MARIJUANA POSSESSION

Marijuana possession is not a minor matter in the eyes of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. If you were arrested for marijuana possession, you may be charged with a state or federal misdemeanor or felony. Either way, it's best to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney from Imhoff & Associates acting on your behalf. You have legal rights, and these rights will be protected by your defense attorney.

How Much Marijuana?

The prosecutor decides whether to issue a misdemeanor or felony charge of marijuana possession based in part on the amount of marijuana you are alleged to have had in your possession. If it's a relatively small amount, for example, less than one ounce (or 28.5 grams), you may be eligible for a dismissal of your charge, or you may face a $100 fine and no jail time. Your criminal defense lawyer can tell you what to expect in your particular circumstances, in the criminal justice system in your area.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession

The greater the amount of marijuana possessed, the greater the penalties, including:

• jail or prison time
• work release
• mandatory drug counseling
• mandatory community service
• electronic monitoring
• steep fines

If the amount of marijuana is large enough, a prosecutor may even try to add intent to sell or distribute the marijuana to your charges ─ and the penalties for marijuana distribution are definitely more severe than those for mere possession of marijuana for personal use.

Factors Affecting Your Marijuana Case

Other factors that can affect your charge of marijuana possession include:

• your age
• previous run-ins with the law
• prior drug convictions and arrests
• whether the marijuana was ready-to-use or plants
• whether you possessed marijuana on school grounds
• whether you were also in possession of drug paraphernalia such as scales or baggies

A Hidden Consequence of Marijuana Crimes

Aside from the relevant state and federal criminal penalties, you should be aware that a conviction for marijuana possession carries with it a second punishment ─ lending institutions, employers and many professional organizations do not look kindly on a misdemeanor or felony conviction. For example, a marijuana possession conviction can prevent you from getting federal school loans and grants, and federal contracts. And it's certainly not a good idea to lie about your conviction on job applications. A conviction can follow you for the rest of your life.

Talk to an Imhoff & Associates Criminal Attorney Today

Whatever the circumstances of your arrest or charges for marijuana possession, you can have a marijuana defense attorney dedicated to protecting your legal rights at every stage of the legal process. Contact a criminal defense attorney at Imhoff & Associates for help, and get a lawyer on your case today.