Rizio and Nelson California Law Blog

Possession of Marijuana

The State of California treats drug offenses very seriously, prosecuting offenders to the full extent of the law whenever it is possible. However, the laws surrounding the possession of marijuana can be confusing and it can be intimidating to face these charges if one does not harbour a thorough understanding of the state laws. This makes it ultimately important to seek the advice and counsel of a...

Methamphetamine Statistics

Methamphetamines, also known as “meth” or “crystal meth”, are drugs that are quickly growing in popularity in the state of California. Among the biggest users of this drug are young women, ages 12 to 25. This should not be surprising, since the affects of meth use include increased energy levels, elevated mood, and appetite suppression. Our society has conditioned our young women to believe...

Child Enticement

Unfortunately, child enticement has a vague definition, and it is possible that this charge will be rendered against a person who actually had no criminal intent. Fortunately, the prosecution has the burden to prove intent to harm the child. Child enticement is generally defined as attempting to lure or persuade any child to enter, stay, or leave any building, vehicle or place with the use of force...

Child Pornography Charges

Simply receiving an email that depicts an actual (or simulated) sexual act by an individual under the age of 18 could result in your being charged under the California Child Pornography laws. Additionally, both state and federal laws are dictated that make it a crime to produce, distribute, or sell materials that exploit or even portray a minor child. In spite of the fact that the material may not...

California’s Crime Rate is Down

In a society such as ours where freedom is valued above all else, it is inevitable that some people make bad choices and commit crimes. For this, we obviously have a judicial system in place to punish criminals. In California, we have a Three Strikes Law that is helping to put criminals in jail and keep them there. Despite the problem of overcrowded prisons in our state, fewer career criminals are...

Marijuana In The News

When we think about marijuana’s negative connotations, we envision prison cells for drug use, selling marijuana, growing the drug, and maybe even selling or forging prescriptions for it. There rarely come visions of wildfire when we mention the phrase “marijuana problems,” but this can actually be a major concern in the state of California. Case in point: Just this year people have...

Cocaine Abuse

Introduced to European society centuries ago, cocaine abuse has been a dark shadow on the history of mankind and our development. In the late 1800′s, Coca-Cola was known to use cocaine as a flavour additive in their new carbonated beverage. Abuse and addiction are left in the drug’s wake, destroying those who have touched it. With an extremely high import rate into the U.S. and Canada,...

Drug Cultivation & Possession

Did you know that having only one marijuana plant in your home can be considered a federal offense? Few people understand that even this minor amount of marijuana can be a serious problem. There are locations that can cause you additional problems if a plant is found there – such as near schools (most are designated drug free zones) which can result in mandatory jail time. Don’t risk freedom...

California Juvenile Offenses

Unfortunately teenagers don’t always make the right decision and in fact may find themselves facing a multitude of legal issues ranging from simple infractions which are fine-able offenses to far more serious juvenile crimes which are categorized as felonies. We all understand that children are not always wise about the choices they make and we understand the dangers to a child who is placed...