DUI vs DWI laws vary by state—learn the key differences, penalties, and why choosing the right defense matters for your case.
Marijuana DUI Attorney KAREEM A. RAMADAN has the depth of legal talent you need to win your case.
kramadanlaw@gmail.com
1026 W. Foothill Blvd, Suite 101 Upland, CA 91786
(888)-506-6519
The state of California decriminalized possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana in 2016. Possession of fewer than 10 grams of marijuana will no longer result in arrest and prosecution beginning in 2016. If you are searched and found to be in possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana, you will be issued a municipal ordinance violation punishable only by a civil penalty.
As a result of the “decriminalization” of marijuana, we have observed an increase in DUI charges involving marijuana and cannabis. These changes to the DUI laws in California have prompted numerous questions about the legality of driving under the influence of marijuana.
The California Legislature reformed and retained some of the criminal sanctions surrounding marijuana (Cannabis), as well as established a legal possession limit. For reference, any person under 21 in possession of any amount of marijuana is guilty of an infraction. Persons over 21 are not allowed to possess more than 28 grams of leafy marijuana at once or 8 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Persons who possess more than the legal limit may be punished under California Health and Safety Code section 11357, which lays out the scheme for criminal prosecutions and ticketing.
The amount of marijuana possessed.
The age of the person ticketed.
The number of prior convictions under Health and Safety Code section 11357.
Less than 28.5 grams of cannabis (leaf) or eight (8) grams of concentrated cannabis.
Under 18 Years:
First Offense: infraction, four hours of drug education or counseling, up to 10 hours of community service over a period not to exceed 60 days.
Second Offense: infraction, complete six hours of drug education or counseling, up to 20 hours of community service over a period not to exceed 90 days.
18 Years of Age but Less Than 21 Years of Age
All Offenses: infraction, a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
More than 28.5 grams of cannabis (leaf) or eight (8) grams of concentrated cannabis.
Under 18 Years:
First Offense: infraction, complete eight hours of drug education or counseling, up to 40 hours of community service over a period not to exceed 90 days.
Second Offense: infraction, complete 10 hours of drug education or counseling, to 60 hours of community service over a period not to exceed 120 days.
18 Years of Age or Older:
This Offense is punishable as a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor generates a criminal record, and the conviction record will be visible on a background check.
First Offense: 6 months county jail maximum, $500 + Penalties and Assessment (Adding thousands of dollars!!!).
California Health and Safety Code 11357 section (c) makes it a crime to possess cannabis upon the grounds of any school providing instruction in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or within the hours the school is open for classes or school-related programs.
Once again, you can see the likely outcome of such criminal citation utilizing the following helpful chart concerning these three relevant factors.
Less than 28.5 grams of cannabis or not more than eight grams of concentrated cannabis
Person 18 Years of Age or Older:
First Offense: Misdemeanor. A fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250)
Second Offense: Misdemeanor. A fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 10 days, or both
More than 28.5 grams of cannabis, or not more than eight grams of concentrated cannabis, upon the grounds
Under 18 Years:
First Offense: Infraction complete eight hours of drug education or counseling, up to 40 hours of community service over a period not to exceed 90 days.
Second Offense: complete 10 hours of drug education or counseling and up to 60 hours of community service over a period not to exceed 120 days.
If you or a member of your family has been accused of a crime or if you learn that you are under investigation, it is in your best interest to contact KAREEM A. RAMADAN, a criminal defense attorney at Kareem Law APC, immediately. We can begin building your case as soon as you are informed of an accusation against you, taking the time to listen to your needs and uncover the circumstances surrounding your case.
DUI testing is voluntary and must be administered precisely in order to be admissible in court. An experienced Marijuana DUI Lawyer, such as KAREEM A. RAMADAN, can assist you in reducing or avoiding excessive fines, potential criminal charges, and even license suspension.
Honorable And Determined Criminal Defense Attorney To Protect Your Future.
The answer is yes, you can, and people do. Driving under the influence of any substance, including marijuana, is illegal and has negative consequences. The consequences of driving high are similar to the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Possession of more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis products, including hashish, cannabis oils, extracts, wax, dabs, etc., can be a felony offense and can bring jail time if you are found guilty of the charges.
The best way to fight an unfair criminal justice system is to have a great criminal defense attorney to get you through it. At Kareem Law APC, we recognize how important of a role we play in our community and strive to make our fees easy to understand and accept with your other financial obligations. At Kareem Law APC, we provide a “Flat fee” for our client’s cases to provide certainty of what their overall costs will be during this challenging time. Our mission is to provide value in your life at a reasonable rate. Contact our office today for a free criminal consultation and take the first step in protecting your rights and preserving your future.
