(b) A temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction, or both, may be granted in a class action, in which one or more of the parties sues or defends for the benefit of numerous parties upon the same grounds as in other actions, whether or not the class has been certified.
(c) No temporary restraining order shall be granted without notice to the opposing party, unless both of the following requirements are satisfied:
(1) It appears from facts shown by affidavit or by the verified complaint that great or irreparable injury will result to the applicant before the matter can be heard on notice.
(2) The applicant or the applicant’s attorney certifies one of the following to the court under oath:
(A) That within a reasonable time prior to the application the applicant informed the opposing party or the opposing party’s attorney at what time and where the application would be made.
(B) That the applicant in good faith attempted but was unable to inform the opposing party and the opposing party’s attorney, specifying the efforts made to contact them.
(C) That for reasons specified the applicant should not be required to so inform the opposing party or the opposing party’s attorney.
(d) In case a temporary restraining order is granted without notice in the contingency specified in subdivision (c):
(1) The matter shall be made returnable on an order requiring cause to be shown why a preliminary injunction should not be granted, on the earliest day that the business of the court will admit of, but not later than 15 days or, if good cause appears to the court, 22 days from the date the temporary restraining order is issued.
(2) The party who obtained the temporary restraining order shall, within five days from the date the temporary restraining order is issued or two days prior to the hearing, whichever is earlier, serve on the opposing party a copy of the complaint if not previously served, the order to show cause stating the date, time, and place of the hearing, any affidavits to be used in the application, and a copy of the points and authorities in support of the application. The court may for good cause, on motion of the applicant or on its own motion, shorten the time required by this paragraph for service on the opposing party.
(3) When the matter first comes up for hearing, if the party who obtained the temporary restraining order is not ready to proceed, or if the party has failed to effect service as required by paragraph (2), the court shall dissolve the temporary restraining order.
(4) The opposing party is entitled to one continuance for a reasonable period of not less than 15 days or any shorter period requested by the opposing party, to enable the opposing party to meet the application for a preliminary injunction. If the opposing party obtains a continuance under this paragraph, the temporary restraining order shall remain in effect until the date of the continued hearing.
(5) Upon the filing of an affidavit by the applicant that the opposing party could not be served within the time required by paragraph (2), the court may reissue any temporary restraining order previously issued. The reissued order shall be made returnable as provided by paragraph (1), with the time for hearing measured from the date of reissuance. No fee shall be charged for reissuing the order.
(e) The opposing party may, in response to an order to show cause, present affidavits relating to the granting of the preliminary injunction, and if the affidavits are served on the applicant at least two days prior to the hearing, the applicant shall not be entitled to any continuance on account thereof. On the day the order is made returnable, the hearing shall take precedence over all other matters on the calendar of the day, except older matters of the same character, and matters to which special precedence may be given by law. When the cause is at issue it shall be set for trial at the earliest possible date and shall take precedence over all other cases, except older matters of the same character, and matters to which special precedence may be given by law.
(f) Notwithstanding failure to satisfy the time requirements of this section, the court may nonetheless hear the order to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not be granted if the moving and supporting papers are served within the time required by Section 1005 and one of the following conditions is satisfied:
(1) The order to show cause is issued without a temporary restraining order.
(2) The order to show cause is issued with a temporary restraining order, but is either not set for hearing within the time required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (d), or the party who obtained the temporary restraining order fails to effect service within the time required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (d).
(g) This section does not apply to an order issued under the Family Code.
(h) As used in this section:
(1) “Complaint” means a complaint or a cross-complaint.
(2) “Court” means the court in which the action is pending.(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 688, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2001.)
You have the right to receive assistance from a restraining order lawyer regarding legal matters.
A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a type of Injunction.
A TRO restricts contact with the applicant until the hearing date of the Temporary Restraining Order Hearing. It is limited in time and can be secured with or without notice to the Respondent, depending on the circumstances. outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure.
A TRO hearing can be considered a quasi-criminal proceeding.
Both the Applicant and the Respondent have the right to a restraining order attorney at the hearing.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office.
KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
Penal Code 1203.4 outlines California laws which govern expungements of criminal records. An expungement, sometimes referred to as a "dismissal", discharges a person from the criminal conviction. Specifically, an expungement is a type of post-conviction relief which removes a person from the consequences of a conviction. It’s imperative to understand this penal code and the benefits that it may offer to those who have been accused and convicted of a crime, especially since it may potentially clear your criminal record. The word “expungement” is somewhat confusing as it infers that criminals records can be erased. Expungements are post-conviction, post-probation petitions for dismissals; the court substitutes a “Not Guilty” plea for the earlier finding of guilt, and dismisses the case. After this time, the guilty plead is no longer on the criminal record because technically you are no longer guilty of the charge. However, in most government application you may still need to disclose the prior conviction even after it has been expunged.
Health and safety code 11365 governs unlawful presence during unlawful controlled substance use. Getting arrested for HS 11365 can feel a lot like, being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Life is full of surprises, some good and some that just cause headaches. The law, on the other hand, is designed to be as unsurprising as possible. It has clear cut guidelines for what is, and what isn’t, legal. However, how the law gets used against you is another matter entirely. What could have been an honest mistake or an unfortunate coincidence can be damning in some respects of the law and California Health and Safety Code 11365 is one such law.
HS 11365 states that it is a misdemeanor to willingly and knowingly be somewhere that controlled substances are being used, given that you actually helped out or supported that usage. The law itself is sound, but many problems arise when this particular law is put into effect. This is because one can get charged with violating HS 11365 without ever having possessing any controlled substance or been under their influence. The way this typically works is that you may get arrested if you happened to be somewhere where controlled substance were being used; in practice this means that people can get charged with an HS 11365 violation for simply being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Penal Code 647(f) is California’s public intoxication law. It defines and outlines the criteria by which a person may be found guilty of being intoxicated in a public place and it also sets the penalties for committing such a crime. Though this law may sound relatively straightforward on paper, it’s actually a very nuanced and heavily layered one that requires a lot of proof in order to charge someone with it. And since it’s very likely that you, or someone you know, partakes in drinking it’s especially important to understand the scope of this law so that you know your rights.
Okay, So How Drunk is Drunk?
Glad you asked! This law is very clear as to how intoxicated a person needs to be in order to get charged with a Penal Code 647(f) violation—simply being tipsy, or even wasted, in a public place is not enough to warrant being charged. You would need to be so intoxicated that:
Under California Health and Safety Code 11358, individuals who are 21 and older can not only use marijuana recreationally, but they can also legally cultivate and grow their own marijuana plants. These new freedoms come with restrictions and regulations built into the very laws that grant their legal status, effectively limiting the amount of marijuana that one can legally own or cultivate for personal use. These limitations are designed to prevent excessive amounts from being created and distributed. Understanding these complex laws is a feat in itself, but being aware of them is important to all consumers of marijuana. In what follows, we break these laws down for you as simply as we can.
Health and Safety Code 11358 in relevant part, "...Each person who plants, cultivates, harvests, dries, or processes cannabis plants, or any part thereof, except as otherwise provided by law..."
It is legal to grow marijuana in California under H&S 11358, for person's over the age of 21 can grow up to 6 mature marijuana plants for their own personal use and cultivation. There are some strings attached, though. You will have to follow any additional local laws and ordinances that further regulate the cultivation of marijuana plants.
Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC governs the crime of operating a motor vehicle “under the influence” of alcohol. In California motorists charged with driving under the influence can even be charged with a DUI, the blood alcohol concentration was below 0.08%. It should also be noted that if you have been charges with a DUI, there are two governmental bodies that are generally involved and require hearings; that is the DMV and the Courts. The DMV case is extremely time sensitive, and if not fixed immediately, will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. A Driving under the influence conviction generally can result in costly fines, required attendance at alcohol-education classes, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, probation, placing an ignition interlock device in your car, and even jail or prison time depending on the facts of the case.
California DUI charges can result in driver’s license suspensions, sometimes even on a first DUI. Our DUI attorneys in Glendale, CA have the ability to extend your driver’s license privileges and aggressively fight the DMV case to protect your license. It is critical to act quickly so you do not miss the deadline to demand a DMV hearing. If the deadline is missed it is likely that the DMV will automatically suspend your license.
Penal Code section 148(a) Resisting Arrest aims to secure the physical wellbeing of officers, and encourages only compelling, legally applicable examinations of civilians. Lamentably, it isn't unprecedented for some officers to abuse this statute by rebuffing people who show any little sign of disobedience towards the officer. This is a serious and recurring issue all throughout California, with some counties and cities experiencing more of this abuse of power than others. For instance, Ventura county law enforcers are infamous for incarcerating civilians if the officer senses even the slightest amount of hesitation from the civilian. In many situations, this results in a gross and negligent abuse of power, originating from misinterpreted ideas of what the Penal Code 148(a) entails.
