Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in San Rafael, CA
The Law Offices of Scot Candell have been committed to challenging systemic legal injustices for over two decades. Specializing in complex and sensitive cases, we provide aggressive litigation and personalized client service to ensure a worry-free experience with the legal process. Based in San Rafael and serving the San Francisco Bay Area, we are your dedicated partner in securing the justice you seek and deserve.Our expertise spans medical marijuana law, complex litigation, and empowering clients' rights through tailored advocacy. With 26 years of experience, we bring a relentless work ethic to every case, delivering the highest quality legal representation to achieve success for our clients.
Services
Business Law
Criminal Defense
Cannabis Law
Civil Litigation
Cannabis Compliance
Labor Law
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 26 years of experience in cannabis and criminal law advocacy.
- Our team specializes in navigating California's evolving medical marijuana regulations.
- We provide transparent fee structures and personalized client service.
- Our attorneys are licensed in all California courts and federal jurisdictions.
- We combine aggressive litigation with strategic, client-focused solutions.
What people say
Amazing people and service
Saved my life
Instrumental in resolving issues
Most helpful lawyer
Transparent cost structure
Services
Cannabis Law
Our cannabis law practice specializes in California's evolving medical marijuana regulations. We assist clients with licensing, compliance, land use challenges, and business formation. Our team advocates for patients' rights while guiding commercial operations through state and local regulatory frameworks. With decades of experience since Proposition 215, we provide strategic legal solutions for cultivators, distributors, and retailers navigating this complex industry.
Business Law
We offer comprehensive business law services covering corporate formation, contract negotiation, capital raising, and tax strategy. Our attorneys help clients choose optimal legal structures, draft enforceable agreements, and navigate commercial transactions. Partnering with accountants ensures clients receive tax-efficient solutions for business growth and operational compliance in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice handles DUIs, drug offenses, violent crimes, and white-collar charges across California. With over 25 years of courtroom experience, we develop tailored defense strategies for dismissals, reduced charges, or favorable verdicts. Services include expungement assistance and representation for juveniles, combining aggressive litigation with compassionate client support throughout the legal process.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in business disputes, real estate litigation, employment law matters, and insurance claims. Our approach combines thorough case evaluation with transparent fee structures to resolve conflicts efficiently. Whether through negotiation or courtroom advocacy, we protect clients' interests in contract disputes, labor issues, and property-related legal challenges across California.
Cannabis Compliance
Our compliance services ensure cannabis operations meet state and local regulations. We assist with licensing, corporate structuring, contract drafting, and environmental compliance. The team helps licensees navigate zoning requirements and maintain operational standards under California's Department of Cannabis Control, providing tailored solutions for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail businesses seeking regulatory adherence.
People
Scot Candell
Managing Partner
Specializing in medical marijuana law since 2008, Scot Candell graduated from UC Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law. Licensed in California, federal Northern District, and 9th Circuit courts, he lectures on cannabis regulations and operates Marin-based practice focusing on client empowerment through strategic legal advocacy.
Jeanne Friedel
Director of Operations
With 25+ years in Marin community leadership, Jeanne Friedel manages firm operations and human resources. A certified CFEE professional, she previously coordinated the Sausalito Art Festival and founded the Larkspur Racing Crew nonprofit, bringing operational excellence and community engagement expertise to the legal practice.
Jeremy Paul
Paralegal
Certified law student Jeremy Paul specializes in legal document preparation, including motions, discovery, and appellate briefs. His expertise covers complaint drafting and mediation statements, providing critical support for complex litigation cases while maintaining detailed compliance with California legal standards.
Questions
Is cannabis legal in California?
Yes, adult recreational use has been legal since Proposition 64 passed in 2016, with medical use permitted since 1996's Proposition 215.
What cannabis business licenses are available?
California offers cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, retail, delivery, and testing licenses with specific regulatory requirements for each category.
How does Tax Code 280E affect cannabis businesses?
280E prohibits cannabis businesses from deducting standard business expenses on federal taxes, limiting deductions to cost of goods sold.
What are ICE visit protocols for businesses?
Require judicial warrants for non-public areas, limit access without proper documentation, protect employee rights to remain silent, and contact legal counsel immediately.
What immigration risks exist for cannabis industry involvement?
Non-citizens face potential immigration consequences including deportation or citizenship denial due to federal cannabis illegality despite state legalization.
How do I start a compliant cannabis business?
Obtain appropriate licenses, implement security measures, follow zoning regulations, maintain inventory tracking, and ensure packaging/compliance with state standards.
