SHOWDOWN IN LONG BEACH CONTINUES ? 14 and 17 Felonies for Co-defendants in medical marijua (tags)
In the continuing attack against medical marijuana collectives in California, DA Cooley refuses to drop charges against humanitarian and cannabis crusader Joe Grumbine. Joe Grumbine has rejected a felony deal that would force him to sign a paper agreeing that he is a criminal for operating a medical marijuana collective as allowed under sb420, California?s medical marijuana program act. Joe Byron offered to accept a plea if the government hacks would drop charges against Grumbine and allow them to operate legally as allowed under prop 215 and sb420.
Medical Marijuana defendants face 7 years in prison - Trial set to start (tags)
Joe Grumbine and Joe Byron have been offered a two felony deal with no jail time if they plead guilty. Both have refused, insisting that their medical marijuana collective activities are legal under state law. Medical Marijuana is an affirmative defense meaning the defendants must prove their innocence similarly to a self defense level of proof. This gives tremendous power to California judges who can ensure a guilty plea by denying a medical defense. Judge Charles Sheldon, Dept. K has already declared that he will not allow a jury to hear the truth, he will not allow patients to testify or expert witnesses on California medical marijuana issues. If they are convicted, both face up to 7 years in state prison.