One of the hottest topics in the law today regards the legalization of marijuana. As states, such as California, struggle to make their budgets work, they are looking for new areas of revenue. In the past, states have legalized things such as gambling in order to raise new money for programs. In many ways however, these areas have been tapped out. Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys, however, will tell you that there is an area of the law where countless "low level" offenders are sent to jail for crimes which really do not have a victim. In many cases, these drug crimes cause a non-white citizen to be thrown in jail, making prisons disproportionally filled with minorities. As a result, the state is considering legalizing marijuana. Currently, Medical Marijuana is legalized in the state of California due to laws that were passed and enacted in the 1990's. Now, organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) are promoting the repeal of certain laws because they take a heavy toll on minorities. According to the NAACP, the "war on drugs" has failed and has targeted many young African American males and females. The group pointed to a study done by the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice that showed that in 2009, 62 percent of the state's marijuana arrests were of nonwhite suspects, and 42 percent were under 20 years of age. Throughout the state's 25 largest counties, those statistics held up. If the person is found with a large quantity of drugs, they could be charged with a felony; or, if they are charged with trying to sell drugs, they will be charged with a felony. A felony drug charge in L.A. could lead to years in prison, even if it was for nothing more than a few joints. At Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin, represent people everyday who are fighting for their lives due to failed California drug policies. People with children, jobs and more on the line face years in prison because they are accused of using even small amounts of pot. Even Medical Marijuana has come under intense scrutiny from the City of Los Angeles, with medical marijuana dispensaries being shut down due to new city rules. If you or someone you love needs a Criminal Defense Lawyer in order to fight a drug charge, contact our lawyers for the high level of legal experience necessary to get the best result from your particular case. Tagged as: drug crimes defense