Los Angeles federal judge George Wu sentenced Charles Lynch, 47, to one year and one day in federal prison for his convictions on marijuana-related offenses. Lynch was arrested and charged with selling more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. Prosecutors say that Lynch ran a medical marijuana dispensary and sold marijuana at a profit of $2 million. Lynch was also convicted of selling marijuana to a person under the age of 21

Lynch is free on bond pending an appeal of his sentence to the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Wu, the trial judge, said that Lynch deserved an exception to the five-year minimum jail term required by federal sentencing guidelines. Wu based his sentence on enforcement policies established by US Attorney General Eric Holder, who says that federal agents will concentrate on prosecuting individuals distribute marijuana in opposition to both state and federal laws. California’s medical marijuana law has been active for twelve years.

The production, distribution and consumption of marijuana is legal under California law. Counties that have been unwilling to accept this have turned to the federal government for help in prosecuting individuals who are acting legally in the state. Federal criminal defense attorney Robert Michael Helfend can assist you if you’ve been charged in federal court for medical marijuana use, possession, production or distribution.

Mr. Helfend is an experienced federal criminal defense attorney and has provided criminal defense in California for 25 years. With regard to medical marijuana, state law conflicts with federal law right now, and as such, you’ll need an attorney who can help you navigate both.

Robert Helfend fights aggressivelyfor his clients rights, regardless of the nature of the federal crimes they’re charged with. Contact federal criminal defense attorney Robert Helfend today for a free consultation on your case.

Photo Credit: Chuck Coker, via Flickr