Changing Drug Laws in California

California's drug laws may be changing, according to a report by ABC News. Legislators in Sacramento may be sending a proposal to the Governor to soften the penalties for simple possession of small quantities of controlled substances for personal use, such as cocaine and heroin. The proposal would help to keep these types of cases from congesting local courtrooms and the state prison system. It would propose that local prosecutors be allowed to charge simple possession of small amounts of these drugs as a misdemeanor as opposed to a felony. How the offense is charged would be up to the prosecutor on the case. In cases where the defendant is convicted of such a crime, the penalty for the misdemeanor would result in a jail sentence of up to a year as opposed to a three-year prison sentence. This would save taxpayers about $160 million per year.

Currently, about 4,000 people are in state prisons serving time for the crime of simple drug possession. According to a spokesman for the Drug Policy Alliance, people convicted of simple drug possession should not be saddled with felony convictions, which the organization considers inappropriate for this lesser offense. The Drug Policy Alliance is a national group that advocates a reform of current drug laws. Those who oppose the group maintain that the felony charge should remain for several reasons, one of which allows addicted convicts to get substance abuse help through California's Proposition 36 program. Prop 36 allows for alternative sentencing for non-violent drug offenders which places them on probation and in a drug treatment program.

Criminal Defense Firm in Pasadena, California

Anyone arrested and charged with a drug crime should seek the professional help of an experienced criminal defense attorney if they wish to achieve the best possible case outcome. Drug crimes range from simple possession of drugs as mentioned above to possession with intent to sell or distribute, illegal drug manufacture, cultivation, exportation, importation, transportation, and trafficking. These are punished according to the nature and scope of the offense and whether the defendant has prior convictions.

The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal, located in Pasadena, offers competent and aggressive legal representation for those accused of both state and federal crimes. With more than 20 years of experience in criminal law, this is a firm you will want on your side after any criminal arrest or if you are being investigated for criminal activity by a state or federal law enforcement agency. An attorney at the firm can answer your questions and give you a realistic view of what to expect as you proceed. Attorney Cargal is a skilled litigator who has handled hundreds of criminal cases of all types throughout his career. To learn more about the legal factors pertinent to your situation and how the firm can help you, contact the law offices for a free consultation. Legal services are provided in Spanish for the Hispanic community.