When you are facing criminal charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney you can trust. Kareem has been practicing criminal law for more than a decade and is one of the most trusted and highly rated attorneys. Whether you need help with a domestic violence case, felony and misdemeanor cases, theft crimes, or any other criminal charges, call Kareem Law APC for excellent legal representation. Kareem is a compassionate criminal lawyer who will protect your rights, guide you through every step of the process, provide you with the legal counsel you deserve, and fight hard to obtain optimal results. Call today at (888)-506-6519 or use our online contact form to schedule contact with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Riverside.
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Mr. Ramadan is an amazing lawyer. I had a case that I wanted to get off of my record from a mistake I made in my youth and he was... read more able to get it dismissed with ease. He reached out any time there was an advancement in the dismissal of my case and he would answer any questions I had regarding it. He puts his customers first and for that, I could not be any more thankful that he was my lawyer for my case. He is honest, reliable, and thorough. I am so happy I had him for my case and now I can finally move forward in life without anything holding me back.
I needed a lawyer for my son that got himself into trouble. This was the best decision that I made, even though I did not have the extra money for... read more this expense. Kareem, after my first phone call was able to go down to the Jail to put eyes on my son to make sure that he was OK. After paying a hefty bail 10k now I regret that I didn't listen to Kareem, and let my son sit there to make sure his lesson would be learned. This was for parents worst nightmare, and I never saw it coming . My young adult son was facing heavy criminal charges of 5 years.
Kareem worked with my family and I, thanks to Kareem he was able to get my son plea deal summarized probation/work release program. my health isn't the best. This is a very stressful time for my family and I don't know what I would have done if he was convicted and sent to serve hard time that was the unimaginable for me. My son is only 20yrs old. I am truly thankful for Kareem for his help and expertise, helping me through this very difficult time. Kareem put my son best interest first. I would recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in need of a attorney he'll help fight for you.
Mr. Kareem has been very cooperative and attentive. He's reliable and accommodating. I was in need of a lawyer and called many, however, most sent me to automated systems or... read more had to leave a message with secretaries. Mr. Kareem called me back himself within minutes. Something most lawyers will not do. Mr. Kareem is a great person over and humble. May god bless him in every way for prioritizing his clients as much as he can during nerve wrecking times.
I contacted Mr. Ramadan about my son who has an Intellectual disability, he had been arrested in LA county for auto theft placed against him by his employer. My son... read more was permitted to possess the company vehicle by his supervisor. It couldn't have happened at the worst time. My family was in the transition of moving out of state. My son was en route to return the vehicle when he was notified that there was a problem with him having possession of the vehicle when he was arrested by law enforcement. Thank God I was able to find Attorney Ramadan. He immediately went to work on my son's case. Mr. Ramadan assured my family that everything was going to be alright and he would get all involved to understand the truth. He hired an excellent investigator to collect the facts, compiled the evidence, and presented it to the courts. Mr. Ramadan and his staff presented a professional and concise illustration of the facts concerning the auto theft case. My son's case was fortunately dismissed and my family was able to move out of state as planned. Thank you, Attorney Ramadan, for the compassion, and the care you showed my family and son, I will always be grateful to you.
I was very fortunate to have had Kareem as my attorney. From our very first conversation, I could tell he was very knowledgeable and experienced. His empathy and care... read more for my devastating situation, were encouraging and made me feel safe. Kareem was very personable, reachable, and communicated clearly. Kareem put a lot of effort to get the case dismissed and achieve a complete resolution without the additional stress of a trial. The relief of putting that unfortunate circumstance behind me, still feels unreal and I am beyond grateful to Kareem!
Where do I even start with Kareem... I got into some trouble recently and needed some help as I do not know anything about laws and what my next steps... read more would be. Kareem answered all my questions I had and his team is very very responsive and reliable. I had a court date a week after my release and he had no problem with how soon it was. When he first called me the first thing he asked was "how are you doing?" It made me very comfortable and I felt no judgments whatsoever from him from my mistake I had committed. His positivity was a big relief to me and I can't thank him enough, truly! As of now, everything is taken care of and Kareem and his team truly saved me so I can be the amazing person I am with lessons learned. Thank you Kareem again!
I was faced with a case that never in my life I'd imagine to be dealing with that could've had detrimental effects on my life and career ending. Kareem was... read more the best defense I had to get my life back together. From start to finish Kareem was very attentive, informative and determined to help get this fixed and he did! The case was never filed! Thank you!
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