Ventura County Drug Crime Arrest for Marijuana Cultivation

Police in Ventura County have arrested a Granada Hills man for the California drug offense of cultivating marijuana after finding more than 1,000 plants on his property in Frazier Park. According to this news report in the Ventura County Star, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department officials went to the man’s property after being told of power outages in the area because of a malfunctioning electrical transformer and noticing a strong smell of marijuana.

Detectives conducted a search of the property and found a marijuana cultivation operation that included the use of hydroponics, officials said. The marijuana plants were found inside the house, garage and an outside building. The rooms were reportedly equipped with grow lights as well. No one was living in the property, but the home’s owner was arrested.

California drug offenses refer to the cultivation, possession, sale, use, or furnishing of any drug or controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, which is prohibited by law. Most drug offenses in the state of California are now felonies. The penalties for drug crimes in Ventura County can be very severe. The type or severity of charges usually depends on the quantity, intent to sell or distribute, and other factors such as weapons possession or use, evidence of sales activity, having large amounts of cash, and so on. The seriousness and punishment for drug crimes usually depends on the quantity of drugs confiscated.

If you have been charged with drug possession, cultivation, use or sale, you would be well-advised to retain the services of experienced Ventura County drug crime defense attorneys who have a thorough knowledge and understanding of search and seizure laws. If law enforcement officials did not follow proper procedures or did not obtain a proper search warrant, then a defense attorney can request the court dismiss the evidence because the evidence may have been obtained by violating the defendant’s constitutional rights. If you have been accused of drug crimes, please call Sitkoff & Hanrahan at 866-299-4111 to get information about your legal rights and options.