According to Penal Code 148(a)(1), any person who "obstinately" opposes or delays any law enforcement agent is blameworthy of a crime. They must demonstrate the following past a sensible uncertainty:
Most importantly, there does not need to be an intention of hurting the officer, a mere demonstration of knowingly resisting an officer is sufficient. As such, a prosecutor does not have to demonstrate that the defendant expected to commit a crime or even to cause any injury to the officer. Taking all of these elements into consideration, it can become murky and difficult to understand where to draw the line between officer aggression and defendant resistance. To help illustrate these, here are just a few examples:
Beginning January 2018, recreational use of marijuana became legal in California, allowing persons 21 years and older to possess up to one ounce, or 28.5 grams of marijuana. The law was a direct result of Proposition 64 the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which was approved in November of 2017. This new law does not change any statues or regulations pertaining to medicinal marijuana use, nor does it completely legalize marijuana use in every situation. As all laws, there are some strings attached that you should be aware of as a consumer.
The legalization of marijuana in California does not extend indefinitely, and you can still get incriminated for surpassing its limits. According to California Health and Safety Code § 11357, those limits are as follows:
HS 11357 Possession Offense
Type of Offense
Penalty Incurred
Possession of marijuana and/or concentrated cannabis by individuals under the age of 21
The gradual process of legalizing marijuana in California reached its climax in January of 2018, when marijuana became legalized. Once this new law came into effect, it changed the ways that some laws apply and affect cases surrounding the possession, utilization, and acquisition of marijuana. On the other hand, many procedures and statutes have not changed despite the legalization of marijuana. One such instance is the penalty one may accrue if they are caught with marijuana in their car while driving, which is detailed by the California Vehicle Code 23222(b) Driving In Possession of Marijuana.
California Vehicle Code 23222(b) maintains that it is illegal to possess marijuana while conducting a vehicle. In order to be charged with this, a law enforcement agent must be able to prove that you were in illegal possession of marijuana while driving. Thus, there are three primary components at play in this code. The keywords here are illegal, possession and driving. If even one of those three things does not apply, then you cannot be charged with violating California Vehicle Code 23222(b). However, it should be noted that just because one of those three elements may not apply, does not mean that you cannot be charged with violating another statute or law. For instance, California Health and Safety Code 11357(b) may still apply to you. Also, if it is determined that you were driving under the influence of marijuana, you can also be charged with a DUI pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a)(b).
Under Penal Code § 1203.4, an expungement essentially discharges a person from whatever sentencing they were given due to being convicted of a crime. One powerful advantage that expungement offers is that an expunged conviction does not typically have to be disclosed to potential private employers or institutions. As it stands, California law prevents employers from inquiring about an applicant’s previous criminal record until such a time when the employer proposes a legitimate offer of employment. However, once a conviction gets expunged, it doesn't need to be revealed to an employer even after the employer makes a job offer. However, you may still be required to disclose the expunged conviction if filing any applications with government organizations such as for professional licensing with the Contractors State Licensing Board; State Bar of California; Medical Board of California; California Board of Pharmacy; California Department of Real Estate; California Board of Accountancy; or any such other licensing board that requires a Live Scan for California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) level criminal history record checks.
Someone who was sentenced for a crime in California is eligible for expungement provided that:
Individuals are not qualified for expungement in the event that they:
Expungement is a huge step forward for many individuals who have been accused of a crime. This crucial step allows for a much easier re-entry into society and we can help you to get there! If you or a loved one may benefit from an expungement, give us a call at (310) 943-1171 for a free criminal defense consultation with one of our Glendale criminal defense attorney today. Our lawyers in Glendale, Los Angeles, California, are dedicating to providing the highest quality legal services for all of our clients. Get Directions on Google Maps
Technical elements constitute the legal definition of presence during unlawful use of controlled substances, which means that for the HS 11365 charges to hold, the following five elements must be true:
Therefore, while HS 11365 has wording that focuses primarily around the idea of someone being ‘present’ while the use is happening, there is actually to show than merely being at the scene of the crime. You would additionally have to take an action or say something that helps or abets the use of the controlled substance.
