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Rehabilitating Drug Houses Via the Drug Abatement Act and Receiverships
At Serviam by Wright LLP, we help public agencies confront one of the most persistent challenges in communities across California: properties that have become hubs for illegal drug activity. These properties not only endanger public safety but also erode neighborhood stability and property values. Fortunately, California law provides strong tools to address the problem—chief among them, the Drug Abatement Act (DAA) and receivership remedies. The Drug Abatement Act: A Powerful Legal Tool Under California’s Health & Safety Code section 11570, any building used for unlawful drug activity is deemed a nuisance. This statute—known as the Drug Abatement Act—allows cities and counties, on behalf of the People of the State of California, to bring a civil action to enjoin, abate, and prevent the drug house nuisance. This law applies broadly—any controlled substance activity in any building. Violations can lead to significant penalties, including: Drug house property forfeiture! Temporary restraining orders, preliminary, and permanent injunctions! Fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 per contempt violation! Jail sentences of 1–6 months for contempt! Vacating...
Enforcing Cannabis Laws in California: How Serviam Helps Public Agencies Protect Their Communities
California’s approach to cannabis has evolved dramatically over the past three decades—from the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 to the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Prop 64) in 2016, and now the comprehensive Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). Despite these changes, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under both federal and California law, and public agencies continue to face the complex challenge of enforcing against unlawful cannabis activity. At Serviam, we help public agencies navigate this ever-changing legal landscape, protecting communities from unlawful cultivation, distribution, and nuisance activity. Administrative Code Enforcement Local governments have broad authority to regulate cannabis businesses within their jurisdiction. Cities and counties may: Ban or restrict dispensaries and commercial cannabis activity. Require local permits, licenses, and compliance with zoning and building codes. Tax permitted commercial cannabis activity. Enforce administrative citations for illegal cultivation. Our team works closely with code enforcement officers to prepare strong administrative records—ensuring notices, inspections,...
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