Marijuana Charges—Small Amount

PENNSYLVANIA SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA POSSESSION

small amount of marijuana - pennsylvania lawIn Pennsylvania, marijuana is still illegal, even in small quantities, unless you have a medical reason, physician approval, and a prescription.

The punishment for possession of marijuana upon conviction, even for a small amount, is severe:

  • Up to 30 days in jail;
  • Up to $500 in fines;
  • Possible driver’s license suspension of up to six months.
  • Criminal charges that remain on your permanent record, unless you are pardoned. 

Recently, Pennsylvania has expedited the process of a pardon for non-violent marijuana convictions.

A criminal record could lead to complications beyond jail time and fines. If convicted, you could have trouble obtaining, or maintaining, employment. You may also have problems securing housing or financing.

However, with attitudes about marijuana changing rapidly, lawmakers have allowed for slightly less strict punishment for those who are found in possession of only a small amount of marijuana, especially if it is first-offense marijuana.

A conviction for possession of a small amount of marijuana has a slightly more relaxed punishment than a larger amount of marijuana possession and can take less of a negative toll on your life.

If you have been caught in possession of a small amount of marijuana, you should seek the help of an experienced and qualified Pittsburgh Marijuana Attorney immediately.

A knowledgeable drug attorney will be able to advise you on the circumstances of your case specifically. In addition, they may be able to have your charges reduced or dropped completely.

Trying to avoid a conviction at all costs is of utmost importance—talking with an experienced Pittsburgh drug attorney to fight for your rights and your freedom.

DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS—An arrest is not a conviction.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, or think you may be charged soon, call Justin Ketchel today for a free legal consultation at 412-456-1221. 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: YOUR MARIJUANA CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

DRUG POSSESSION CLASSIFICATION IN PA

Most drug charges in Pennsylvania fall into one of two categories:  simple possession or possession with intent to deliver (PWID). The determination of which category of crime you will be charged with is dependent upon the amount of the drug in question that you had in your possession at the time of arrest.

A simple possession charge, if convicted, is a misdemeanor. It can include a punishment of up to one year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines.

PWID charges are for those in possession of a larger quantity of drugs, which presumes that the amount in possession is too great for personal use and was intended for sale or distribution. Therefore, the punishment is harsher.

PWID marijuana conviction is a felony and carries a penalty of 1-3 years of jail time and a fine of $5000 to $25,000.

Unique to marijuana cases, PA now has a third category possession charge: possession of a small amount of marijuana. For this to apply, the amount of marijuana in your possession must be 30 grams or less of marijuana or 8 grams or less of hashish.

The marijuana in your possession must be for personal use and the circumstances of your case cannot indicate any intent for distribution. If convicted, it will count as a prior offense on your criminal record, but you will have the benefit of a lesser sentence.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

PUNISHMENT FOR POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA

If you are convicted of possession of a small amount of marijuana the following penalties apply:

  • Up to 30 days in jail;
  • Up to $500 in fines;
  • Possible driver’s license suspension of up to six months.

While it is still illegal to possess marijuana, and the charge will be classified as a misdemeanor, the punishment is much less harsh than a typical simple possession charge.

Having an attorney who will fight for you and try to get your case thrown out, or at least reduced to the lowest possible charge is invaluable.

At Ketchel Law, our greatest strength lies in critically analyzing and dissecting the details of a police officer’s report looking for inherent weaknesses, and questioning the testimony of any experts or witnesses.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

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

 

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