Lafayette is a city of approximately 24,000 residents, located in Contra Costa County, California. It is known for its scenic, pastoral rolling hills, and upscale lifestyle.

Perhaps this reputation for upscale living owes its existence, at least in part, to a law in Lafayette that prohibits spitting on the sidewalk within 5 feet of another person. If you or someone you know has been accused of such a transgression and arrested, you will likely be held in the Contra Costa County jail, in Martinez, California. That jail is used to hold most inmates arrested anywhere in Contra Costa County.

The trial of an unfortunate street-spitter in Lafayette would probably be held at the Superior Court of California, for the County of Contra Costa. Federal cases will likely start in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. A federal case that one might have to deal with in Lafayette might involve bankruptcy, employment discrimination, or intellectual property.

On a more serious note, a federal appeals court in San Francisco just recently upheld the forfeiture of over $300,000 from the sale of a warehouse which was used to grow marijuana. The owner of the building, and the victim of the forfeiture, is a resident of Lafayette. The owner of the building insisted that the marijuana was being grown for medical purposes, which is legal under California law. However, he was tried federal court, under federal law, which still prohibits the use of medical marijuana.

This complex interplay of state and federal law demonstrates the need for good criminal defense lawyers (particularly those well-versed in drug law) in Lafayette, and elsewhere.

If you need a pre-screened criminal defense lawyer, or any other type of lawyer in Lafayette, California, LegalMatch is a good way to find one. You simply need to present your case, and you will be matched with an attorney in or around Lafayette who handles cases like yours. You might also be interested in browsing the Law Library, which contains a great deal of useful legal information.

More information on California courts and Lafayette attorneys can be found at:

• Contra Costa County Bar Association
• Alameda County Bar Association
• California State Bar Association