Proposition 19, which will be on the November 2^nd, 2010 California statewide ballot, is known as the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010. If approved by voters, Proposition 19 will permit local governments to impose and collect marijuana-related fees and taxes, legalize various marijuana related activities, and authorize various criminal and civil penalties. One of the biggest arguments supporters of the proposition were using was that the criminal penalties for owning marijuana can seem too harsh, and that people caught with small amounts of marijuana shouldn’t have their lives ruined because of it.

 On October 1^st however, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed into law Senate Bill 1449, which will reduce the punishment for possession of an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction. If caught with less than one ounce of marijuana there will be a fine of $100, but those who receive citations will no longer sit for a jury trial and will not carry a criminal record. This new law might weaken one of the strongest arguments of Proposition 19 supporters

A drug crime is a serious offense and can have dire consequences, but hiring a criminal defense attorney may allow you to avoid severe penalties. If you are involved with a drug crime call our office today. At the Hedding Law firm, we have combined experience of 75 years successfully representing our clients.