Lending a ‘Helping Hand’ isn’t Always a Good Thing
To understand what ‘helping’ or ‘encouraging’ use of a controlled substance means in legal terms, we must know that it entails these critical points:
Clearly, there are a lot of principles and points that a violator of this statute would have to meet. To better illustrate these in a more real-world situation, let’s consider to different scenarios which may end with two very different results.
The following are examples of HS 11365 charges and how they might play out in court.
In the first scenario, suppose you went to a party with some friends where some people were snorting coke. You notice and become aware that some people are doing coke, but you choose not to say or do anything about it. You are clearly uneasy and you walk away whenever someone offers you a chance to do a line yourself. Given this scenario, you would not be found guilty of violating HS 11365 because even though you were present at a venue where drugs were being used, you did nothing to help or encourage the use of those drugs, nor did you partake in it yourself.
Conversely, let’s say the scene played out a bit differently. You’re still at a party with your friends where some people are using coke. Throughout the night, you dance with someone and have a few drinks with them. You take a liking to them and want to see them after the party. One of their friends interrupts by offering some coke. The person you liked looks at you for approval and you, not wanting to be a buzzkill, encourage them to go ahead and have fun. If that person then goes ahead and takes a hit of coke, then you may later be found guilty of violating HS 11365 since you encouraged the use of a controlled substance while at a place where they were being used.
California Health and Safety Code 11365 applies solely to a select group of ‘controlled substance’. These substances are:
As you may have noticed, marijuana is ostentatiously absent from the list. This is because California’s HS 11365 law does not apply to marijuana and thus you cannot be guilty of violating HS 11365 if you are present and encourage marijuana use.
As we alluded to at the beginning, knowingly being in a place where controlled substances are used is considered a misdemeanor. As such, the potential consequences are:
It is imperative to keep in mind that even if you are convicted of being present at the time of controlled substance use under Health and Safety Code 11365, you may still be eligible for California’s ‘deferred entry of judgement’ or pretrial diversion program. In a nutshell, deferred entry of judgement suspends the charged placed against you while you complete a state-approved drug rehabilitation program. Upon successfully finishing it, the charges get dismissed. However, to qualify for this option, there are some requirements. For example, you typically will need to have no previous controlled substance related charges and the charges need to not have involved violence.
There are a few legal defenses to California Health and Safety Code 11365. Despite possibly having the option of drug diversion, sometimes it may be far more sensible to fight the charges that are posed against you directly. This is typically done by using some of the common legal defenses, such as lack of knowledge.
As an example, if you weren’t aware of the illegal controlled substance use, and/or had no knowledge that your actions or words may have indirectly encouraged use of those substance, then you are not guilty of helping or supporting the use of controlled substances, even if you were present at the location. Alternatively, another method is to argue that you flat did not say or do anything to aid or support someone in using the controlled substance. These are just two of the many possible ways of defending an HS 11365 case.
For answers to any other questions you may still have about California Health and Safety Code 11365, about being present while controlled substances are used, or to discuss your case confidentially with our team of experienced California criminal defense attorneys, give us a call at (310) 943-1171. Our lawyers in Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA, are highly dedicated to serving the needs of our clients.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
What’s important to note is that if neither of the above points holds true, and you are merely drunk in a public place, like a bar or a street, then you are not guilty of violating this penal code...no matter what an annoyed, or even aggressive, cop might say!
Words carry lots of weight in the legal realm because what is meant and conveyed in the law can be used to argue in favor of, or against someone in a case. As it pertains to public intoxication or “drunk in public” charges, wording is very relevant. This is because the formal legal definition of being “drunk in public” bears with it three very key elements that must hold true in order for the charge to be justified. This means that the prosecutor has to show these elements are true in court for a defendant to get convicted of violating Penal Code 647(f). The elements are:
Therefore, simply being really drunk, even drunk enough to blackout or pass out, does not automatically make you guilty of violating Penal Code 647(f). So, while on the surface it may seem easy enough to denote a law for public intoxication, it actually becomes a very technical and specific process. We can use those technicalities to our advantage.
First off, let’s zero in on that first element of the definition we mentioned above. To be willingly under the influence means that you got intoxicated of your own free will. Therefore, the prosecutor would have to establish that you intentionally got drunk or intoxicated and that it was something you did by your own deliberate choice. So, let’s say you were drugged or someone slipped something in your drink. In that scenario, you could not be found guilty of violating Penal Code 647(f). Similarly, let’s say you thought you were enjoying a non-alcoholic beverage, but someone changed your drink and gave you something else...in that situation you would still not be guilty because you did not get intoxicated willingly.
