In a major development in California’s anti-marijuana laws, the California Assembly voted to approve Senate Bill (SB) 1449 which reduces simple possession of less than one ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction. The Bill must now be approved by the Governor to become law.

While the penalty for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana will not change – it remains a maximum $100 fine – the reduction of this offense from a misdemeanor to an infraction essentially decriminalizes possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. This is a critical development in California criminal law.

An infraction is not punishable by imprisonment. Conversely, misdemeanors are generally punishable by a maximum fine of $1000 and/or a county jail term of one year. Persons arrested for a misdemeanor must be arraigned (enter a plea of not guilty, guilty or no-contest) and, unless the charges are dismissed, either settle their case with a plea bargain or take their case to trial.

The passage of SB 1449 will help to lessen the burden on California’s criminal courts clogged with minor marijuana possession cases.

Sincerely,
Garret Weinrieb
Valerio | Weinrieb Criminal Defense Law Firm


If you or someone you care about is facing criminal investigation or criminal charges of any type, please contact the criminal defense attorneys at Valerio|Weinrieb.  We can be reached twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at (818) 933-6555, through our toll-free number at (877) 7NO-CUFFS (877-766-3833), or through the confidential and secure email form on the firm’s website at www.VWattorneys.com.






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