Strategic Federal And State Criminal Defense

Legal marijuana in California increases risk of federal charges

On Behalf of | Feb 6, 2017 | Federal Crimes |

Since the legalization of adult recreational marijuana use in the state of California, there has been a lot of uncertainty about what is legal and what isn’t. For many people, their interpretation of what they want to be able to do under the law is far more liberal than what the law allows.

Currently, there are no retail facilities for recreational marijuana purchases. There likely won’t be retail shops until 2018, which leaves marijuana enthusiasts, especially those visiting from out of state, in a legally precarious situation.

If you are purchasing marijuana, edibles, marijuana plants or marijuana concentrates on the unregulated black market, you are still violating state law in California. That risk is minuscule compared to the fact that taking any marijuana out of the state is in direct violation of federal law. If you are facing federal charges in California related to marijuana, you need to speak with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

A public defender likely won’t be enough

Public defenders at the state and federal level are typically overworked. They may work with dozens of defendants at any given time. Their case load will include all kinds of offenses. They simply won’t have the time or focus to provide an adequate and proactive defense. Retaining the services of an experienced federal defense attorney represents your best chance at beating your charges or managing a positive outcome to facing federal criminal charges.

Marijuana offenses are serious to the federal government

While the state of California has had a relatively lax approach to marijuana enforcement even prior to the passage of Proposition 64, the federal government does not. Whether you are facing charges for transporting marijuana across state lines or another federal marijuana offense, you need aggressive representation. The right attorney will help you plan the best possible defense. It could include challenging evidence or raising questions about the way police collected or handled evidence.

An attorney who has experience in federal criminal defense will also understand precedent when it comes to federal marijuana offenses. They can help you minimize the impact of criminal charges that could haunt you for the rest of your life after a federal conviction.

An attorney can help protect you during a federal prosecution

You shouldn’t speak with law enforcement or federal agents until your attorney is present. You certainly shouldn’t consider taking a plea deal without having it carefully reviewed by a private, experienced federal defense attorney. When you’re facing the federal government, you need to know that you have someone knowledgeable and dedicated advocating for you to the courts. Don’t try to handle your federal marijuana charges on your own or with a public defender.

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