Charged with Possession of Marijuana?

Find out how Our Fairfield drug crime lawyers can help!

While simple possession of marijuana is now decriminalized, the penalties for possession of marijuana depend largely on the quantity of marijuana in your possession. Possessing 28.5 grams of marijuana or less is not an arrestable offense, and is only punishable by a $100 fine. However, if you are found with more than 28.5 grams of marijuana in your possession, you could face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. Possessing marijuana on school grounds is a more serious offense than typical possession of marijuana charges.

Any person found with 28.5 grams of marijuana or less upon the grounds of a school faces up to 10 days in jail and a $500 fine. Possessing more than 28.5 grams of marijuana on, within, or near a school zone is punishable by up to six months in prison and a $500 fine. If the defendant is less than 18 years old and is found in possession of marijuana, he or she will be fined $250 for a first offense and $500 for a second or subsequent offense. If convicted of a second or subsequent offense, a minor may be sentenced to serve time at a juvenile hall, ranch, camp, forestry camp, or secure juvenile home for no more than 10 days.

Penal Code 1000: Drug Diversion Program

In some cases, a defendant may be able to avoid prison or other legal penalties if they agree to complete a drug diversion program under Penal Code 1000. Under Penal Code 1000, a defendant agrees to enter a guilty plea. However, the court will not enter the plea as a judgment of conviction. As long as the defendant successfully completes a 12-week class and does not get arrested for another offense for 18 months, the judgment will be dismissed and the conviction will not appear on the defendant’s record.

Penal Code 1000 is a highly favorable option for any first-time, non-violent drug offender. If you’ve been charged with possession of marijuana, it’s to your advantage to consult with experienced Fairfield criminal defense lawyers to see if you qualify for a drug diversion program under Penal Code 1000.

Contact Maas and Russo Immediately

At Maas and Russo, we are committed to helping our clients throughout Napa and Fairfield fight their drug possession charges. We understand that everyone makes bad decisions, and we’re here to ensure your bad decision does not result in a conviction that could affect your life for years to come! Let our skilled Fairfield drug crime lawyers defend you against your charges so that you have the best possible chance of moving on from this experience.