Are there any alternative punishments to a possession of drug paraphernalia conviction?
Under California Health and Safety Code 11350, the court has the power to place you on probation. If you are placed on probation, the court may impose from one day to one year in the county jail as a condition of probation. You may also have a probation officer, in whom you will have to meet on a regular basis. If you are placed on felony probation for this offense, this means you likely will have a probation officer. Random drug tests may also be administered. Diversion programs may also be available. California Penal Code 1000 (“P.C. 1000”) and Proposition 36 (“Prop. 36”) are two diversion programs that allow defendants who are charged with simple drug possession offenses to enter into a drug treatment program, in lieu of jail time. Upon completion of the drug treatment program, the charges will be dismissed. For more information on P.C. 1000 and Prop. 36, please visit www.wklaw.com and read our Diversion Programs section. You will find invaluable information on these diversion progr