All Publicity is Good Publicity...right?
Now about that second crucial element in the definition—“public”. As far as California law is concerned, a public place is anywhere outside of a private residence where people are free to walk. Some obvious examples that fit the definition would be places like a shopping center, a bar, a restaurant, a movie theater, a street, and a park or a beach. There are some less obvious places that this definition also covers, such as shared, communal hallways or lounges in apartment complexes, the front yard, front porch and driveway of someone’s home, and a parked car on a public road. Similarly, a hotel hallway is a public place, but the actual hotel room is not.
It is important to know that a place can be considered ‘public’ even if there aren’t any other people actually present at that location: what matters is that it is accessible to the public, not that anyone is there or likely to be there. On the other hand, some examples of private areas would be places like private homes, apartments or residences, and garages, sheds, guest houses, or backyards. Finally, it’s imperative to keep in mind that you cannot be found guilty of being intoxicated in public if you got drunk or inebriated in a private place, but then were forced out to a public place. There have been instances where people (sometimes even law enforcement!) force intoxicated people to go with them to a public place and then arrest or accuse them of being drunk in public. That’s why it is so important to always know your rights.
Safety First!
The whole third premise of this penal code rests upon safety, specifically denoting when someone poses a threat to safety. The law specifies that a person who is so intoxicated that they are unable to care for themselves or for those around them are considered drunk enough that they pose a risk to the wellbeing of themselves and to those around them. To illustrate this, picture two different people, Leo and Kevin, both of whom are outside of an LA bar at 2 in the morning.
Leo is trying to call for an Uber when a cop comes up to him and questions him. Leo is able to answer the cop’s questions, and while the cop can both see and smell that Leo is definitely drunk, he can also tell that Leo is coherent enough to get himself into a cab. Therefore, Leo doesn’t pose a threat to himself or to anyone else outside that bar. However as the cop begins to leave, he notices Kevin, who is also trying to find his Uber. The difference is that Kevin has wandered onto the middle of the road to see if any of the cars are his cab and as a result the drivers are forced to slam their brakes to avoid running into Kevin. He is clearly incoherent and he trips and falls right in the middle of the street.
Given that situation, it’s clear that both Leo and Kevin are drunk, but what matters is that Leo’s actions aren’t threatening his safety or the safety of others, whereas Kevin’s drunken shenanigans are endangering his life as well as the safety of others around him. Thus, Leo would not be charged with violating Penal Code 647(f), but Kevin very well may be. The cop could notice that Kevin’s level of drunkenness is so extreme that it actually does pose a safety hazard and so Kevin can be found guilty of a Los Angeles public intoxication charge.
And While You’re at it...Try Not to Get in the Way Either
The second half of that last component deals with obstructions of public places. Going back to our previous example, Leo gets in his cab and heads home, whereas Kevin stumbles and falls in the middle of the street. Let’s say he manages to drag himself back onto the sidewalk, where he passes out from being so drunk. In this situation, people who are walking on that sidewalk may be forced to step onto him, step over him, or otherwise go off the sidewalk to walk around him. Therefore, Kevin is blocking the free passage of people in a public space and that is also grounds for a potential public intoxication arrest.
The penalties of penal code 657(f) are more than just a bad hangover. If convicted of a Penal Code 647(f), the penalties include the following:
However, if you get a “public intoxication” conviction three or more times within a 1 year period, then you will have a minimum sentence of 90 days in county jail. The court can reduce that sentence down to a 60 day period, provided that you spend those 60 days in an alcohol recovery program and treatment center.
Sometimes a Good Legal Defense...is a Great Offense
A seasoned Glendale criminal defense attorney will explore several methods of protecting you by incorporating the details of your case as well as the circumstances leading up to the alleged public intoxication charges. The following are some examples of defenses that your lawyer may use to fight the accusations:
If you or a loved one has been accused of violating Penal Code 647(f), don’t hesitate to give us a toll free call at (310) 943-1171 to speak with our experienced California defense attorneys today. Our lawyers in Glendale, Los Angeles, California, are dedicating to providing all of our clients with the highest quality legal services possible.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda. Get Directions on Google Maps
Can you grow marijuana outdoors in California is a frequently asked question. In California you cannot grow marijuana outdoors, nor can it be plainly visible to the naked eye from a public place. In other words, you can’t realistically grow pot in your backyard, because if your neighbors can see it with their unaided vision, then it’s still technically illegal. Due to these restrictions, you will typically want to cultivate your marijuana indoors and somewhere that is not easily visible from the outside. Furthermore, if there is more than one person living in that residence, you are still limited to no more than 6 marijuana plants. In other words, you and your spouse cannot grow twelve plants together, because the 6 plant limit applies per residence, not per person.
