW- MORE THAN AN OUNCE:Persons,whotransport,importintothestate,sell,furnish,orgiveawaymorethananounceofmarijuanaareguiltyofafelony.Barteringorexchangingfor anything of value is considered sale. For patient's rights, also see the MedicalMarijuanaLawssectionoftheguideonpage14.
PENALTY: Unless probationisgranted,andit almostalwaysis forrst time offenders, thesentencerangeis2,3,or4yearsinstateprison.SeetheNotefromBruce-3-Strikelawssectionoftheguideonpage2.Salestooremployingminorsunderage14,is3,5, or7years;over14is3,4,or5years[H&SSection11361].
Deferredentryofjudgment(DEJ)isnotavailable.SeeDEJonpage11ofthisguide.Proposition36isanoptionfortransportationforpersonaluseonly.Personsunderage21willlosetheirdriverslicensefor1year.Itisadeportableoffense;howeverchargesmaybedefensibleinimmigrationcourt.
See the Landmark Cases section of the guide on page 19 regarding transportation by
patientsandcaregivers.
DEFINITION OF PROBATION:Almostwithoutexception,myexperienceisthatrsttimemarijuanaoffendersreceiveprobation.However,probationdoesntmeanthatcountyjailisnecessarilyavoided.Infelonycases,thetermprobationmeansonlythatthestateprisonsentenceisnotimposed.Thetermsofprobation may include upto a yearin the county jail and a ne,drugtesting,and searchconditions.Inmisdemeanorcases,probationmeansallorpartofthecountyjailsentenceisnotimposed.Alternativestojailalsocanbenes,housearrest,orcommunityservice.
YOUR RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT (MIRANDA RIGHTS):Suspectsdo nothave tobeadvisedof theirrightswhilemerelybeingdetainedduringan
investigation.Ifyouchoosetotalk,thosestatementsareadmissible.Uponarrest,policeare required toadvise; however,any statementsmadeevenwithout beingadvisedof theMirandarights,arestilladmissibletocontradictadefendantstestimonyifhechoosestotakethestandtotestify.SeetheInvocationofRightscardinthecenterfoldofthisbooklet.Conversations inpolicevehiclescan berecorded bythepoliceandareadmissibleincourt.
NotefromBruce:GUNSANDWEEDDONTMIX!Ifconvictedofafelonyoffense,CaliforniaStatelawscallforanadditional year to beadded if a prison sentenceis imposed. Under Federal Law forpossession of a rearmwill substantially affect sentencing alternatives and, ifcharged, aconvictioncallsformandatoryadditional5years.
trAnsPortAtion, imPortAtion, sAle or G iFtCalifornia Health & Safety Code 11360 Felony or Misdemeanor
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LAW:Itisunlawfultodrivewhileundertheinfluenceofmarijuanaifimpairedtothedegreethatrendersoneunabletooperateamotorvehiclesafely.
PENALTY:1stoffense:maximum6monthsinjail;fineof$390-$1,000;restrictedlicense;3yearsprobation,and,ifunder21yearsold,lossoflicensefor1year.(Qualified medical patients are not exempt from statutes prohibiting drivingwhileimpaired.)
NotesfromBruce:MARIJUANADUICASESAREOFTENDIFFICULTFORTHEPROSECUTIONTOPROVE:Unlike the .08% blood alcohol level in drunk driving cases, which makes a
defendantpresumptivelyguilty,thereisnopresumptivestandardamountofTHCthatestablishesimpairmenttooperateamotorvehicle.
ALCOHOL + WEED DONT MIX!Studiesshowthatusingalcoholwithmarijuanaradicallyincreaseschances
ofimpairmentandthesetypesofcasesarelessdefensible.DONTDOIT!
DUI SUSPECTS CAN REFUSE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS:Intheeventofbeingpulledoverbythepolice,youmayrefusetoansweranyquestions(otherthanidentifyingyourself)ortakefieldsobrietytests.Ifyouarearrestedyouarerequiredtotakeabloodorurinetestifrequested.REFUSALTOTAKEACHEMICALTESTWILLRESULTINTHELOSSOFDRIVERSLICENSEFORAYEARandmaybeseenasconsciousnessofguilt.
CHOOSING A BREATH, BLOOD, OR URINE TEST: DUI, MARIJUANA:Expertsadvisethatyouchooseabreathtest,asitdoesnotregisterTHC.Ifitisrequestedthatyougiveanadditional ordifferenttestand youhaventusedmarijuana inthe last 24hourschoose theblood test,asexpertsindicatethatTHCisdetectableinthebloodfor3-20hours.Chooseaurinetestifyouhaverecentlyusedorareadailyuser.Eventhoughyoucan expectpositivemarijuanametaboliteresults(upto 35days),thepresenceofmetabolitedoesnotestablishimpairment.
HOW TO SAVE YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE
CALIFORNIA LAW:Personsunder21convictedofanymarijuanaoffensewilllosetheirCaliforniadriverslicenseforoneyear,evenifnotdrivingatthetime.
Adultsmayalsolosetheirlicenseforupto3years[CAVehicleCode13202].ThejudgecansuspendorordertheDMVtorevokethedriverslicenseforpossessionforsale,transportation,orsaletoaminor.Inmanyotherstates,anyoneconvictedofanyoffenseinvolvinganycontrolledsubstance,includingmarijuana,willlosetheirdriverslicensefor6monthsormore,regardlessofwhetherornottheoffenseisdriving-related.
SeetheCourtroomStrategyforHowtoAvoidConviction...sectionoftheguideonpage9.
Whenthedefendantcanshowacriticalneedtodrive,thecourtcanallowforarestrictedlicense.
YOUTHFUL OFFENDER ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS:Fordefendantsunder21.PossessionofmarijuanainsomeCAcounties,prosecutorshaveestablishedprogramsinwhichthemarijuanapossessiondefendantagreestoattendcounseling,suchasMothersAgainstDrunkDrivingmeetingsorsimilarprograms.Typically,90dayslater,thedefendantisallowedtopleadtoanalternativecharge,suchasDisturbingthePeace.Thisavoidsacontrolledsubstanceconvictionandlossoflicense.
DrivinG unDerthe inFluenCe (Dui)California Vehicle Code 23152(a) - Misdemeanor
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Unlessemployedbyagovernmentalagency,thereisnoconstitutionalprotectionfromtestingorforrefusingadrugtest.Thetestingofgovernmentemployeeshasbeenstruckownbycourtsinmanytypesofworkexceptwheretheemployeesimpairment could cause serious threat or harm, i.e., trainconductor. Private
employers,however,mayimposedrugtestingasaconditionofemployment,andifdirty,theemployeecanbefired.
Anemployeewhohasbeenaccusedofhavingapositivedrugtestresultshouldrequestasecondindependentlaboratorytestofthedirtysample.Ithasbeenreportedthatfalsepositivescanresultforanumberofreasons.Falsepositives
canforceanemployeeintounnecessaryrehabilitationprogramsor,evenworse,resultinanunwarrantedfiring.Firingagoodemployeeisalosstobothparties.
Estimates of the length of time marijuana use is detectable in the body by urine testing:Single use: 5 Days
Double use: 12-17 daysHeavy use: 15-35 days
Rossv.RagingWireTelecom.[42Cal.4th920]-CAsupremecourtruledthatanemployermayterminateordenyemploymenttoanyone whoadmitsto usingor usesmarijuana, evenif they are aqualifiedmedicalmarijuanapatient. ThereispendinglegislationinCaliforniaregardingpatientsrightstousemedicalmarijuanaandtobeprotectedfromtermination.
NotesfromBruce:CLEANSING THE BODY OF THC:IamnotawareofanychemicalproductthathasproveneffectiveincleansingthesystemofTHC.Abstaining,exercising,anddrinkinglotsofwateraretheonlyprovenwaystoridthebodyofTHC.Youmaypurchaseanover-the-counterkitthatdetectsTHCfrommostdrugstorestodoaconfidentialtest.
EMPLOYERS NEED GUIDANCE:Employersshouldbeinformedandunderstandthattherationalpurposeforconductingdrugtestingistodetermineifanemployeeisimpairedonthejob.Sincethemarijuanametaboliteisdetectableinurineforupto35daysafteruse,itsmereexistencedoesnotestablishimpairment.Thescientificcommunitygenerallyagreesthattheeffectsofmarijuanalastnomorethanabout3hoursafteruse.
Arguably,amoreeffectiveapproachtoassuresafetyistoobservetheemployeeson-the-jobbehavior,alongwithmotorskilltestinglikethatusedinDUIcases.Thistypeofpolicyreducesthecostoftesting,protectstheprivacyoftheemployeesaswellastheirmorale,andisamoreeffectivewaytouncoveremployeesinabilitytoperformtheirdutiessafelyforanynumberofreasons(i.e.tiredness,illness,etc.).
DruG testinGAnD emPloyment
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Forfeiture lawsallow theStateand Federalgovernmentto seizemoney andpropertythataretheproceedsoforareusedtofacilitateillicitdrugactivity.Forfeitureproceedingsareusually filedseparately ina civilcourtaction, the
defendantisthemoneyorpropertyitself.
StateandFederalgovernmentscanimposecriminalpunishmentinadditiontoforfeitingthedefendantspropertyandmoney.Thereisnodoublejeopardydefense.
TheFederalcourtshaveheld,however,thatthevalueoftheforfeitedpropertycannotbedisproportionatetothecrime.In1995,theNinthCircuitCourtofAppealssaidthat,If,forexample,onemarijuanaplantwerefoundgrowingontheranch,forfeitureofall825,000acreswouldbeexcessive(U.S.v.6380LittleCanyonRd.,(1995)[59F.3d974,9thCir.].
Californialaw doesprotectinnocent ownersin somecases(Seebelow). UnderCalifornia statutes,
acriminal conviction isrequiredfor forfeitures under $25,000. However,the statepoliceagenciesoftenturnthepropertyormoneyovertotheFeds,whereacriminalconvictionisnotrequiredforforfeiture.
TheCaliforniaforfeiturestatute[11470(e)H&S]allowsforfeitureofthefollowing:
A) Allcontrolledsubstances(marijuana) B) Allmoneyandequipmentinvolved C) Anyvehicleused,orintendedtobeused,intransportationofthemarijuana (morethan10poundsdryweight)
Motorvehicleforfeiturescanbepreventedifaninnocentspouseisco-owner,orhasacommunitypropertyinterest,andthevehicleisusedbythedefendantsimmediatefamily.
MaintainingaPlace(H&S11366)andforfeitures:Homesandland(realproperty)arealsosubjecttostateforfeitureiftheownerisconvictedofmaintainingthepropertyforthepurposeofmanufacturing,distributing,orpossessingmarijuanaforsale.However,propertythatisusedasafamilyresidenceorotherlawfulpurpose,andisco-ownedbyaninnocentpersonwithnoknowledgeoftheunlawfuluse,maynotbesubjecttoforfeiture.
U.S.V.BAJAKAJIAN(1998)524U.S.321theforfeitureofadefendantspropertyormoneymustbeproportionatetothegravityoftheoffensecommitted.
ForFeiture lAwsCalifornia Health & Safety Code 11470(e) H&S
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TheCaliforniaConstitutionandthe4thAmendmenttotheU.S.Constitutionguaranteeourrighttobefreeofsearchandseizurebypolicewithoutawarrantorprobablecause.Illegally-seizedevidencemust
besuppressedandexcludedinthecriminalprosecutionagainstadefendantwhoserightshavebeenviolated.
YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS INCLUDE (AMONG OTHERS): torefusetoanysearchofyourpersonorpropertywithoutawarrant torefusetoanswerpolicequestionsormakeanystatements torefusetoopenyourdoortoyourhomeunlessthereisanemergencyora searchwarrant torefusetobedetainedorquestionedanywhere,evenatairports SeetheInvocationofRightswalletsizecardhereinthecenterfoldofmyguide.
*PROBABLECAUSE:Probablecausemustexistotherwise theseizedevidencecantbeusedagainstthedefendantincourtProbablecausesimplymeansthattheremustbeareasonablebeliefthatacrimehasbeenorisabouttobecommitted(i.e.thatthereiscontrabandpresent).
THESMELLOF MARIJUANA:Thesmellofmarijuana(burntor fresh)bypoliceor theirtraineddogsisprobablecausetosearchthesuspectspersonandcarwithoutawarrant,andmayforthebasistoobtainasearchwarrantforahomeorotherplace.Seebelow**
*REASONABLEEXPECTATIONOFPRIVACYISREQUIREDTOHAVESTANDINGTOOBJECT:In California, as well as in many other states and under Federal law, the defendant must have areasonableexpectationofprivacy,calledstanding,inthelocationofthesearchinordertochallengetheadmissibilityofillegally-seizedevidenceandhaveitsuppressed.
CARSPASSENGERS:Who have theirpossessions,suchasbackpacks,insomeoneelsescarhavenostandingtochallengeanillegalsearch.Thereisnorecognizedrightofprivacyinsomeoneelsescarunlessyouarethedriveratthetimeofthesearch.However,allpersonshavereasonableexpectationof
privacyregardingtheclothingtheyarewearingandanythingontheirperson.Passengerscanchallengethereasonforthestop.
HOUSEGUESTS:Overnightguestshavethesamerightsastheoccupantstoobjecttotheillegalsearchofthehostshome.Campsitesandmotel&hotelroomsarealsoprotected.
BACKYARDSFENCES:Rentersandhomeownersenclosedyards(e.g.ayardwitha6-footfence,evenwithsmallcracks)areprotectedfrompolicepeepingclose-upthroughthefence,butnotfromaerialobservation.
INJAIL:Thereisnoexpectationofprivacywhileinpolicecarsjail,(includingtelephonecalls)orinvisitingrooms,exceptin-personmeetingswithlawyersorclergy.
TELEPHONECONVERSATIONSonhardwire,cellphones,andintelephoneboothsareprotected,unlessonepartyagreestopolicetapsorlisteningin.Cordlessphoneusersdonothaveanexpectationofprivacybecauseconversationscanbeheardbyneighborswiththesamefrequency.
**POLICECANNOTENTERAHOMEBASEDONSEEINGOCCUPANTSSMOKINGMARIJUANA:[PEOPLEVHUA(1.4.08)158Cal.App.4TH1027]Policeofficersentrywithoutwarrantintodefendantsapartmentwasnotjustifiedundertheexigentcircumstancesexceptiontothewarrantrequirement.
SeetheMirandaRightssectionoftheguideonpage4.
seArCh AnD seizure lAws
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Courtroom strAteGy For how to AvoiDConviCtion For less thAn An ounCe
(AnD sAve your Drivers liCense)
Under Californialaw, anyone under 21convicted ofany marijuana offensewilllose their driverslicenseforoneyear,evenifoffenseisnotdrivingrelated.
1. DEFERRED ENTRY OF JUDGMENT(DEJ)willpreventlossofyourlicensebecausetheconvictionisdeferred,(helduntilconditionsaremet),andislaterdismissed.SeetheDeferredEntryof
JudgmentandProp36DrugCourtsectionsoftheguideonpages10and11.2. Many prosecutors will agreeto INFORMAL DIVERSIONdismissal,typicallyontheconditionthatthedefendantattendssomeNarcoticsAnonymousmeetings.Informaldiversionisbetterthanformal,court-orderedDEJbecausethe5yearexclusionfromformalDEJisnotaffected.InformalDEJtakesmuchlesstimeandavoidssubstantialcostsofformalDEJprograms.3. ILLEGALLY-SEIZED EVIDENCESeetheSearchandSeizuresectionoftheguideonpage8.Illegallyobtainedevidencemustbesuppressedandcannotbeusedagainstthedefendantincourt.
Hence,thereisnoconvictionorlossoflicense.4. PLEA BARGAIN:Inless-than-an-ouncecases,prosecutorsoftenagreetodismisstheoffenseinexchangeforapleatoothercharges,suchasDisturbingthePeace,[PC415]orTrespassing,[PC602].Thereisnolossoflicensefortheseoffenses.Alsotrytogettheinfractioninsteadofthemisdemeanorcount.5. Dontforgetthedefendanthastherightto insiston aJURY TRIAL.Youdonthavetopleadguiltyornocontest(nolocontendreisthesameaspleadingguilty).Inless-than-an-ouncecases,theprosecutionorthecourtmaydecidetodismissthechargesinordertoavoidthetimeandexpenseofajurytrial.Intheeventofaconvictionevenafterajurytrial,themaximumneisstill$100 (plus thecourt assessments) totalapproximately$371 ifthe charge involvesless than oneounce.SeetheProp.36sectionoftheguideonpage11.
DestruCtion oF Arrest or ConviCtion reCorDsCalifornia Health & Safety Code 11361.5
Removing Your Marijuana Conviction
Californialawrequiresallgovernmentalagenciestoautomaticallydestroyallrecordsofamarijuanapossessionchargeandgivingawayortransportinguptooneouncecharges,exceptcasesconcerningconcentratedcannabis,twoyearsafterthedateofconvictionorarrest,unlessthetermsofthesentencehavenotbeensatised.Oncetheserecordshavebeendestroyed,thepersoncandenythattheconvictionorarresteverhappened.Thisappliesonlytopossession(notpossessionforsale)ofanyamount,andforgivingawayortransportinglessthananounce.
Drug diversion records are also destroyed. Thereafter, no public agency may limit or deny theindividualanyopportunityastheresultoftheconviction.Therecordshouldnotbeincludedinanysubsequentprobationreportorconsideredforanypurposebyanysubsequentsentencingcourtinanyothermatter(11361.7H&S).
Unfortunately, felony marijuana convictions for sale, transportation, possession for sale andcultivationcannotbedestroyed.However,theyaresubjecttoexpungementunder1203.4PC,whichgivestherighttodenytheconvictionexceptwhenapplyingforpublicofce,licensingbyastateorlocalagency,orcontractingwiththestatelottery.Expungementdoesnotpreventprosecutionforanex-feloninpossessionofarearmoruse infutureconvictionagainstthedefendantasaprior.
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ChargesofpossessionofmarijuanaorhashishandcultivationforpersonalusecanbedismissedbysuccessfulcompletionofDeferredEntryofJudgment.DEJisnotapplicabletochargesinvolvingsalesorpossessionforsaleortranspor-tation.Thedefendantmustpleadguiltytotheoffensepriortotrial.However,the conviction is not entered, and the sentence remains deferred pendingsuccessfulcompletionofthecourt-mandateddrugeducationprogram.After
successfulcompletionofanapproveddrugeducationprogram,thecasewillbe dismissed in 18-36 months. The program requires about 20 hours ofclassesandmayincludedrugtesting.
Therequirementstobeeligibleare:
Defendanthasnopriorconvictionsinvolvingcontrolledsubstances Theoffensedidnotinvolveacrimeofviolenceorthreatenedviolence Thenon-deferrablenarcoticsoffenseswerecommittedconcurrently Probationorparolehasneverbeenrevokedwithoutbeingcompleted Defendanthasnotbeendivertedorpreviouslyconvictedofafelonyinthepast5years
Thecourtwillenterjudgmentifthedefendant:
1) performsinadequatelyinthedrugprogram 2)isconvictedofanyfelonyormisdemeanorthatreflectsapropensityforviolence 3) engagesinanycriminalconductrenderinghimorherunsuitableforDEJ
IfthedefendantfailstheDEJprogram,thelawprovidesforapossiblealternativeprogram.Proposition36isusedonlyforcasesinvolvingpossessionandtransportationforpersonaluse.SeetheProp.36sectionoftheguideonpage11.Ifthedefendantrefusesorfailsindrugcourt,thecourtwillimposethesentence.
Upondismissal,thedefendantcanlegallyrepresentthatheorshewasnotconvicted,grantedDEJ,orevenarrested,exceptifapplyingforapositionasapoliceofficerorthestatelottery.
NotesfromBruce:Large Cultivation: The prosecutor may object to DEJ where they contend that the amount ofcultivationisbeyondpersonaluse,evenwhenpossessionforsaleisnotcharged.Thedefendantisentitledtoahearingbeforeajudge,whomayoverruletheDistrictAttorneysobjectiontoDEJ.
DEFERRED ENTRY OF JUDGMENT IS NOTA FREE RIDE. There is considerable time and expenseinvolvedincompletingtherequiredprograms.DEJisatrumpcard,availabletothedefendantonly
onceeveryfiveyears.Itshouldnotbeusedwithoutcarefullyconsideringthewaystobeatthecaseor to plea bargain to an alternativeoffense (e.g. Trespassing602PC, or Disturbing thePeace415PC)asaninfraction.Informaldiversion(noguiltyplea)iswheretheprosecutoragreestodismissthecase,typicallysubjecttocompletionofNarcoticsAnonymousmeetings,anditdoesntappearoncourtrecords,unlikeDEJ.
