Humboldt County, CA – Drug laws in America are not always consistently applied. Some law enforcement agencies, particularly at the state or municipal level, see drug enforcement (particularly against recreational users) as a low priority, and 23 states have legalized marijuana for medical use and 2 have even passed laws making it legal for personal use. However, drug use by and large remains illegal and production and trafficking of drugs remains a high priority for most law enforcement agencies.
On Monday, a task force including the California National Guard, the Humboldt County Sheriff Drug Enforcement Unit, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Yurok reservation police, and other agencies, conducted a major raid on illegal marijuana growing operations being conducted on the Yurok reservation along the Klamath River in Northern California. Officers began serving warrants at 9:00 am.
Tribal authorities have been pushing for action against the marijuana grows which have proliferated on the reservation recently. Recent drought conditions in the state have exacerbated the problem, as the marijuana farms’ prodigious water usage and chemical runoff have had a negative impact on the region’s water supply and environment, damaging native salmon, marten, and fisher populations. Drug operations have also made it more difficult for the Yurok to perform traditional rituals and ceremonies by impeding access to sites and materials.
Right now one of the biggest issues in cases involving marijuana is the fact that state and federal law are in conflict. According to defense attorney Michael Guisti, in the state of California, marijuana is legal for medical purposes; however, federal law still classifies it as a controlled substance and does not allow for the production, sale, or use of marijuana for any purpose. On the Yurok reservation, California’s medical marijuana law is not in effect, and even if it were, these kinds of operations would remain potential targets for federal law enforcement agencies.
Because of the jurisdictional issues involved in drug cases, it is important to have an attorney who is familiar with various state and federal drug laws when facing charges of possession or trafficking. At the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange County criminal defense attorneys and legal staff know all the best strategies for having drug charges reduced or dismissed. For over 16 years, we’ve been defending clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in both state and federal courts, and in that time we’ve built up a reputation for providing quality legal representation while maintaining a high standard of professional ethics and personal integrity.
As a fixture in the local legal scene, our firm has built strong working relationships with prosecutors, judges, and local law enforcement that allow us to provide our clients with the best possible defense against any criminal charge. Our criminal defense experts will be able to advise you throughout the process of an investigation and trial to help you secure the best outcome for your case.
At the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, we know how difficult it is when you or a loved one is facing criminal charges. It’s frightening, which is why we do everything we can to set our clients’ minds at ease. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is available to help you 24/7 at one of our four Orange County offices, and we are proud to offer foreign language assistance as needed.
If you’ve been charged with drug crimes or any other felony or misdemeanor in Southern California, call the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti at (714) 707-2797 for a free consultation with one of our highly qualified legal professionals.
Sources:
Romney, Lee. “Massive raid to help Yurok tribe combat illegal pot grows.” http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-tribal-drug-bust-20140720-story.html. Los Angeles Times. July 21, 2014.
