Costa Mesa Joint Operation Cracks Down on Probation Violations

The Costa Mesa Police Department arrested Anna Jean Giss of Laguna Woods on May 16th in a compliance operation. The operation was conducted jointly with the Orange County Probation Department to check compliance by past offenders under the Post Release Community Supervision program. Under this program, non-violent criminals were shifted to probation departments and county jails. Anna along with Justin Davis Markin was arrested in July 2012 for breaking into vehicles in a parking structure in Newport Beach.

At the time of the arrest, Anna was found to be in possession of illegal drugs. Both of them had previous encounters with the police on drug and other charges before the arrest. During the operation, Anna who is now 31 years old was found in possession of drug paraphernalia besides other probation violations. Justin too was arrested un the operation for probation violations. The operation also resulted in the arrest of 30 year old Steven Gray, 31 year old Freddy Ramirez and 30 year old Jamie Bergstrom were arrested for drug offenses. A 17 year old juvenile was also arrested for drug possession.

Defending Drug Possession and Paraphernalia Charges

An object becomes drug paraphernalia when it is designed or intended for use with illegal drugs. the range of objects that may be employed as drug paraphernalia is limited only by one's imagination. Many drug paraphernalia are also common household items (e.g., mirrors, razors, baking soda, blenders) or objects used primarily for legal purposes (e.g., pipes, grow-lights for plants, rolling papers, and syringes). Objects such as these that have plausible legal uses are sometimes referred to as "soft-core" or "dual use" drug paraphernalia. A few objects have been invented or promoted primarily to facilitate drug abuse (e.g., glass pipes, bongs, isomerization and drug-testing kits); these items may be called "hard- core" drug paraphernalia.

In the absence of illegal drugs, the distinction between ordinary objects and drug paraphernalia is always subjective. Thus, in every case, police and prosecutors must attempt to establish the intent of those engaged in the manufacture, advertisement, delivery, or use of potential drug paraphernalia.

Legal Repercussions

A minor arrested for drug possession will be tried under the juvenile law. After booking, the police and one or more juvenile probation officers (and possibly a social worker) meet to discuss how the case should be handled. This stage is called "intake." The intake participants may decide to place the minor on probation, send the minor to counseling, dismiss the case altogether, or determine that the minor should be charged with a delinquent act.

For those facing probation or other criminal charges, speaking with an experienced probation violation attorney may be in your best interest. Contact an attorney who provides free case evaluations and get the information you need to make smart decisions.