San Diego's Pride Weekend kicked off Friday night, July 18, 2014 and ran through the weekend. This was a great time for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities and San Diego community as whole, as people came together to enjoy themselves in beautiful San Diego.
The Pride Festival had multiple stages of entertainment with more than 200 musicians, bands, comedy and dancers, art exhibits, and cultural presentations. Laverne Cox, from Orange is the New Black (OITNB), made a special appearance and served as keynote speaker on Friday night.
Although it is a great time for celebration, the San Diego Police Department and other law enforcement agencies typically make quite few arrests during this weekend. The arrests can include DUIs and drug possession.
Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a)(b) are the misdemeanor statutes and VC 23153(a)(b) are the felony statutes that cover DUIs in California. Drug charges include:
- Health and Safety Code Sections 11550(a), under the influence of a controlled substance;
- HS11350, possession of a controlled substance, which also includes possession of prescription drugs;
- HS 11377(a), typically possession of methamphetamine.
Most of the drug charges are felonies – which mean that if someone is convicted, they can ultimately end up in prison. As a result of AB 109, California Realignment, the prison term would ultimately be served in county jail, pursuant to penal code section 1170(h). However, this does not minimize the damage that a felony conviction will have on one's personal and professional life.
If you or someone you know were arrested or cited with a criminal allegation this weekend, please contact my office today. I have a decade of experience and can provide a free, confidential consultation.