First Offense Marijuana Charges in PA

Information on What Happens After Being Charged with Marijuana Possession for the First Time in Pennsylvania

first marijuana offense pennsyvlaniaMarijuana or Cannabis, is currently illegal in Pennsylvania unless you are one of the 600,000 Pennsylvanians who hold a medical marijuana card. And although in some cities and states, it is legal to purchase marijuana for recreational use, a first offense marijuana charge in Pennsylvania can be very damaging to your future and give you a criminal record.

Currently several cities in Pennsylvania have begun to decriminalize marijuana, but that is not the same as marijuana reform and legalization.

In addition, Pennsylvania has recently expedited the process of a pardon for non-violent marijuana convictions, which could be a big benefit to those who have already been convicted of a small amount of marijuana.

As the law in Pennsylvania currently stands, even a small amount of marijuana as a first offense can:

  • Send you to jail for up to 30 days;
  • Cost $500 in fines (plus court fees);
  • Possibly give you a license suspension for up to six months;
  • Give you a permanent criminal record.

If you are found in possession of marijuana over 30 grams, you face much worse penalties.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS – An Arrest is Not a Conviction.

DON’T EVER THINK THAT JUST BECAUSE THE POLICE FOUND
MARIJUANA ON YOU THEY HAVE “PROOF” THAT YOU ARE GUILTY.

If you have been charged with simple possession of marijuana or possession with intent to deliver (PWID) marijuana, call Ketchel Law today. We will help you understand your legal situation and build a strong case to defend your rights.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR MARIJUANA CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Penalties in Pennsylvania for a First Time Marijuana Offense

First Offense, Simple Possession of Marijuana—Under 30 Grams

  • Up to 30 days in jail;
  • $500 fine;
  • PennDOT license suspension for up to six months;
  • Permanent criminal record.

First Offense, Simple Possession of Marijuana—Over 30 Grams

  • Up to one year in prison;
  • $5,000 fine;
  • PennDOT license suspension;
  • Misdemeanor on your permanent criminal record.

First Offense, PWID of Marijuana

If you were charged with PWID, or Possession with Intent to Distribute/Deliver of Marijuana, you face much tougher penalties in Pennsylvania. The amount of marijuana will determine much of the sentencing, but a PWID charge in Pennsylvania of a Schedule I drug like marijuana can mean:

  • Up to five years in prison;
  • Up to $15,000 in fines, and;
  • A felony on your permanent criminal record.

An experienced Pittsburgh drug attorney can help you try to get your charges lessened or dropped altogether, which could mean a drastic reduction in sentencing and punishment.

Recently, Pennsylvania has expedited the process of a pardon for non-violent marijuana convictions. This could be a big benefit to those who have already been convicted of a small amount of marijuana.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR MARIJUANA CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Fighting Marijuana / Cannabis Charges in Pennsylvania

It is important to remember that being charged or arrested for a drug crime, does not yet mean you will be convicted. There are plenty of defense strategies that an experienced drug crime lawyer can take to help you win your case, get your charges dropped or have them significantly reduced.

Learn more about fighting drug charges in Pennsylvania. 

Ketchel Law Can Help

An experienced and knowledgeable drug attorney will be able to pour over all of the details of your case and make sure that every procedure by law enforcement officials was properly followed. A drug lawyer can also conduct their own investigation to make sure the facts are correct.

At Ketchel Law, if anything was done improperly, or your rights were violated, we will immediately file motions to have evidence thrown out, or even have your charges dismissed completely.

There are also first-time offender and diversion programs you may be eligible for, such as the Pennsylvania Probation Without Verdict program, the ARD Program and the PA Drug Court, in which your criminal record could be expunged.

We are skillful attorneys and know how to negotiate with the best interest of our clients in mind. We work with you to find optimal solutions and the best way for you to retain your freedom.

Marijuana / Cannabis charges do not mean you will be convicted. It takes a skilled drug attorney who will closely examine every possible angle and detail of your case in order to protect your rights.

Examples of Defenses to Marijuana Charges

  • Lack of Probable Cause;
  • A warrantless search;
  • Lack of Intent or Knowledge of Possession;
  • The controlled substance in your possession was prescribed by a doctor;
  • The drugs did not belong to you;
  • Drugs were planted by the police, and;
  • Drug test results were improperly obtained or mishandled by police.

Any mistakes by the police or law enforcement can make the results inadmissible in court.

If you were charged with a drug crime, call an experienced Pittsburgh marijuana attorney for a free consultation.

We successfully handle cases involving:

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR PWID DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.
CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION