Practice Areas

• Accessory After the Fact
• Arson
• Assault & Battery
• Battery on a Peace Officer
• Assault with a Firearm
• Battery
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Bail Review & Reduction
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Child Endangerment
• Conspiracy
• Criminal Threats
• Domestic Violence
• Driving with A Suspended License
• Drug Possession
• Marijuana Possession for Sales
• Drug Possession for Personal Use
• Drug Possession for Sale
• DUI Defense
• I've been arrested for DUI. What happens to my Driver's License?
• DUI Under 21
• The 'Rising Blood Alcohol' Defense
• Attacking the Breath Test
• The "No Driving" Defense
• I've been arrested & cited for DUI? What happens next?
• Attacking the Blood Test
• Elder Abuse
• Embezzlement
• Expungements
• Hit and Run
• Housing Violations
• Juvenile Defense
• License Defense
• Nursing License Defense
• Murder
• Police Misconduct Litigation
• Pre-Filing Investigations
• Professional & Vocational License Defense
• Prostitution
• Public Intoxication
• Sex Crimes
• Indecent Exposure
• Solicitation of Prostitution
• Rape
• Theft Charges
• Robbery
• Purse Snatching
• Burglary
• Petty Theft
• Embezzlement
• Identity Theft
• Three Strikes Law
• Vacating Convictions
• Deportable Offenses: Vacating Your Guilty Plea to Avoid Deportation
• Vandalism
• Vehicular Manslaughter
• Warrant Recall
• Weapons Charges
• Witness Intimidation

What are the consequences of a California marijuana possession charge?

In late 2010, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill to reduce the charge for possession of marijuana (up to one ounce) from a misdemeanor charge to a civil infraction. The fine of up to $100 remained the same, but now a jury trial will no longer occur and this infraction will not appear on an individual's criminal record. Schwarzenegger stated that this change would save the state of California a considerable amount of money.

The New Possession of Marijuana Law

This new possession of marijuana law went into effect on January 1, 2011. Prior to this law change, possession of an ounce or less of marijuana was considered a misdemeanor, with the charge being expunged from criminal records after two years had passed.

Larger Amounts of Marijuana

If a person is in possession of a greater amount of marijuana, this act is considered to be a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by up to six months in jail or up to $500 in fines. A charge for possession of concentrated cannabis or hashish can be considered either a misdemeanor or a felony. However, first-time offenders may be eligible for a drug treatment program in lieu of jail time.

Medical Usage

Certain medical patients and their primary caregivers can legally possess and cultivate marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, these individuals must have a doctor's recommendation to legally be in possession of marijuana.

Underage Possession Charges

If minors under the age of 21 are convicted of a marijuana (or alcohol/other drug related) charge, these minors will automatically receive a twelve-month license suspension - regardless of whether the charge had anything to do with driving.

Have you been arrested for a California possession of marijuana charge? Contact McGregor & Ernenwein to obtain a completely free consultation with one of our experienced Torrance criminal defense attorneys.