Non-citizens should consult our office deportation expert as to the consequences of DEJ ontheir status.
DeFerreDentryoF juDGment (De j) = DismissAl
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ProPosition 36 AlternAtive sentenCinG ProGrAmCAliForniAPenAl CoDe 1210
Californialawmandatesdrugtreatmentprogramoptionsbemadeavailableforpossessionandfortransportationforpersonaluseofmarijuanaandotherdrugs.Thedefendantmayreceivethedrugtreatmentprogramevenifconvictedaftertrial,unlikeDeferredEntryofJudgment,whichmustbetakenbeforetrial.Theprogramcanrequirenumerousmeetings,counselingandcommitmenttostop
alldruguse.
Theprobationisupto12monthsand6monthsaftertreatment.DefendantscanexpecttobedrugtestedintheProp.36programs.Probationmayberevokedforfailureofthedrugtreatmentprogramorforcommittingaviolentoffense.Defendantsareallowedprobationviolations,forexample,twofailed tests orpoor attendance,prior to beingexposed to jail. Uponsuccessful completion theconvictionwillbesetaside,pursuanttoCAPenalCodeSection1203.4knownasexpungement.
Priorconvictionsfordrugoffenses,evensales,willnotdisqualifya defendantunderProposition36unlessaconvictionisforaseriousorviolentfelonycommittedwithinthepast5years,e.g.,astrikeconvictionaslistedinCAPenalCodeSection667.5PCor1192.7PC.
DruG Court AlternAtivesAprogramofrehabilitationcanbeanalternativetojail.Convictionforalmostanyoffensecommitteddue to substance abuse may qualify. The court has great discretion as to of whichdefendantstheywillaccept.Thedefendantshistoryandrecordisconsidered,inparticularanypriorrehabili-tationattemptsandviolentoffenses.Typicallycasesacceptedaretheftrelatedcrimesduetodrugdependency.
Parolees:Apersononparolewhocommitsanon-violentdrugpossessionoffenseorwhoviolatesa drug-related condition of his/her parole may be eligible for Prop. 36 instead of returning toprison.Theparoleemusthavenopriorconvictionsatanytimeforserious/violentfelonies.Paroleauthorities(notthecourts)setconditions.
NotefromBruce:DEJ vs. PROP 36.ItisbettertoacceptDEJratherthanProp.36.WithDEJ,theconvictionisnotentered.UnderProp.36,theconvictionisonlysetasidepursuanttoexpungement,thereforecanbeusedasapriorconvictioninanyfuturecriminalprosecution,e.g.anex-felonwithagun.Therecordstillshowsuponacriminalbackgroundcheckasbeinganexpungedconviction[Expungement1203PC].Expungementdoesnotdestroyorerasearecord.
entrAPmentLAW:Entrapmentiswhenpoliceorinformantsusetacticsthatwouldconvinceanotherwiselaw-abidingpersontocommitacrime.Adefendantisnotguilty
ofanyoffenseifthedefendant'sintenttocommitthecrimewascreatedbythepoliceortheirinformant.UnderFederallawshowingthedefendanthadapriorpropensitytocommitthecrimecandefeataclaimofentrapment.
OFFERINGANOPPORTUNITYISNOTENTRAPMENT!
Policeortheiragents(informants),whileundercover,mayprovidetheopportunityforthecrimeto be committed. For example, Hey, anyone here want to sell me some herb? That is NOTentrapment.
NotefromBruce:COPSCANLEGALLYLIE-Undercovernarcoticsofficersandtheirinformantsdonothavetotellthetruthoradmittheirinformantrole,eveniftheyareaskeddirectly.
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TYPICAL BAIL RANGES (STATE OF CALIFORNIA):Possession:underanounce-(noarrest)ticketonly;overanounce-$500.ConcentratedCannabis(Hash):$10,000Cultivation/Process:upto10lbs$10K,upto25lbs-$15K,25lbs.up-$50KPossessionforSale:upto1lb.-$10K,1-24lbs-$12.5-20K-30K,25lbs$50KTransport/Sale/Furnishing:Upto1lb.-$15K,over5lbs.-$20K,Over25lbs.-$50KUsingMinorToSell/Transport:upto5lbs-$30K,over10lbs-$40K,over25lbs-$50K
RELEASEONYOUROWNRECOGNIZANCE(O.R.)isapersonspromisetoappearincourt.
Ifincustodyafterbooking,thearrestedpersonmaycalltheBailCommissioner(collect)beforegoingtocourttorequestanO.R.Neitherattorneysnoranyoneelsecandoitforthem.Jailersprovidetheon-dutyBailCommissionersphonenumber.Thecommissionerwillattempttoverifyemployment,residence,etc.bycallingthearresteesreferencestoseeifhehassufficientlocaltiestojustifyO.R.
TheBailCommissionermayconsidertheopinionofthearrestingofficer,priorrecordand/orpriorfailuretoappearinpreviouscourtcases,includingtraffictickets.IftheBailCommissionerdeniestheO.R.release,thejudgeincourtatthearraignmentorafterthepreparationofanORreport.
IFYOUHAVETOPOSTBAIL:
Bailcanbepostedbycashorcashierscheckforthefullamountofbail,whichwillbereturnedifthedefendantappearsasdirectedatthecourtproceedings.
NotefromBruce:Postingcashindrugcasescouldresultinseizureofthemoney.
AsecondoptionistogotoaBAILBONDSMAN,whotypicallywillchargeanonrefundablepremium
of8-10%oftheamountforbail.Forexample,ifthebailis$10,000,youpaythebondsmen$1,000whichyounevergetback.Bailbondingagentsusuallyhavediscretionregardingthetypeandamountofcollateralrequired.Somewillwavecollateralaltogetheriffriendsorfamilymembershavegoodjobsandguaranteethebond.
UNDERTHE FEDERAL SYSTEM, releasecan beonpersonalsurety bonds (promise toappear),corporate surety bail bond companies, third part surety, a real property bond, and/or cash.Collateralmayberequired.
YOURPHONECALL:Afterbeingbooked,arresteeshavetherighttomake3completedphonecalls:toanattorney,bailbondsman,relativeorotherperson.Becareful.ThesephonecallsareNOTconfidential.
PostinG bAil
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Statesprosecutealmostallmarijuanaoffenses.MyexperienceisthattheFederalgovernmentmayopttoprosecutewhenoffensesinvolveFederalproperty(suchasU.S.nationalforests),verylarge
quantities(forexample,1000s+plantsor500+kilos),thecrossingofnationalborders,and/orwhereFederalagentsconductedtheinvestigation.
Thereare5and10-yearmandatoryprisonsentencesformarijuanaoffensesinFederalCourt.100Kilos,100plantsorrootedseedlingsmandates5years;1,000plantsorrootedseedlingsis10years,unlessthedefendantqualifiesforthesafetyvalveexception.NeithermedicalmarijuananortheCaliforniamedicallawsarerecognizedasadefenseinFederalCourt.
Seedlingsareassignedaweightof100grams,forexample,60plants=6,000grams=6kilos=15-21monthslevel14offense.Ifaplantweighsmorethan
100grams,theactualweightisused.
TheFederalguidelinesbelowareforthejudgesconsiderationastowhatsentencetoimpose.
Amount of Marijuana Sentence/Months Offense LevelLessthan250grams 0-6months 6
250-999g 2-8months 8
1-2.4kg 6-12months 10
2.5-4.9kg 10-16months 12
5-9.9kg 15-21months 14
10-19kg 21-27months 16
20-39kg 27-33months 18
40-59kg 33-41months 20
60-79kg 41-51months 2280-99kg 51-63months 24
5-yearmandatory
100-399kg 63-78months 26
400-699kg 78-97months 28
700-999kg 97-121months 30
10-yearmandatory
1000-2999kg 121-151months 32
3000-9999kg 151-181months 34
Morethan10,000kg 188-230 36
PossibleLevelAdjustments Earlyplea&acceptanceofresponsibility-2or-3atlevel16 OrganizerorLeader +4 BetweenMinimal&Minor -3 ManagerorSupervisor+3 AbuseofPositionofTrust +2 LesserLeader +2 UseofSpecialSkill +2 MinimalParticipan -4 Obstruction +3
There are numerous factors (i.e. Prior record) that affect the guidelines as well as the ultimatesentenceimposedbythejudge.
FeDerAl sentenCinGFor mArijuAnA oFFenses
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The Compassionate Use Act (CUA) (Proposition 215, 1996)
TheCUAHealth&SafetyCode11362.5providesthatpatientsandtheircaregiversmay
cultivateandpossessmarijuanaforthepersonalmedicaluseofthepatient.
AnyLICENSED physician may,orally, orin writing, approve orrecommend theuse
of marijuana for the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity,
glaucoma,arthritis,migraine,andanyotherconditionorillnessforwhichmarijuana
providesrelief.
NotefromBruce:Onceapatienthasadoctorsapprovalorrecommendationitdoesnotexpirenotwithstanding
thatthelettermayhaveanexpirationdate,i.e.,3yearsearlier.See[PEOPLEV.WINDUS,(2008)165Cal.App.
4th634]onpage19oftheguide.
Theamountthatispermissibletopossessorgrowisthatwhichisconsistentwiththemedicalneedsofthe
patient[11362.5H&SCode].Thereisnosetlimitandthereforeeachcaseleavesopenthequestionastowhat
amountswereconsistentwiththepatientsneedsatthetimeofarrestandseizure.[PHOMPHAKDY(2008)
165Cal.App.4th857]Thedoctorstestimonyastowhatthepatientneededtohaveonhandcanbethemost
importantdefenseevidence.
Unfortunately,thecourtshaveconcludedthattheCUA(Prop.215)providesprotectionfromonlyconviction,not
fromarrestandprosecution.SeetheRecentSuccessespagesoftheguideonpages32-34.
Thepolicedonothavetoacceptthedoctorsletterasproofofthepatientsstatus.Itthenmaybecome
necessarytosubpoenathedoctorsrecordstocourt,unlessyourattorneycanconvincetheprosecutorsoffice
ofthevalidityofthepatientsstatus,andthatthecircumstanceswereotherwiselawful,hopefullybeforecharges
arefiled.
The Medical Marijuana Program Act (MMP) (Senate bill 420, 2005)
Inorder togivelaw enforcement much neededguidanceas towhat amountsaredeemed appropriateand
toprovidequalifiedpatientsprotectionagainstunnecessaryarrestandprosecutiontheCaliforniaLegislature
enactedSenateBill420.
ACaliforniaCourtofAppealsrecentlyruledthatthelimits set by SB 420,(8oz.,6mature/12immatureplants)
(Health&SafetyCode11362.77)are unconstitutional intheprosecutionofpatients.AllotherportionsofSB
420remainineffectincludingrightsundercooperatives,co-ops,etc.
Healthand SafetyCode 11362.77 states that patients maypossess8 ounces (of buds) and cultivate 6
mature or 12 immatureplants.Onlythedryprocessedflowersaretobeconsideredwhenevaluatingthepermissibleamountof8ounces.Leafandstalksarenottobeconsidered.Theactalsoprovidesthatthe
physicianmayauthorizethepatienttohavehigheramountswhenitsnecessarytoensurethepatientsneeds
aremet.
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(See:PEOPLEV.PHOMPHAKDY,(2008)165Cal.App.4th857atpage19oftheguide).Also
see:PEOPLEV.KELLY,(2008)163Cal.App.4th124].OnAugust13,2008,theCalifornia
Supreme Court voted unanimously to review the Kelly decision. The court limited its
reviewtotwoissues:1)DoesH&SCodesection11362.77unconstitutionallyamendtheCUAwithoutvoterapproval?2)Weretherealternativeremediestoinvalidatingthe11362.77in
itsentirety?WhateffectthiswillhaveontheCUAremainstobeseen.UntiltheCalifornia
SupremeCourthandsdownitsdecisionontheseissues,theKellycasecannotbeused
aslegalprecedent.Itmaytakeuptoseveralmonthsforthecourttoreachadecision.
Please see my next publication, e-mail to request my free newsletter to BMargolin@
MargolinLawOffice.com,orcheckmywebsiteforupdatesatwww.1800420laws.com.
ThereisnochangeastotheprotectionsestablishedbyProp.215asapatientcanstillhaveanyamount
consistentwiththeircurrentmedicalneeds.
Medical Marijuana Program 11362.775 H&S (Senate Bill 420, 2005)
Protects qualified patients who collectively and cooperatively cultivate marijuana for the medical use by the
patients from prosecution for marijuana offenses, including:
Possession HealthandSafetyCode11357
Cultivation HealthandSafetyCode11358
Possessionforsale HealthandSafetyCode11359
Sale,possessing,transporting,etc. HealthandSafetyCode11360etc.
ForInformationonCollectives,Co-OpsandDispensaries,seepages19-22oftheguide.
11362.765 H&S (MMP) (SB 420, 2005)
CAREGIVERS:
Thedesignatedprimarycaregivercanreceivecompensationforactualexpenses,includingreasonablecompen-
sationforservicesandoutofpocketexpensesandprotectionfromchargesof11360and11359H&S.Seethe
Definitionofprimarycaregiversectioninmyguideonpage16.
I.D.CARDS:
ByestablishingtheCounty Health I.D.Program,SB420hadprovidedprotectionfromarrestbythecreationof
guidelinesforthepolicetouseregardingtheamountofmarijuanamedicalpatientscouldpossessorcultivate.
However,theholdingsinKellyandPhomphakdyheldthattheguidelineswereunconstitutionallimits.Untilthe
PhomphakdycasebecomesfinalandtheCaliforniaSupremeCourtrulesontheKellycase,itremainsunclear
whatpolicypolicewillusetodeterminewhatamountpatientsmaypossessorcultivatewithoutbeingsubjected
toarrest,seizureandprosecution.
meDiCAl mArijuAnAlAws (continued)
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PrimAry CAreGivers
WHO:Aprimarycaregiverisanindividualdesignatedbytheaqualiedpatientandwhohasconsistently as-sumed responsibilityforthehousing,health,orsafetyofthatperson.11362.765(b)(3)extendstheprotectionsofSB420toincludeanyindividualwhoprovides assistance
toaqualiedpatientorapersonwithanidenticationcard,orhisorherdesignatedprimarycaregiver,inadministeringmedicalmarijuanatothequaliedpatientorpersonoracquiringthe skills necessary tocultivate or administermarijuanaformedicalpurposestothequaliedpatientorperson.
HOW:Howa primarycaregiverisdesignatedis notdescribed inthestatute,norhas anycaselawdealtclearlywiththisissue.Thereisnorequirementthatprimarycaregiversbedesignatedinwriting.Sen-ateBill420doesincludeprovisionsforthecountyhealthdepartmenttoissueI.D.cardsforprimarycaregivers. SeetheCountyHealthDepartmentIDCardsectioninmy guideonpage 24.Simplyprovidingmarijuanaaloneisnotenough.
REASONABLE COMPENSATION IS ALLOWED.Cultivationanddistributionforprotarenotauthorized.APRIMARYCAREGIVERwhoreceivescom-pensationforactualexpenses,includingreasonablecompensationincurredforservicesprovidedtoaneligiblequaliedpatienttoenablethatpersontousemarijuanaorforpaymentforout-of-pocketexpensesshallnotbesubjecttoprosecutionorpunishmentforpossessionforsale,etc.Thereisnorequirementthattheprimarycaregiverbedesignatedinwriting.
CultivationanddistributionforprotareNOTauthorized.
NotesfromBruce:Thecasesinterpretingthissectionarefew,butthefollowingcanbesaid:
1. Theprimarycaregiverismorelikelyaperson(individual),ratherthananorganization.Thecare-giverdenitioncanapplywhenapatientreceiveseithermedicalcareorsupportiveservices,orboth,fromaclinic,ahealthcarefacility,hospice,orahomehealthagency.
2.Theprimarycaregivercancareformorethanoneperson.SB420forbidscaregiversfromhavingmorethanonepatientunlessallofthemresideinthesamecityorcountyasdoesthecaregiver.Thismaybeanunconstitutionalrestrictionandissubjecttochallenge.
3.Allthe cases emphasize thephraseconsistently assumed theresponsibility,under Prop. 215laws.SeePEOPLEV.PERON(1997)[59Cal.App.4th1383]whichheldanorganizationcouldnotbeaqualiedcaregiverfor3000patients,becauseacaregivermustconsistentlyassumeresponsibilityoftheindividualpatients.Thecasedidrule,however,thatAprimarycaregiverwhoconsistentlygrowsandsuppliesphysician-approvedorprescribedmedicinalmarijuanaforsection11362.5pa-tientisservingahealthneedofthepatient,andmayseekreimbursement.Butthecaregivermust
domorethansupplymarijuana[PEOPLEV.WINDUS,(2008)165Cal.App.4th634]4.Nocaseholdsthatthepatientmustbeunabletogrowhisorherownmarijuanaasaconditionof
havingacaregiver.5.PersonsdesignatedasprimarycaregiversarealsoeligiblefortheIDcards.6.Somephysicianswilldesignatetheprimarycaregiverintheirlettersofapproval/recommendation.
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TheCaliforniaCourtofAppealsjustrecentlyruledthatthelimitssetbySB420,8oz.,etc.(Health&SafetyCode11362.77)areunconstitutionalintheprosecutionofpatients.AllotherportionsofSB420remainineffectincludingrightsundercooperatives.(See:PEOPLEVPHOMPHAKDY,(2008)165Cal.App.4th857)Notethatthedateruleduponwasveryrecentandbewareoffurtherreview.[Alsosee:PEOPLEV.KELLY,(2008)163Cal.App.4th124.]OnAugust13,2008,theCaliforniaSupremeCourtvotedunanimously
toreviewtheKellydecision.Thecourtlimiteditsreviewtotwoissues:1)DoesH&Scodesection11362.77unconstitutionallyamendtheCUAwithoutvoterapproval?And2)Weretherealternativeremediestoinvalidatingthe11362.77initentirety?WhateffectthiswillhaveontheCUAremainstobeseen.UntiltheCaliforniaSupremeCourthandsdownitsdecisionontheseissues,theKellycasecannotbeusedaslegalprecedent.Itmaytakeuptoseveralmonthsforthecourttoreachadecision.
There is no change as to the protections established by Prop. 215 as a patient may have any amountconsistentwiththeirmedicalneeds.Seepage23oftheguideaboutEvaluatingPatientNeeds.
Thesecountyandpolicesafeharborpoliciesexisttoprovideguidancetothecopsandhelpkeeppatientsfrombeingarrestedandprosecutedandtoavoidconfiscationoftheirmedicalmarijuana.
Thephysiciansopinionregardingtheamountsconsistentwiththepatientsneedstakesprecedence.(TrumpCard)
loCAl GuiDelinesthAt exCeeD sb 420
LOCALITIESNOTLISTEDBELOWMAYCONTINUETOADHERETOSB420STATEDEFAULTNON-ARREST,SEIZUREANDORPROSECUTIONGUIDELINESNOTWITHSTANTINGTHEKELLYANDPHOMPHAKDYCASES
BERKELEY:10plantsand2.5lbs.perpatient,orupto50plants,12.5lbs.forcollectives.BUTTECO:6matureor12immatureplants,1poundprocessedmaterial.
CALAVERASCO:BoardofSupervisorsapproved:6plantsand2pounds.DELNORTECO:AdoptedSonomacultivationguidelineswithmaximum100sq.ft.cultivationareaand99plantsorfewer;onepoundpossessionlimit.ELDORADOCO:Sheriff&DApolicy:Indoors-10floweringplants+10vegging+1mother;Outdoors:20startersor10matureplants,1-2lbs.processedmarijuana,dependingonseason.HUMBOLDTCO:100sq.ft.and3lbs.w/noplantnumberlimit.CityofEurekaPDandCHPenforceSB420limitsPatientIDcardsavailable.KERNCO:Statelimitineffect.(D.A.nolongerallowsupto49plantsand2pounds)MENDOCINOCO:SheriffandDApolicy:25plantsinnomorethan100sq.ft.,2lbs.processedmarijuanaperpatient.PatientIDcardsavailablefromSheriffsDept.NEVADACO:10plants(nottoyieldmorethan2lbs.);2lbs.processedmarijuanaOAKLAND:Indoors-72plantsinmaximum32sq.ft.growingarea.Outdoors-20plants,noarealimit.Weightlimit3lbs.driedmarijuanaperpatient.Collectivegardenslimitedto3patients.Dispensariesservingfourormorepatientsareallowedmax.6matureand12immatureplantsandpoundperpatient.Citylimitedtofourlicenseddispen-
saries.SANDIEGO(alsoCHULAVISTA):Upto1lb.ofmarijuana,24plantsin64sq.ft.indoors;nooutdoorsgrowingexceptinenclosedgreenhouses.PatientIDprogramtobeestablished.SANFRANCISCO:Upto24plantsor25sq.ft.ofcanopy;dispensarygardenscappedat99plantsin100sq.ft.Possessionlimit8oz.driedcannabisperpatient.IDcardsystemrunbySFHealth.SANTACRUZ:Cultivationofupto100sq.ft.ofcanopyand3lbs.ofmarijuana.CountyIDcardsavailablefromtheHealthDept.SONOMACO:DAsguidelinespermit3lbs.forpossession;maximum100sq.ft.cultivationareawith25plantsorfewerPatientsmayhaverecommendationsapprovedthroughSonomaMedicalAssociation.TheSB420limitamountsareunconstitutionalwhenappliedtotheprosecutionofapatient.[PEOPLEV.PHOMPHAKDY2008LEXIS1177]
See1880420laws.comforupdates
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PATIENTS RIGHT TO A HEARING TO DISMISS BEFORE TRIALPEOPLEV.MOWER(2002)[28Cal.4th457]-Whenafelonydefendantmeetstheburdenthatheisaqualiedpatient,thecaseshouldbedismissedpre-trial.(See402EvidenceCode:forMisdemeanors&prop.215)Thedefendanthad34plants.
ThiswasaunanimousCASupremeCourtrulingthatpatientsandcaregiversareentitledtoapre-trialhearingtodismisspossessionand/orcultivationoffenses.11362.5H&S
NotefromBruce:Theimmunityaffordedbyprop215(1996),andPEOPLEV.MOWER(2002),mayalso apply to the expanded protections under SB 420 for co-ops, collectives,members,andcaregivers.
PATIENTS ARE ENTITLED TO THE RETURN OF THEIR MEDICAL MARIJUANATHECITYOFGARDENGROVEV.THESUPERIORCT.,FELEXKHA[(2007)157Cal.App.4th355]Patientsmayevoketheirrighttohaveseizedmedicalmarijuanareturnedtothembyprovidingaveriedstate-
mentfromtheirdoctorandarenotrequiredtoprovideinformationastothesource.Federallawsincludingconspiracy,aiderandabettorarenotapplicablebecausethecityismerelyabidingtoacourtorder.PossessionofmedicalmarijuanaisnotacrimeintheStateofCalifornia
DOCTORS ORAL RECOMMENDATION AND PATIENTS TESTIMONY ALONE IS ENOUGHPEOPLEV.JONES(2003)[112Cal.App.4th341]-Patientstestimonyoforalapprovalfromadoctorissufcienttoraiseareasonabledoubt.(AlsoseePEOPLEV.WINDUS(2008)165Cal.App.4th634)
THE JUDGE CAN DISMISS PATIENTS CASE IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICEPEOPLEV.KONOW(2004)[32Cal.4th995]-Apatient/defendantmayinformallysuggestthatthecourtdis-missthecomplaintintheinterestsofjustice,thecourthasthepowertodoso.
PATIENTS CAN DEFEAT PROBATION VIOLATIONS BASED UPON MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANAPEOPLEV.TILEKOOH(2003)[113Cal.App.4th1433]-probationersareallowedtousemedicalmarijuanaevenwhenonprobationforcontrolledsubstanceoffensesincludingmarijuana.FederallawsarenotenforcedinourStatecourtsandthetermobeyalllawsasaconditionofprobationdoesnotincludefederallawstothecon-trary.(But,seePEOPLEV.BIANCO,(2001)93Cal.App.4th748holdingthatjudgesretaindiscretiontorefusetoallowmedicalmarijuanausewhileonprobation.)
GROWERS MAY NOT PROVIDE TO DISPENSARIES UNLESS AS A MEMBER OF A CO-OP OR COLLECTIVEPEOPLEV.GALAMBOS[(2002)104Cal.App.4th1147]-Thiscasehadheldthatthelimitedimmunitycreatedbythemedicalmarijuanalawsdidnotimplyimmunityforgrowerswhofurnishmarijuanatodispensa-ries.SeeSB420,regardingco-opandcollectiveprotectionsonpages20-23oftheguide.
COPS AND NARCOTIC OFFICERS MUST HAVE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN MEDICAL MARI-JUANA LAWS AND MARIJUANAS LAWFUL USE TO BE ABLE TO TESTIFY AND EXPRESS THEIREXPERT OPINION THAT IT IS MARIJUANA SALESPEOPLEV.CHAKOS[(2007)158Cal.App.4th357]-Herethepatienthad6oz.,numerousbaggies,cash,scale,andTheOrangeCountySheriffwasanarcfor6yearsinvolvedinmorethanahundredinvestigationsforpos-sessionforsale,etc.Neverthelesstheconvictionwasreversedbecauseofhislackofknowledgeaboutpatientslegaluseofmedicalmarijuana.
APPellAte Court "lAnDmArk CAses"meDiCAl mArijuAnA
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TO QUALIFY A CAREGIVER MUST DO MORE THAN PROVIDE MARIJUANA AND OCCASIONALLYPROVIDE OTHER SERVICES TO A PATIENT. (IT MUST BE CONSISTENT!)[PEOPLEV.WINDUS,(2008)165Cal.App.4th634]
TRANSPORTATION IS PERMITTED
PEOPLEV.TRIPPET(1997)[56Cal.App.4th1532]-Thequantitypossessedbythepatientortheprimarycaregiver,andtheformandmannerinwhichitispossessed,shouldbereasonablyrelatedtothepa-tientscurrentmedicalneedsandProp.215impliedtransportationevenunderProp.215law.
PEOPLEV.WRIGHT(2006)[40Cal.4th81]-Transportationforpersonalmedicaluseisprotected.Herethede-fendant/patientdeniedhehadmarijuanainthecar,butthecopfoundnumerousbaggiestotalingslightlymorethanapound,ascaleandnosmokingdevices.Hewaschargedwithpossessionforsaleandtransportationandthejurywasinstructedonsimplepossession.Hisdoctortestiedthatheapprovedselfregulatingdosesandthatapoundeverytwoorthreemonthswasconsistentwithhismedicalneeds.Thedefendanttestiedthatthemarijuanawasforhisownuse.Thecourtheldthatthedefendantwasentitledtoassertthedefenseunder11362.77bandwasnotlimitedtoanyparticularamount.
PatientsareprotectedfromchargesofVehicleCode23222possessionofmarijuanainavehicle.
THE REASON FOR A DOCTORS RECOMMENDATION IS CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT TO BE SECONDGUESSED BY THE JUDGE, JURY OR PROSECUTORSPEOPLEV.SPARK(2004)[121Cal.App.4th259]-Thecompassionateusedefense(section11362.5)doesnotrequireadefendanttopresentevidencethatheorshewasseriouslyillthequestionofwhetherthemedicaluseofmarijuanaisappropriateforapatientsillnessisadeterminationtobemadebyaphysiciannottobesecond-guessedbyjurorswhomightnotdeemthepatientsconditiontobesufcientlyserious.
DOCTORS RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE THE BUSTPEOPLEV.RIGO(1999)[69Cal.App.4th409]-Adoctorsapprovalobtainedpost-arrestisnotadefense.NotefromBruce:
Apost-arrestDoctorsrecommendationcanbehelpfulinpleabargaining.
NINE AND A HALF POUNDS OR MORE MAY BE OKAY FOR PATIENTS TO POSSESS/CULTIVATEPEOPLEV.PHOMPHAKDY[(2008)165Cal.App.4th857]Phomphakdywaschargedwithpossessionforsaleof9.5lbs.ofmarijuana.AthistrialthecourtinstructedthejurythattheMedicalMarijuanaProgramActlimitedpa-tientsto8oz.driedmarijuana,6matureand12immatureplants.TheappellatecourtfoundthattheselimitssetbytheMMPwereunconstitutional.Therefore,becausethetrialcourtmisinformedthejury,Phomphakdysconvictionwasreversed. See page 23 Experts Testimony regarding the Nine and a Half Pounds.
ONCE A PATIENT HAS DOCTORS APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION IT DOES NOT EXPIRE NOTWITH-STANDING THE DATE IT WAS GIVEN OR THAT THE LETTER HAS AN EXPIRATION DATEDoctorsapprovalorrecommendationdoesnotexpireeventhoughtheirletterindicatesitdoes.SeePEOPLEV.WINDUS,(2008)165Cal.App.4th634.Windushadarecommendthatwasthreeyearsoldwhenhewasarrested. Hisdoctortestiedat trialthatthe1.6poundsWindushadwhenhewasbustedwasreasonablyrelatedtohismedicalneedsatthattime.ThecourtheldthattheCUAdoesnotstatethatrecommendationsexpireorthattheymustberenewed.
AMOUNT A PATIENT CAN POSSESS IS THAT WHICH IS REASONABLY RELATED TO HIS CURRENT MEDICAL NEEDSPEOPLEV.PHOMPHAKDY[(2008)165Cal.App.4th857]9.5Lbsormoremaybeokayforpatientstopossess/cultivate.Acourtqualiedexpert(medicaldoctorornot)mayestablishthatthemarijuanaapatienthaswasreasonablynecessarybecauseofinconsistentsupply.
APPellAte Court "lAnDmArk CAses"meDiCAl mArijuAnA (ContinueD)
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NotwithstandingFederallawtothecontrary,Californiamedicalmarijuanalawsprotectpatientsandcaregivers who form collectives and co-ops to cultivate (and provide) marijuana to the member patients.(11362.775HealthandSafetyCode;SB420statesthefollowing:
Qualiedpatients(withorwithoutcountyhealthdepartmentIDcards)andthedesignatedprimarycaregiversorqualiedpatients,WHOASSOCIATECOLLECTIVELYORCOOPERATIVELYTOPROVIDEMARIJUANAFORMEDICALPURPOSES,shallnotbesubjecttostatecriminalsanctionsforanymarijuanaoffense[SB420section11362.775H&S].
