Modesto, Stockton & Merced Cannabis Defense Attorney

Trusted Marijuana Defense in California’s Central Valley

Cannabis may be legal in California, but criminal charges are still a serious risk—especially in places like Modesto, Stockton, and Merced, where local ordinances are strictly enforced and prosecutors pursue violations aggressively.

At The Bogan Law Firm, we defend individuals accused of marijuana-related crimes across the Central Valley. Whether you’re a medical patient, caregiver, or adult user, we provide strategic, experienced defense backed by over 20 years of courtroom practice and Certified Criminal Law Specialist credentials.

⚠️ Criminal Charges Can Lead To:

• Jail time and steep fines
• Suspension of professional licenses (RN, teacher, real estate, etc.)
• Immigration consequences, including denial of residency or deportation

⚖️ Is Medical Marijuana Still Legal? Yes—But the Laws Have Changed

California pioneered medical marijuana legalization with Proposition 215 (Compassionate Use Act of 1996). Prop 215 is still in effect and allows qualified patients and caregivers to use and possess cannabis with a valid doctor’s recommendation.

However, the follow-up law, SB 420, which created rules for collectives, cooperatives, ID cards, and cultivation limits, was repealed by the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA).

❌ No More Collective Cultivation

• SB 420 allowed group cultivation through collectives and cooperatives.
• As of January 9, 2019, MAUCRSA ended this model.
• Today, only licensed cannabis businesses may cultivate, distribute, or sell cannabis—even for medical use.

🔍 Bottom Line: Prop 215 still protects medical patients—but SB 420’s protections for collectives are gone. Relying on old guidelines may lead to criminal charges.

✅ What’s Still Legal Under Prop 215?

Patients with valid medical recommendations may:

• Possess and use cannabis for personal medical treatment
• Cultivate a limited number of plants (generally up to 6 mature or 12 immature, unless medically recommended otherwise)
• Be subject to local restrictions—cities like Modesto, Stockton, and Merced regulate or prohibit outdoor grows and set limits on indoor cultivation

🌆 City-Specific Guidelines

• Modesto: Indoor grows allowed (6 plants max); outdoor grows prohibited
• Stockton: Indoor grows allowed; strict rules for rental properties and commercial licensing
• Merced: Indoor personal grows permitted; collective operations prohibited and strictly enforced

⚖️ Common Marijuana Charges We Defend

• H&S Code §11358 – Unlawful cultivation
• H&S Code §11359 – Possession for sale
• H&S Code §11360 – Unlawful transport or distribution
• VC §23152(f) – DUI involving marijuana
• Unlicensed BHO/hash oil manufacturing

📄 What Is a Mower Motion?

A Mower Motion, from People v. Mower (2002), allows a qualified medical marijuana patient to file a pretrial motion to dismiss charges based on lawful medical use. It forces the prosecution to meet its burden early and can end the case without going to trial.

✅ In short: It’s a powerful tool for patients facing charges under Prop 215.

💼 Why Clients Choose The Bogan Law Firm

• 🎓 Certified Criminal Law Specialist – Awarded by the CA State Bar
• 🧠 Up-to-Date Legal Knowledge – We follow the latest cannabis law developments
• 🏛️ Local Court Experience – We handle cases in:
  • Stanislaus County (Modesto)
  • San Joaquin County (Stockton, Manteca, Lodi)
  • Merced County (Merced, Los Banos)
• ⚔️ Trial-Ready – Over 500 contested hearings and trials
• 🤝 Direct Attorney Access – You work one-on-one with attorney Tai C. Bogan

🚨 Arrested in Modesto, Stockton, or Merced? Get Help Now.

Whether you’re dealing with outdated enforcement, a misunderstanding about medical use, or local code violations, we’re ready to fight for your rights.

📞 Call (209) 565-3425 or Contact Us Online for a confidential consultation.
Your rights. Your record. Your future—we’re here to protect them