so like i tell those who get picked up by The People - just be thankful its not the feds. If you've got $ on you and over 500 plants, the feds are going to take you real seriously. and that means 10 yrs. -- but you can always get probation right? you know, like in CA state court? good luck with that brotha... federal probation is virtually unheard of. oh, and if you think you're going to parole after programming with good time work time, lah di dah, lah di dah, you will be sadly mistaken. Count on 85% time (as if you had a violent felony in CA state court). so take your tooth brush, a nice warm comforter and lots of reading material so you can settle right in with your new friends.
With the Feds distribution starts at 10 years MINIMUM. yes there's some crappy misdemeanors and low end felony where you could get only 5 years. but that's the point, they don't prosecute those. anyway, point really is.... for what you would get some county time (which turns into book and release with ankle bracelet) and felony probation in CA state courts, in federal court youre doing every inch of 10 years.
Not saying you should be happy about any jail time, let alone a felony on your record, but like I just explained IT COULD BE A HELLUVA LOT WORSE! so be safe and careful and save for a rainy day - if you know what I mean.