ItistheintentoftheLegislature,therefore,toenhancetheaccessofpatientsandcaregiverstomedicalmari-juanathroughcollective,cooperativecultivationprojects.
NotefromBruce:Collectivesandco-opsshouldbedemocraticallyoperatedpatientnon-protorganizations.SeetheLegallyDefensibleCollective/Co-opssectionoftheguideonpage22.
COLLECTIVESANDCO-OPSARENOTDEFINEDBYSB420.Collectivesandco-ops,abidingbylocallawsandguidelines,existthroughoutthestateandcanlegallydispensemarijuanatotheirmembers.SB420section11362.765(b)(3)protectsandgivesimmunitynotonlytopatientsandcaregivers,butalsotopersonsprovidingassistanceinadministeringmarijuanatopatients.Section11362.765(b)(3).
D isPensAriesDispensariesthatarenotpatientco-opsorcollectives,andsellmarijuanaoverthecountertoanyonewhopres-entsadoctorsletter,maynotqualifyforprotectionunderCaliforniasmedicalmarijuanalaws.(SeePEOPLEV.PERON,(1997)59Cal.App.1383.) However,SB420 contemplatestheformationandoperationofmedicinalmarijuanaco-operativesandcollectivesthatwouldreceivereimbursementformarijuanaandtheservicespro-
videdinconjunctionwiththeprovisionofthatmarijuana.Patientcooperativesorcollectivescancultivateanddispensetotheirmemberpatients.SeethePEOPLEV.URZICEANU132CalApp.4th747ExampleofaLegallyDefensibleCo-Opsectiononpage22.
TherearehundredsoforganizationscurrentlydispensingmedicalmarijuanainCalifornia;manyareconform-ingtolocalregulations.Theyarebeingtoleratedbecausetheymeettheneedsofpatientsandarecarefultoprovideonlytopatients.Somehavebeencloseddown,particularlyinSanDiegoCounty,eitherduetofederalprosecutionorthethreatofprosecution.OtherslastyearwereraidedintheLA/HollywoodareabyfederalDEAagents.Mosthavesincere-opened,buttheirmedicineandmoneywereseized.Veryfewdispensariesoverthelast10yearshavebeenprosecuted.
Ihavesuccessfullyrepresentednumerousbusteddispensaries.
LACountysupervisorsinMay2006passedregulationsformedicalmarijuanadispensariesinunincorporatedareasofLosAngelesCounty.TheCityofWestHollywoodhaspassedregulationsthatincluderestrictionsonthedistancebetweendispensariesandschools,andrequirecommercialfrontage,etc. However,asnoted above,theFedsdontseemtocarehowcompliantorwellrunthesedispensariesare;theyneverthelessindiscriminatelytaketheirmedicineandmoneyonoccasion.Thankfully,veryseldomdoFederalprosecutorsbringcharges
againstthem.SeetheFederalSentencingGuidelinessectionoftheguideonpage13.
PAtientColleCtives AnDCooPerAtives AreleGAl unDer CAliForniAl Aw
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Co-oPs AnDColleCtives TheCaliforniaMedicinalMarijuanaProgramActcommonlyknownasSenateBill420,broughtaboutadramaticchangeinthewaythatpatientsandcaregiversmayobtainanddistributemedicalmarijuana.Mostimportant,theymayassociatewithinthestateofCaliforniainordercollectivelyorcooperativelytocultivatemarijuanaformedicalpurposes.[H&S11362.775].
Arguably,acollectiveisagroupoftwoormorepatientsand/orcaregiverswhogrowatanumberoflocations,andpooltheirmedicinesothatitcanbesharedamongthemembers.Acooperative,orco-op,isagroupofpeoplewhogrowtogetheratonelocationandsharetheirmedicine.
Dispensariesareintendedtoapplytheprinciplesofthecollectiveonalargerscale,makingmedicineavailabletoalargernumberofpatients.Tworulesapplytoallofthesegroups:Nomarijuanamaybedivertedfornon-medicalpurposes,andnoneofthisactivitymaybedoneforprot.QuestionsofwhatisprotareunderreviewbytheCaliforniaSupremeCourtinPEOPLEV.MENTCH(2006)[143Cal.App.4th1461].Theyindicatedthatprotisaquestionforthejurytodecide.NotefromBruce:
Protdoesnotnecessarilyexcludereasonablecompensationforworkandeffort.Protmeanswhatisleftoverafterreasonableexpenses.Anyprotshouldbereturnedtothemembersorusedtoreducecostsoftheirmedicineorprovidefacilitiesandcarefortheirpatientfundforthesepurposes.
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An exAmPleoF A leGAlly DeFensibleCo-oP
PEOPLEV.URZICEANU[2005132Cal.App.4th747]TheCaliforniacourtofappealsheldthatunderthefactsofthiscasethedefendant(patient)wasen-titledtoraisethecollectivedefenseunderSenateBill420asadefensetothechargesofpossessionforsale,sales,andcultivationofmarijuana.
ThedefendantrantheFloraCarepatientcollective,whichcultivatedbetween190-300plantsattheirlocation.Anundercoveragent,posingasapatient,purchased$160.00worthofmarijuana.
HOWTHECOLLECTIVEWORKED:*Theplantswerecollectivelygrownforthemembers;somewereownedbyindividualmembers.*Bakedgoodswereavailabletothepatients.*Atypedlistsuggesteddonationvaluesfortheproducts.*Therewereafewhundredmembers,witha$25membershipfee,atleastadozenofwhomassistedingrowingandpruningthemarijuana.*Fifteenmembersassistedintheintakeofnewmembers,andwerecompensatedfortheirworkintheformofgasmoneyandmarijuana.
*Oneofthememberswoulddelivermarijuanatopatients.
Patients/memberssignedMEMBERSHIPAGREEMENTS.
Theiragreementstated:
1. Ihavebeendiagnosedwithaseriousillnessforwhichcannabisprovidesreliefandhavereceivedarecommendationorapprovalfrommyphysiciantousecannabis.
2. IunderstandthatmycontributionsforproductsImayacquirefromthisorganizationareusedtoen-surecontinuedoperationandthatthistransactioninnowayconstitutescommercialpromotion.
3. ThemoneyIpayistohelpthecollectivecontinuetoprovideitsmemberswithmarijuanaforourmedicinalneeds.
4. FloraCareisacollectivewiththemedicalmarijuanainpossessionofallitsmembers.5. IdesignateFloraCareasmyproviderformymedicinalmarijuana.
ADDITIONALFACTSinthecase:
Thepolicefound$2,800incashandpay/owesheetsatthecollectiveresidence. The ofcersfoundatleast51plantsin thegreenhouse(2-4feet tall)andanother 259 plants
aroundthepoolandbackyardforatotalof410pounds.Itwasestimatedthatbetween11and32poundsofmarijuanawouldbeproduced,sufcientfor12-20chronicpainpatientsperyear.
Somepatientstestiedthattheyweremembersofthecooperative;othersbelievedtheyownedanumberoftheplants.Onetestiedthathewasamemberofanothercooperativeaswellduringthesametime.
Severalpatientshadmade donationstoreceivemedicalmarijuana,othersweregivenfreemari-juanaandplants,andanotherhaspaid$50foraneighth.
Theorganizationtookin$3-4thousand/day.
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how mAny PlAnts CAn A PAtient Grow?
The ultimate question is always whether the amount possessed, cultivated or transported isreasonablyrelatedtothepatientscurrentmedicalneeds.
Thenationalmedicalmarijuanaprescriptionstandard,establishedbytheNationalInstituteonDrugAbuseintheirCompassionateInvestigationalNewDrugProgram,isaboutahalf-poundpermonthor2ouncesperweekperpatient,whichworksoutto6poundsperyear.Alargenumberofplants
areneededtocultivatethatamountofbud.SB420 [11362.77H & S,Jury Instruction12.24.1]setsa per patient guideline rangeof 6 mature or12 immature plants and 8 ounces of dried, processed medical marijuana. These are safe harbororthresholdamounts,notaceiling.However,theseguidelineswererecentlyruledunconstitutionalbecausetheywereinterpretedbythecourtaslimits.(SeePEOPLEV.PHOMPHAKDY (2008)165Cal.App.4th857)
UnderProp.215(CompassionateUseActof1996)therearenolimitsastohowmanyplantsorhowmuchmarijuanaapatientmaypossessorcultivate.SB420legislationcouldnotdiminishtherightscreatedbytheProp.215initiative
Thedoctorsevaluationisthestandardforthepatient,lawenforcementandthecourts.
The1992DEACannabisYieldsstudyconcludedthattheweightofthe dried,manicured,medicalgradebudfromaplantonlyaccountsfor710%oftheplantstotalwet
Defense expert testimony may explain the factors involved in growing and harvesting medicalmarijuanainordertohelpthejudgeorjuryevaluatewhetherthenumberofplantsseizedwasreasonablyrequiredtomeetthethen-currentmedicalneedsofthepatient.
Factorsinclude:
Whattheexpectedyieldofmedical-grademarijuanabudsfromtheplantsinquestion.Whetherthegrowisindoorsoroutdoors.Outdoorgrowscanonlybeharvestedonceayear,whereasindoorgrowsmayyieldlesspercropbutmayyieldtwotothreeharvests
eachyear.Whetherthepatientsmokesoreatsmarijuana. Patientswhoeatmarijuanamayneedtoconsumeuptofourtimestheamounttogetthesamemedicinaleffectaspatientswhosmokeit.Whetherthepatienthasbuiltupatoleranceduetopriorpharmaceuticalorstreetdruguse.Suchpatientsmayrequirehigherdosagesofmedicalmarijuana.Theeffectofweather,insectsandothernaturalvariablesthataffectyields.Howmuchmedicineapatientmustsetasidetoallowforthespeculativeyieldfromagrow.