You’ll have noticed pretty quickly that all of these official legal definitions and restrictions utilize the word ‘cultivate’ when referring to growing of marijuana plants. This is because it gives a sense of consistency to the semantics that are at play in the law. However, the word ‘cultivate’ in these legal contexts is a bit more encompassing than you might usually expect. Here, to cultivate can mean any or all of the following:
As you can see, the definition of ‘cultivate’ is heavily expanded in these contexts for simplicity’s sake and for the sake of being able to capture more meaning into the word itself. These additional meanings of ‘cultivate’ are significant because the wording of the law is key to understanding what you may be accused of or charged with. Because of the expanded meaning, you do not even have to be physically present to ‘cultivate’ marijuana—even just being indirectly involved with its process is sufficient to be accused. This means that if you were to help your friend remove the leaves, you’d still be ‘cultivating’ marijuana.
This is where things get a bit more murky. Cultivating marijuana for medicinal use is different than for personal use. Even the laws used to denote them are distinct. The one that matters most here is California’s “Compassionate Use Act of 1996”, which came into law through Proposition 215; its provisions are further outlined in California Health and Safety Code 11362.5 and other subsequent sections. In a nutshell, the Compassionate Use Act gives exemptions to the following groups from the usual California laws that govern and regulate the possession and cultivation of marijuana:
Medicinal marijuana patients and their primary caregivers can grow or cultivate 6 mature marijuana plants, 12 immature marijuana plants, or, with a doctor’s recommendation, an even greater number of plants, relative to the patients’ needs for treatment.
Now that marijuana legalization in California has kicked in, most violations of Health and Safety Code 11358 will be considered misdemeanors. The punishments for breaking this statute may include:
You should, however, keep in mind that violating HS 11358 does have more severe consequences if:
In these situation, you would instead be convicted of a felony and you could be sentenced up to 3 years in county jail and be fined a maximum fine of $10,000.
Provided that your arrest was solely for cultivating excessive amounts of marijuana for personal use, you are a non-violent first or second time offender, and/or you are a minor, you can qualify for deferred entry of judgement or a pretrial diversion (enter links to article here). In this case, you will have your sentencing put on hold while you participate and complete a state-approved drug counseling or treatment course. This procedure is due to California Penal Code 1000 and upon successfully completing it, the charges will be dismissed. Crucially, this means that the arrest and the charges will not exist on your record for most purposes, like applying for a job, school, housing, and other applications. However, it does require that you plead guilty first and foremost, as well as meeting the eligibility requirements. Only then will the court consider and accept your case for pretrial diversion. Whether or not your case may qualify for pretrial diversion is something your lawyer will discuss with you.
Proposition 64, now that it is fully in effect, has greatly changed the way that California handles marijuana cases as they pertain to use, possession, and cultivation. As a result of this, the law does work retroactively. In other words, if you were convicted of marijuana cultivation prior to the passing of Prop 64, you may now not be found guilty of convicting a crime at all. In fact, even if you had grown more than the legal limit of 6 marijuana plants, you would still have a reduced punishment since you would have been guilty of a misdemeanor, not a felony. Prop 64, through Health and Safety Code 11361.8 permits those who were convicted under the old version of HS 11358 to appeal for redesignation or resentencing of their violation. For the most part, the court will grant the resentencing without much thought, unless they feel that you would pose some serious risk to public safety. Based on how much of your sentence has already been served, you might even be subject to immediate release. This also holds true for those that were convicted of a marijuana cultivation or use felony under older laws; you can apply to have your crime redesignated from a felony to a misdemeanor, or possibly even get it expunged entirely if you would not been found guilty of any crime under these new laws.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer will get the details of your case and use them to shield you. The following are just some of the possible defenses that may be used in your situation:
f you or a loved one has been accused of violating California Health and Safety Code 11358, or any marijuana law, we invite you to give us a call at (310) 943-1171 to speak to a skilled Los Angeles marijuana defense attorney with confidentiality today.
