MARIJUANA ATTORNEY

Marijuana attorneys are criminal defense lawyers who focus their legal practice on drug crimes. Although marijuana seems like a "minor" drug to many people, a conviction for a marijuana-related crime can cause significant trouble for you, now and throughout the rest of your life. Most states and the federal government have laws mandating harsh penalties for marijuana-related crimes such as:

• possessing
• growing
• transporting
• distributing, and
• selling marijuana

A Marijuana Attorney's Role

A criminal defense lawyer's work on the behalf of an accused individual can make a great deal of difference in the outcome of a case. The skills, knowledge and experience of a marijuana defense attorney will be put to use to protect the rights of the accused and minimize the negative consequences of the charges.

A marijuana lawyer can challenge the circumstances of an individual's arrest, interrogation or investigation. He or she can be present at an interrogation — if contacted soon enough — and will work to get the marijuana charge(s) reduced or dismissed. If a plea bargain is appropriate and beneficial, your lawyer will explain such options to you.

For example, a prosecutor (whether state or federal) makes the decision whether to issue a felony or misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession based in part on the amount of marijuana. If it's relatively small (e.g., less than an ounce), the accused may be eligible for a dismissal of the charge, or just the payment of a fine. A marijuana defense attorney can tell a client what he or she can expect from the state or federal criminal justice process.

Penalties for Marijuana Offenses

The potential penalties for marijuana crimes include:

• jail or prison time
• electronic monitoring
• fines
• forfeiture of property
• mandatory community service
• mandatory drug counseling
• work release
• registering as a drug offender

Factors Affecting Marijuana Penalties

Several factors affect the charges that may be issued in a given individual's case, such as the amount of the marijuana involved, and the individual's:

• age — e.g., adult vs. minor (under 18 years old)
• previous criminal activity
• prior drug convictions or arrests
• whether the marijuana was in the form of plants or ready-to-use
• whether any minor was involved in the incident on which the charge is based
• whether the accused was in possession of drug paraphernalia such as scales or baggies, or a large amount of cash

Individuals facing drug charges should contact a marijuana defense lawyer today to learn more about their legal rights.