The expert testimonyin the Phomphakdy case regarding the evaluation of a patients needs (2008)165Cal.App.4th857:ChristopherConradisanexpertonmarijuana.Inhisopinion,itisextremelycommonforusersofmedicalmarijuanatokeepsuppliesofmarijuanaonhand.Thisisbecausedispensariesroutinelyarebeingshutdownallaroundthestate,leavingpatientswithnowheretogoexcepttheblackmarket,whichcanbeunreliable,dangerous,[and]expensive.Itisalsocommonforusersofmedicalmarijuanatostoremarijuanainmultiplebagstokeeptrackofthedifferentvarietiesofmarijuanathatcomefromdifferentplantsandtomoreeasilycarryandhandleitforthemselves.Marijuanacanbestoredforveyearswithoutlosingasignicantamountofitspotency.Marijuanacanbeingestedeitherbysmokingitoreatingit.Whenmarijuanaiseaten,apatientneedstoconsumebetweenthreetovetimesasmuchwhenitissmoked.AccordingtoastudybytheNationalInstituteonDrugAbuse,atypicalmarijuanaplantofaboutsixfeetpro-ducesaboutfourouncesofnishedbud.Itisextremelydifculttoanticipatetheyieldfromamarijuanaplantbecauseitishardtotellhowmuchaplantwillgrowandhowpestsordiseasemightaffecttheplant.Thetotaluseableamounthere-calculatedbyConradtobeapproximatelynineandone-halfpounds-wasenoughforaone-yearsupplyorlessifthemarijuanawaseatenorathree-yearsupplyifsmoke.InConradsopinion,theamountherecouldbeusedbyanindividualpatientorsharedamongpatients:itwasalargesupplyforanindividualpatientorarelativelysmallsupplyifitwasgoingtobesharedamongpatients.
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County heAlth DePArtmentPAtient iD CArDs
SB42011362.71(f)ItshallnotbenecessaryforapersontoobtainanidenticationcardinordertoclaimtheprotectionsofSection11362.5[Prop.215].
Thepatientidcardprogram:Toestablishandmaintaina24-hourtoll-freetelephonenumberthatwillenablestateandlocallawenforcementofcerstohaveimmediateaccesstoinformationneces-sarytoverifythevalidityofanidenticationcardissuedbythedepartment,untilacost-effectiveInternetWeb-basedsystemcanbedevelopedforthispurpose.SB420makesitmandatoryforlawenforcementtocomply.
NotesfromBruce:TheIDsystemisdesignedwithsafeguardstoprotectpatientprivacy.
SB420criminalizescondentialitybreachesofinformationprovidedto,orcontainedinthere-cordsof,thedepartmentorofacountyhealthdepartmentorthecountysdesigneepertainingtoanidenticationcardprogram.[SB42011362.81(d)]Thismeansthattherecanbenoreportingofcondentialinformationaboutmedicalmarijuanausetooutsideagencies,includingthefederal
government.
meDiCAlmArijuAnAwhileonProbAtion, PArole, orinjAil
PEOPLEV.TILEKOOH(2003)[113Cal.App.4th1433]Apatientmayusethemedicalmarijuanalawsasadefenseagainstprobationviolationsformarijuanaoffenses.Thedecisionreiteratesthatfed-erallawisnotabartotherightsofCaliforniansundertheprotectionsaffordedbyourmedicalmarijuanalaws.Californiacourtsdonotenforcefederallawsandtheterm,obeyalllawsasaconditionofproba-
tion,doesnotincludefederallaws.
PersonswhoareincarceratedmaynotbepunishedorpreventedfromobtainingapatientIDcardSB42011362.785(b).
Nothingprohibitsaprisonerorapersonunderarrest,whohasanIDcard,fromusingmarijuanaformedicalpurposesundercircumstancesthatwillnotendangerthehealthorsafetyofotherprisonersorthesecurityofthefacilitySB42011362.775(c).
Probationersandparoleesmayconrmwiththecourtorparoleboardthattheyareallowedtousemedicalmarijuana.SB42011362.795.SeePeronv.Bianco(2001)104Cal.App.4th357
meDiCiAl ConCentrAteD CAnnAbis (hAshish)
AlthoughtheCompassionateUseAct(Proposition215)doesnotexplicitlydenemarijuana,theCaliforniaUniformControlledSubstancesAct,CaliforniaJuryInstruction,theOfceoftheAttorneyGeneral,andSenateBill420-providefurtherclaricationandarguablyconcurthatthedenitionofmarijuanaincludesconcentratedcannabisundertheCompassionateUseAct.
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ALABAMA:POSSESSION:anyamount(inthe2nddegree)-M/1yr/$6,000;anyamount(inthe1stdegree)-F/1yr-10yrs/$15,000
SALE/TRAFFICKING:2.2lbsto100lbs-F/MMI3yrs/$25,000;100lbsto500lbs-F/MMI5yrs/$50,000;500lbsto1,000lbs-F/MMI15yrs/$200,000;>1,000lbs-F/MMIlifeinprison;onornearschoolcampus-F/5yrsadditional
PARAPHERNALIA:possession/sale-M/1yr/$6,000;saletoaminor-F/2yrs-20yrs/$30,000
ALASKAPOSSESSION:4oz.
F/5yrs./$50,000;Anyamountwithin500ft.ofcampus,school,orothereducationalinstitute-F/5yrs./$50,000SALE/CULTIVATION:1oz.-F/5yrs./$50,000;
ARIZONA
POSSESSION:
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IDAHO:POSSESSION:3oz-F/Upto5yrs/$10,000;
TRAFFICKINGORSALES:1lbto5lbs-F/MMI1yr/$5,000;5lbs.to25lbs-F/MMI3yrs/$10,000;>25lbs-F/MMI5yrs/$15,000
PARAPHERNALIA:Possession-M/1yr/$1,000
ILLINOIS:POSSESSION:5,000g-F/4yrs-15yrs/$25,000+
CULTIVATION:201plants/4yrs-15yrs/$25,000+
SALE/DELIVERY: 5,000g-F/6yrs-30yrs/$25,000+;tominor-F/Doubled/Doubled
*Anypersonwhodeliversnotmorethan10gramsofanysubstancecontainingmarijuanawithoutmonetaryexchangewillbechargedasa
possessionoffense.
INDIANA:
POSSESSION:30g-F/2yrs-8yrs/$10,000
SALE/CULTIVATION: 10lbs-F/2yrs-8yrs/$10,000;tominor-anyamount-F/6mos-3yrs/$10,000;inrestrictedarea-F/2yrs-8yrs/$10,000
PARAPHERNALIA:Possession-civilinfraction/$500;recklesspossession-M/180days/$1,000;Sale-M/180Days/$1,000;2ndoffense-F/6mos-3yrs/$10,000;recklesssale-M/1yr/$5,000;2ndoffense-F/6mos-3yrs/$10,000
IOWA: POSSESSION:Anyamount-1stoffense-M/6
mos/$1,000-2nd
offense-F/1yr/$1,500-3rd
offense-F/2yrs/$500-$5,000;Possessiononrestrictedpropertywouldresultin100hrs.OfCommunityServiceforpublicagencyinadditiontopenaltiesacquired
SALE/CULTIVATION: 1,000kg-F/50yrs/$1,000,000;onrestrictedproperty-F/additional5yrs
KANSAS:POSSESSION:Anyamount-1stoffense-M/1yr/$2,500;subsequentoffense-M/1yr-3yrs/$100,000
CULTIVATION>5plants-F/11.5yrs-17yrs;SALE:Anyamount-F/12mos-51mos/$300,000;inrestrictedarea-F/4yrs-7yrs/$300,000
KENTUCKY:POSSESSION:
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MISSOURI:POSSESSION:100kg-F/10yrs-life/$5,000-$20,000
SALE/TRAFFICKING:100kg-F/10yrs-life,$5,000-$20,000;saletominor-F/5yrs-15yrs/$5,000-$20,000;salenearrestrictedzone-F/10yrs-life/$5,000-$20,000
PARAPHERNALIA: use-M/1yr/$1,000;delivery/manufacturing-F/4yrs/$5,000Note:Iftheoffenderhasgainedmoneyorpropertythroughthecommissionofthecrime,topayanamount,fixedbythecourt,notexceedingdoubletheamountoftheoffendersgainfromthecommissionofthecrime.Anindividualoffendermaybefinednotmorethantwentythousanddollarsunderthisprovision.
MONTANA:
POSSESSION:
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OREGON: POSSESSION:
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When BruceM.Margolingraduatedfrom law
school in1967, the time was rightfora criminal
defensepracticespecializingindrugcharges.
Itwastheadventmiddle-classhippiesgetting
bustedformarijuanaandIstartedgettinghundreds
ofcases,saysMargolin,whostillpracticesinWestHollywoodjustofftheSunsetStrip.Isawthatthe
lawwassounfairandunjust;puttingtheseyoung
kidsinjailalongwiththemurderers,robbers,and
rapistsandIdecidedthattheyneededadefense
beyondthecourts."
" The feedback I got from representing that
kind of defendant was powerful and spiritually
awakening.
Another plus for his practice was the Supreme
CourtdecisioninMappv.Ohio(81S.Ct.1684).
I was very up on constitutional law., says
Margolin,whoduringhisfirstthreeyearsinpractice
handled as many as four cases a day regarding
search and seizure issues. Police officers often
didntknowthelaws,andthecourtsalmostalways
granteddismissals.
Margolins plan includes using the state attorneygenerals office to mount a challenge to federal druglaws,usinga states rights argument.Nextup would betotakeacarefullookatotherdrugstoseewhethertheyshouldbedecriminalized.Drugabuserswouldbefunneledthrough drug court-type rehabilitation programs, (insteadof incarceration). We have to look atall drug laws andevaluatewhetherwearegettingtherighteffect. He stresses that he isnt promoting marijuana, justa change in the laws and an end to the marijuanaprohibition. Criminalenforcementofdruglawsare expensive, and the money could be better spentelsewhere, Margolin said. For instance, enforcementdollarscouldgotowardaschoolprogramthat,asearlyasthirdgrade,educateschildrenabouttheconsequencesofcriminalactions,includingdruglaws. Inthemeantime,marijuanaispotentiallythelargestcashcropinCalifornia,saysMargolin.Ifitwerelegalized,the states sales tax alone would bring in a tremendousamountoftaxrevenue.
Reprintedw/permissionfromLosAngelesDailyJournal
more About bruCe Daily Journal, January 8, 1996
Daily Journal, September 2, 2003 (Excerpt)
Reprintedw/permissionfromLosAngelesDailyJournal
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Win or lose,AttorneyBruceMargolin, ayogapractitioner for 30 years, is making a case for
issues few serious politicians are even willing totalkabout.AndMr.Margolin,despitethetwinklein
his eye and the chaos in his West Hollywood lawoffice, is very serious indeed. A fiscal conservative
andasocialliberal,he puts individual
rights and hum anrights at the top of
his political agenda,meditation and yoga
classattheendofhisday.