Location & Directions KAASS LAW Location: 701 North Brand Blvd. Suite 100 Glendale, CA 91203 Telephone: (310) 943-1171 Email: [email protected]
Our lawyers in Glendale, Los Angeles, CA at KAASS LAW are authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
If convicted of a DUI in Court, while the driver would have full driving privileges, the DMV will require the installation of an ignition interlock device, which is the breathalyzer device for several month period. Typically, probation is for three years and is also known as "informal" or "summary probation" on a first time DUI offense. Summary probation means that it is “non-reporting probation".
A criminal conviction in California, even for a first time DUI offense can have negative consequences on immigration status. For instance, a DUI offense can trigger deportation requirements and other immigration difficulties. Winning your case instead of being convicted can often mean staying in the United States instead of being deported. Therefore, hiring an experience Glendale DUI defense lawyer may mean the difference of keeping your immigration status or suffer adverse consequences. Our goal in DUI cases is to first attempt to seek a dismissal. If that does not work, we seek to reduce charges and all punishment.
It is imperative that you hire the best Los Angeles DUI attorney to ensure you get the best possible defense. Our Glendale criminal defense lawyers have handled numerous cases. If you have been accused of a DUI, contact one of our Glendale DUI attorneys at (310) 943-1171. It is important to have a defense attorney that you can trust. It is imperative not to speak with investigative authorities without seeking legal counsel first in these situations.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
There are several avenues of defense that a skilled Glendale criminal defense attorney will utilize in order to defend their client in situations of unlawful arrest. A few examples of these defenses include: the use of excessive force or police brutality, acting in self-defense, or being wrongfully accused of a crime. Which path is best for your particular case is something your lawyer will be able to determine with you. If you feel that you or a loved one have experienced a wrongful accusation of violating Penal Code 148(a), or been the victim of police brutality or misconduct, please give us a call at (310) 943-1171 to speak to a defense attorney specialist, or send us an email with a description of your case at [email protected].
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
Infraction
Drug counseling and community service hours for minors and a fine of $100 for those 18 and older
Owning more than 28.5 grams of marijuana and/or more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis for minors (under 18 years of age)
Infraction
Drug counseling and community service hours
Having marijuana and/or concentrated cannabis in a K-12 institution while a minor (under 18 years of age)
Infraction
Drug counseling and community service hours
Owning more than 28.5 grams of marijuana and/or more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis (18 years of age and up)
Misdemeanor
A maximum sentence of 6 months in county jail as well as a $500 fee
Having marijuana and/or concentrated cannabis in a K-12 institution (18 years of age and up)
Misdemeanor
Up to a $250 fee for the first offense, with subsequent offenses incurring additional penalties
Possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis (hashish) is still illegal under California’s Health and Safety Code 11357. The above chart summarizes the consequences one may face for having excessive amounts of marijuana. Typically, for adults these consequences are deemed misdemeanors and will usually result in a fine of no more than $500 and/or 6 months in county jail, while for minors the crime is merely an infraction and the penalties are to attend drug counseling sessions and community service hours.
Having marijuana on school grounds is also illegal: for adults it is a misdemeanor and for minors it is an infraction. The penalties for minors who commit this crime are identical to the penalties that a minor may face if they possess excessive amounts of marijuana. For adults, it will usually result in a $250 fee for the first offense. Bear in mind that possessing any amount of marijuana at all as a minor is still illegal even in California, and the consequences range from paying a fine to facing drug education or counseling programs and community service.
There are several legal defenses that a skilled Los Angeles marijuana defense attorney can provide in cases that involve charges of illegal marijuana possession in California. These defenses include:
-You didn’t own the marijuana in question
-You were not aware that you had any marijuana
-The marijuana in question was procured in an illegal search or seizure
If you or someone you know is accused of violating California Health and Safety Code 11357 or California Vehicle Code 23222(b) illegal to possess marijuana while driving a vehicle we welcome you to give us a call at (310) 943-1171 to speak to a defense attorney for a free consultation.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. Our Los Angeles litigation lawyers do not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at our office.
An experienced Glendale marijuana lawyer will understand that there are several powerful avenues that may be explored in order to demonstrate your innocence before the law. Some of those possible options are:
The consequences of being convicted of violating California Vehicle Code Section 23222(b) include a fee of up to $100 plus court costs. We can help you avoid all of those. Give us a toll free call today to speak to one of our attorneys at (310) 943-1171 or email us at [email protected]
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.