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In a major development in California’s anti-marijuana laws, the California Assembly voted to approve Senate Bill (SB) 1449 which reduces simple possession of less than one ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction. The Bill must now be approved by the Governor to become law.While the penalty for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana will not change ? it remains a maximum $100 fine ? the reduction of this offense from a misdemeanor to an infraction essentially decriminalizes possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. This is a critical development in California criminal law.An infraction is not punishable by imprisonment. Conversely, misdemeanors are generally punishable by a maximum fine of $1000 and/or a county jail term of one year. Persons arrested for a misdemeanor mus Recovering from Infidelity t be arraigned (enter a plea of not guilty, guilty or no-contest) and, unless the charges are dismissed, either settle their case with a plea bargain or take their case to trial.The passage of SB 1449 will help to lessen the burden on California’s criminal courts clogged with minor marijuana possession cases. It’s a very interesting area of criminal law.Garret Weinrieb, Esq.Naderi & Weinrieb Criminal Defense(note: Information contained within this article is intended for general information purposes only and is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information contained within this article is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship and use of this article, and any information contained herein, does not constitute such a relationship.