Thecandidatesyoga
practicetodaystillmainlyfocuses on meditation,whichhe does nightly and before all
meals. He is a long-timestudent of Mas VidalandhealsopracticesatYogaWorks.
One of the things Margolin would do, givenhisknowledgeofConstitutionallaw,istohelpturn
Californiaintoa havenfortheBillionDollarHolisticHealthcareindustry.
Phonesring,interns andassistantsrushin
andout.Suddenly,withhisnameontheballot,there are interviews,pressarrangements, and a
campaigntoputtogether,despitethecampaignhesbeenrunningfor30years-toreformunjustdruglaws.
MargolinisthecriminaldefenseattorneywhohandledtheTimothy Learycase.Hisrelationship
toLeary stemmed from his friendship with RamDass, with whom Margolin traveled in India in
the1970s.LikeRamDass,Margolingaveuphissuccessful professional practice and came back
fromIndiare-incarnated,sotospeak,asamanwithamission.
Margolinsplatform isbuiltonindividualrights, prison reform, and legalization
of marijuana. Californians, says
Margolin, are tired of seeing peopleincarceratedoverthisbenign,mislabeled,mis-scheduled, and misunderstood
medicinal herb... the drug war is awaste of tax dollars. Those dollars
shouldbespentonrehabilitationandeducation,hebelieves.Druglawsand
the enforcement of them, includingmaintainingnon-violentoffendersin
prison, costs billions.And billionsmore, Margolin believes, could
become State income, insteadof income for drug dealers, if
marijuanawastaxed.Thisisanissuenoonewantstotouch,
Margolin says, not even myfriend Jerry Brown when he
wasGovernorinthe70s.Whyshouldyoubeelected
Governor?Iaskhim.My whole life has beendedicatedtoservice...and
I know how to get things
done."
Itmaynotbeamovement,butyogaandanew
takeonhowtogovernhasbeenquietlysneakingintopoliticslately.byBoBBellenoff
L.A. Yoga Magazine, 2003
Reprintedw/permissionfromLAYogaMagazineReprintedw/permissionfromLAYogaMagazine
more About bruCe
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rePortto the PeoPleByBruceMargolin
IamencouragedbytheCaliforniaappellatecourtsrecentrulings.Theyhaveconsistentlycon-rmedtherightsofpatientsandthevalidityofourCaliforniamedicalmarijuanalaws.Thecourtshaveclariedthatpatientshavetherighttohavetheirseizedmedicalmarijuanareturnedtothem.Additionallythecourtshaveclariedthattherearenolimitsontheamountofmedicinalmarijuanapatientsandtheircaregiverscangrowandpossessotherthanthatitbeanamountthatisreason-
ablefortheirpersonalmedicaluse.Policeornarcoticsofcerswhohavenotreceivedtrainingregardingmedicalmarijuanaarenotqualiedtotestifyinmedicalmarijuanacases.
PleasenotetheformationofTHENATIONALINSTITUTEOFCOURTQUALIFIEDCANNABISEXPERTS.Iamthefounderanddirector.OurfacultyincludessuchnotablesascourtqualiedcannabisexpertsChrisConrad,BillBritt,Dr.DavidBearmanM.D.andmydaughter-superattorneyAllisonMargolin.Wehaveclassesonceamonth,weareacceptingresumesfromthoseinterestedinbecomingcourtqualiedcannabisexperts,andweofferscholarshipstoselectapplicants.Certicationisprovidedtoqualiedstudentsuponcompletionofthecourse.Sendresumesviafax(310.652.1501)oremail([email protected]).
Additionally,whenSanDiegoCountyrefusedto implementtheCountyHealthDepartmentI.D. CardProgram,theappellatecourtmadeitclearthatFederallawisNOTabartorightsforpatientsinCalifornia.Thegovernmentmust
abidebyeachstate'smedicalmarijuanalaws.However,itisimportanttobeawarethatonesabilitytodefendone-selfinstatecourtmaybehamperedbythethreatoffederalprosecution.
After40yearsofpracticeasacriminaldefenseattorney,andworkingtoreformmarijuanalaws,Inditincrediblydisappointingthatwehaveyettoendmarijuanaprohibitionandlegalizeitforalladults,whethermedicalornot.However,Idobelievethatsoontheseprohibitionlawswillfallsuddenly,liketheBerlinWall.ThisispartofthereasonIwholeheartedlysupportBarackObamaforpresident.Itrustandhopethathewillbeinstrumentalinendingthisprohibition.Whenthathappens,itwillendthetremendouswasteoflawenforcementresources,theneedlesssuffer-ingofthoseprosecutedandtheirfamilies.Hopefullythiswillfreethe35poorsoulsthatarecurrentlyservinglifeforviolatingfelonymarijuanalawswhichcountedastheirthirdfelonyunderthedraconianCaliforniathreestrikeslaw.
Legalizationwillhelpsavetheplanetfromourdependenceonfossilfuelbypavingthewayfortheuseofhemp
bio-fuel,paperproducts,etc.
Unfortunately,thequestionremainsastojusthowmuchlongeritwilltakebeforeotherwisefreeAmericansdonothavetoendurethethreatofarrest,incarcerationandviolationsoftheirhumanrightsforwhatshouldbetheirrightochoosetousemarijuana.
Pleasejoininoureffortstoreformmarijuanalaws.Thereissomuchthatcanbedone.Agreatstartistosendyourviewsinletters,e-mailorotherwise,tonewspapereditorsandyourrepresentativesintheCaliforniaStateSenate,Assembly,andtheU.S.congress.Pleasegototheinternetorphonebookforeasyac-cesstorepresentativesinyourdistrict.Takepartandyouwillfeelgood.Toomanyofusthinkthatsomeoneelsewilldoit;however,everylettermakesadifference,especiallywhenthecorrespondenceisfroma citizenintheirlegislatorsdistrict.
Ourcampaignisnotfueledbyanyspecialinterests,weresimplyunitedandmotivatedbyourviewthatmarijuanaprohibitionlawsjustdontworkandareterriblyunjust.
Join N.O.R.M.L. and/or some of the other great organizations working to reform the laws. Go to NORML.ORGCANORML.ORGorLANORML.ORGorcall(310)652-8654
Youcandownloadmyguideonlineonmywebsite.1800420laws.com
8/8/2019 Margolin Guide Updated 2008
34/3632
ClientName: Courthouse: Charges: Results:
PEOPLEV.A.S.10-5-07 LAX POSSESSIONOFLESSTHANANOZ.OFMETH-AMPHETAMINE
CASEDISMISSED-1538.5MOTIONTOSUP-PRESSEVIDENCEONILLEGALSEARCHANDSEIZUREGRANTED
PEOPLEV.B.I.10-3-07 CCB POSSESSIONOFAPPROX.2OZ.OFMARIJUANA,PROSTITUTION,ANDDRIVINGWITHASUS-PENDEDLICENSE
RECEIVEDFORMALDIVERSION
PEOPLEV.M.G.1-10-07 FULLERTON TRANSPORTATION/FELONYPOSSESSIONOF
MUSHROOMSANDLESSTHANONEOZ.OFMARIJUANA
CASEDISMISSED-1538.5MOTIONTOSUP-
PRESSEVIDENCEONILLEGALSEARCHANDSEIZUREGRANTED
PEOP LEV.B.H.4-18-06 BURBA NK HS11359,HS11360( B),BP 4060,VC23222(B) CA SEDISMISSEDUPONSUCCESSOFCO MPLE-TIONOFDEJ
PEOPLEV.G.B.10-4-06 ALHAMBRA RAPE,CHILDMOLESTATION,ANDSEXUALPENETRATIONBYAFOREIGNOBJECT
WON995MOTIONONRAPECHARGEDISMISSED
PEOPLEvsVD08-12-08 InglewoodJuvy POSSESSIONFORSALEMJHASH,SCALE,MONEY.
DISMISSEDON72HOURSCOMMUNITYSERVICE
PEOPLEVS MH-4-18-07 USFEDERALDISTRICTS ANTAANA S ALEOFHUNDEREDS OFECSTACYPILLS MDMATOUSFEDERALAGENTS
REDUCEDTOCHARGETOACCESSORY6MONTHSHOUSEARRESTANDAVOIDEDDEPORTATION
PEOP LEVSV.T.E02-28-07 SACR AMENTO(FRESNO) 20LB T RANSP ORTATIONA NDPOSSESSIONFORSALEOFMARIJUANATOADISPENSARYINLOSANGELES
MEDICALMJDEFENSEPRESENTEDDAAGREEDTOREJECT
PEOPLEVSV.S.B.08-14-08 INGLEWOOD DISPENSARYOPERATOR10JARSMJANDHASH,11360AND59H&S
MEDICALMJDEFENSEPRESENTEDDAAGREEDTOREJECT
PEOP LEVSV.D.J.07-31-08 SANBERNA RDINO 530PLANTS11358&11359H&S,476GRANDTHEFTUTILITIES
180DAYSHOUSEARREST
PEOPLEVSV.D.D.7-22-08 MALIBU TRANSPORTATIONOFHASH CASEDISMISSEDMEDICAL1385MOTION
PEOPLEV.H-S.L.5-21-08 VANNUYS HOUSESEARCHED,CHARGEDWITHPOSSES-SIONOFLESSTHANONEOZ.OFMARIJUANA
CASEDISMISSEDONMEDICALMARIJUANADEFENSE
PEOPLEV.M.R.5-16-08 LAX APACKAGESENTTOHIMCONTAININGALARGEAMOUNTOFU.S.CURRENCY,2LBS.OFMARI-
JUANA,SCALES,ANDPACKINGSUPPLIES.
CASEDISMISSED-1538.5MOTIONTOSUP-PRESSEVIDENCEONILLEGALSEARCHANDSEIZUREGRANTED
PEOPLEV.M.L.5-12-08 CCB 2LBS.OFMARIJUANA,SCALESANDBAGGIESFOUND,MARIJUANAFORSALE
PLEDGUILTYTOCHARGEASAWOBBLER,GIVEN90DAYSCOMMUNITYSERVICE
PEOPLEV.H.M.4-24-08 LAX QUESTIONEDREGARDINGAPACKAGESENTV