Last Updated on: 1st August 2023, 01:29 am

Understanding the Consequences of Marijuana Possession or Sale

Contrary to popular belief, the consequences of a conviction for marijuana possession or sale can be severe. Whenever a defendant is found guilty for committing this crime, the court may decide to impose penalties that include any or a combination of mandatory rehab, fines, possible prison time and a permanent dent in his or her reputation.

One of the enduring consequences that most people fail to recognize is the permanent criminal record which can taint the convicted person’s reputation and deny them fair treatment when they apply for a loan, seek employment or when looking for a place to stay after doing time. The severity of this case necessitates the need for you to hire an experienced marijuana sale & possession lawyer whenever you are either under investigation or are arrested for marijuana sale or possession.

The Serious Nature of this Crime

A criminal conviction for possession or sale of marijuana can leave you with a permanent criminal record. This can lead to loss of a job or cause the immigration agents to attempt deporting you if you are not a U.S. citizen. Possession of substantial amount of marijuana, i.e. eight ounces or more, is treated as a felony charge whose conviction can lead to you spending up to 15 years behind bars.

Legal penalties for the crime

The law has categorically classified possession of marijuana weighing 20 grams or less as a misdemeanor which can attract a prison sentence of one year and a maximum fine of $1,000. This applies both to those found in possession for personal use as well as for those who are holding the drug for sale.

Marijuana possession of more than 20 grams is considered to be a felony and can attract a jail term of between 5 years to 30 years depending on the amount of marijuana seized by the arresting officers. The maximum fines charged for those convicted of this felony range from $5,000 to $200,000. Just like in the previous case, these fines and penalties apply both to those who are in possession of those amounts of marijuana for personal consumption or for sale.

Moreover, the law specifies the areas where sale of possession of marijuana should not be allowed. These include 1,000 feet of a college, school or park. Those who do not adhere to this regulation risk being incarcerated for a period of up to 15 years and paying a maximum fine of $10,000.

How to act when arrested for drug possession or sale

You need to know that you have a right to deny a police officer access to your property if the officer does not have a warrant. In any case that you have been stopped on the highway and the officer finds marijuana in your car, you need to contact our experienced marijuana sale and possession lawyer who will help to aggressively defend you in court. Make sure that you do not in any way incriminate yourself through your words or deeds. Refuse to speak to an investigator until you have first spoken to your attorney.

Possible Defenses for marijuana sale and possession

When it comes to defending you in court, your attorney will go to the cause of the police stop, search and seizure and determine if the police had probable cause. It is important for you to remember that the constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure from any law enforcement officer or agency. The prosecutor must prove that there was a reasonable suspicion or probable cause that informed the officer’s action to search your property.

In the event that you feel that the officer did not have a probable cause and still went on to search your premises, your lawyer will aggressively file a motion seeking to expunge the evidence from being adduced in court on the grounds that it was obtained illegally. Such a move could cripple the prosecutor’s case leading to a dismissal of all charges.

How our attorneys can help

Our marijuana sale and possession attorneys have the skills and expertise needed to aggressively represent you in court and ensure that you get the best possible outcome from your case. Increase the odds of winning your case today by contacting our law firm for free consultation.