
Dealing with charges related to marijuana can be difficult and confusing in states like California, where marijuana has been mostly legalized and largely decriminalized. However, there are still instances where you can face charges for marijuana crimes, particularly when it comes to individual offenders under 21 years of age or out-of-state drug trafficking, which can lead to federal charges. You should reach out to a Redding marijuana crimes lawyer to know your options.
The legal team at Tully & Weiss can help you make sense of the charges you may be facing. It can be difficult to understand how you are facing marijuana charges in a state where marijuana has been legalized, but it still happens. You should hire a Redding marijuana crimes attorney to help you build a defense or expunge a past conviction. Throughout this, you will want someone who understands the state’s marijuana crime laws and knows the marijuana crime penalties ahead.
There are many substantial reasons why you should hire a marijuana crimes lawyer. Above all, you want to make sure you take these charges seriously. A good lawyer can help you figure out why you’ve been charged and the possible penalty that could come with a conviction. At Tully & Weiss, our team has significant experience helping individuals with their criminal defense needs. We can bring a focused and compassionate approach to your case, as well as the right resources.
Depending on the exact nature of your offense, you could be facing a serious drug-related charge. According to information from the United States Sentencing Commission, over 42% of the total criminal sentences in California in 2024 were drug-related, including marijuana crimes. More specifically, there were 440 felony arrests specifically for marijuana crimes in California in 2024, according to data from the California Department of Justice. Your case may not be unique.
It can be hard to face potential criminal charges for something you may have wholeheartedly believed was now legal. It can be difficult to accept such a harsh truth, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for help if you need it. You may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group like Circle of Friends Wellness Center or NAMI Shasta County. Talking to people dealing with their own traumas can be beneficial to your own case and healing journey.
The most important decision you can make when facing criminal charges of any kind is hiring the right criminal defense lawyer to help you defend yourself. You will want to start working on a defense strategy as soon as possible. The more evidence you have that supports your case, the better. Your lawyer may want to challenge the prosecution’s case directly or call into question the exact nature of your arrest. Here are some possible defenses that you may be able to use:
Yes, many marijuana convictions will be expunged in Redding, CA, or at least reduced. Depending on the case at hand, the process may be automatic or may require a petition to the court. Convictions that are no longer considered crimes under California’s most recent legislation may be eligible for dismissal and expungement. Even some qualifying felonies may be dropped to misdemeanors.
Although marijuana is legal for personal use, certain marijuana-related offenses remain felonies under California law. Felony charges come into play in specific circumstances. If someone were to sell marijuana to a minor, that could result in felony charges. If someone were to attempt to import or export considerable amounts of marijuana across state lines, that would invite federal felony charges. It depends on the situation.
It is highly unlikely that you will go to jail for selling marijuana in Redding, CA. Selling marijuana without a license is generally seen as a misdemeanor that could result in a steep fine and possibly jail time in certain situations. A judge may choose probation or community service, and it’s possible you could avoid jail entirely. If you have a prior conviction for a serious felony, the chances of a jail sentence will greatly increase.
Yes, first-time drug crime offenders can go to jail in Redding, CA. Just because it’s your first offense doesn’t automatically mean the court will take pity on you and let you avoid a jail sentence. In fact, it’s possible the court may seek to make an example out of you to deter others. A simple drug possession charge may result in a misdemeanor sentence, and you could be sentenced to a rehabilitation program.
At Tully & Weiss Attorneys at Law, we can help you put together a strong defense and figure out your next move. Contact us to speak to someone about your case.