June 25, 2013

A Los Angeles man has been arrested and accused of growing marijuana in several areas along Highway 33 north of Ojai.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department narcotics detectives claimed that they had seen “suspicious activity” in the area since February, but waited to make an arrest until just recently. They claim they found three large growing areas near Highway 33: one near Belly Ache Falls; one near the Chorro Grande Trail; and a third, in an unnamed canyon north of Matilija Road.

All three of the locations are in the Las Padres National Forest.

The Ventura County Star reports that the sheriff's department destroyed the grow sites just days before they arrested a Los Angeles resident at his home.

Detectives claim they searched the man's home and allegedly found about a pound of marijuana, two firearms, growing equipment and $5,000 in cash. The 36-year-old suspect was booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana. He remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.

Under California Health & Safety Code 11358 it is illegal to plant, cultivate, harvest, dry or process marijuana in California. It is a felony charge and those convicted of cultivation in California can face a fine and a state prison sentence.

There are exceptions to the law, though. Those who are card-carrying medical marijuana users may possess up to 6 mature plants, 12 immature plants and eight ounces of dried cannabis. Also, under specific circumstances people who have been caught cultivating marijuana for personal use are eligible for diversion under California Penal Code 1000, so long as there is no evidence of intent to sell.

There are several defense strategies that the attorneys at the Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann can employ if you have been accused of marijuana cultivation. Did the police conduct an illegal search? Were you not intending to sell the marijuana that was being cultivated? Were you allowed to grow the marijuana legally under California state law?

The attorneys at the Law Office of Daniel E. Kann have the experience you can count on to see that you get the best possible outcome in your case. Find out how we can help you. Call us at (888) 744-7730 or contact us online today.