LA Drug Crime Raids Upset Medical Marijuana Supporters

According to this report in the Los Angeles Times, federal agents have raided several Westside medical marijuana dispensaries recently, which has outraged supporters who claim that the raids violate California state law. Proposition 215, which legalized medical marijuana for people with serious illnesses and reduced criminal penalties for marijuana possession, was passed by California voters in 1996. However, under federal law, marijuana possession, cultivation, and delivery are still illegal activities and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at least three groups of DEA agents served search warrants on medical marijuana dispensaries around noon, according to DEA spokeswoman Sarah Pullen. “I can’t get into details as to the probable cause behind the warrants except for the fact that they’re dealing with marijuana, which is illegal under federal law,” she said.

Charlie Beck, Chief of Detectives at the Los Angeles Police Department said, “DEA has a legal right to do what they’re doing. Is it controversial? Yes.”

In California, most drug offenses are now classified as felonies and the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor. Under federal law, marijuana possession in California and throughout the nation is classified as a drug crime and can result in steep fines, drug classes and counseling, probation, and possible jail time. If you or someone you care for is facing a drug crime charge, the experienced Los Angeles drug crimes lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan can help.

After a free consultation with our top Los Angeles drug crimes attorneys, we will launch an immediate investigation into the charges, defend our client’s rights at all times, and make every effort to have the drug crime charges dismissed or reduced to lesser infractions. For a free consultation with our experienced California criminal defense lawyers, call the criminal defense law firm, Sitkoff & Hanrahan, today at 888.579.4844.