PC 1000

In the state of California, Penal Code 1000 allows criminal offenders who have committed drug and alcohol related crimes to have a second chance.  According to PC 1000, people who have been charged with certain types of drug and/or alcohol offenses will be allowed to avoid jail time if they meet certain terms.  In order to be eligible for PC 1000, the offender must:

• not have a conviction for any prior drug related offenses
• not have committed a crime that involved violence
• not have revoked probation or parole on his/her criminal record
• not have a prior felony conviction within the past 5 years

In order for people to fulfill the terms of Penal Code 1000, they must enter a “guilty” plea and in return the court will not enter a judgment of conviction.  The person must then complete a 12 week drug and alcohol course, refrain from being arrested for 18 months, and then pay a fee to the court.  After these terms have been met, the court will enter a judgment of dismissal, which will allow the person to move forward with their life. 

Proposition 36

Proposition 36, officially known as the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act, was passed in California in the year 2000.  Proposition 36 is a law that allows both 1^st and 2^nd time drug and alcohol crime offenders to attend state regulated treatment programs instead of being placed in jail.  In order to qualify for Prop 36, people must have only committed simple, non-violent drug crimes.   Many people voted for this law in belief that it is better to treat addictive behavior through education and professional counseling than to punish addicts by simply placing them in jail. 

Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley Drug Crime Defense Law Firm

If you have questions about Penal Code 1000 or Proposition 36, you should contact the Hedding Law Firm at your earliest convenience.  At the Hedding Law Firm, our drug defense lawyers are extremely familiar with PC 1000 and Prop 36, and we often use these laws when negotiating on our clients’ behalf.  Many people throughout the state of California are not aware of these laws or how these laws can save them time, money, and most importantly, their freedom.  Our law firm will take the time to explain PC 1000 and Prop 36 to you and answer any questions you may have so that you can take full advantage of these laws.