California drug laws are extensive and are confusing.  There are a variety of laws that include cultivation, distribution and possession of drugs.  You may be charged under one or more California Drug Statues.

If you are facing charges under any California drug statues, it is important that you understand your rights and that you have an experienced Riverside Drug Lawyer on your side to help protect those rights.  Penalties under the California drug laws can vary from a small fine to significant jail time. Don't leave your future to chance if you are facing drug charges in Riverside.

The California Constitution has twenty nine different statutes that cover drugs.  Because of this you may be confused about some of the crimes that are being lodged against you and how they apply to you. Whether it's a misdemeanor offense for possession of marijuana or a criminal offense of cocaine, it's important that you fully understand how the laws apply to you.  There are laws about steriods, prescription drugs and even laws that apply to where you are found with a controlled substance.  Currnetly, more than 20,000 prisoners in the California prison system are held for drug offenses.

Recent FBI reports indicate that Nationwide, drugs and drug-related offenses account for approximately one-third of all arrests. California has led the Nation in arrests for simple possession of a controlled substance (illegal drugs). And, according to the California Department of Corrections, about 20,000 of the state's 160,000 prisoners are confined for drug offenses, such as being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession or sales of cocaine or methamphetamine.

Information on the California drug laws may be found on the California government website. This provides links to the federal website as well as to other states.

Riverside drug crimes carry very server penalties.  Charges are often compounded by additional charges that range from intent to distribute, evidence of sale, possession of a weapon and other charges that include definitions of purpose of possession which can be difficult to quantify.

California Proposition 215 legalized medical marijuana.  Proposition 36 which was passed in 2000 allowed drug offenders to attend treatment facilities rather than be sent to prison. It is important to note that Proposition 36 is not applicable to anyone who is accused of sale, manufacture or cultivation of drugs nor does it apply to any drug charge that is enhanced with a violent offense or for a defendant who has had a prior violent offense charge (with some exclusions for domestic violence).

As a non violent drug offender, Proposition 36 allows that you should receive probation and appropriate drug treatment. It does not mandate prison time as a condition of probation and it also allows for potential charges being dismissed if treatment is successfully completed.

 Proposition 36 sentencing consists of probation and drug treatment, and it specifically states that a defendant shall not be required to spend time in jail as a condition of probation. It also authorizes dismissal of charges when treatment is completed.

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