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With the evolving state of marijuana legalization in Maryland, it’s important to know when marijuana use is considered a crime and what level of charges you can face for certain levels of possession and activity.
Maryland passed a law in 2014 that allowed registered patients the ability to access medical-grade marijuana from dispensaries with a physician’s recommendation. This law came with a list of qualifying conditions, quantity limits, and a distinguished restriction on edible cannabis products.
Outside of this law, additional penalties for the possession of fewer than 10 grams of marijuana is no longer considered a civil offense. This does not mean general marijuana usage is not considered a crime. Knowing those boundaries is key to understanding any potential charges.
Marijuana Possession Laws
Possession of marijuana under 10 grams may be subject to a civil fine, but possession of over 10 grams is a crime with varying degrees of penalties. Possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana for personal use is a misdemeanor, and you may face up to one year in jail and/or $1,000 in fines. If you are charged with cannabis cultivation, then you may be charged with either simple possession or possession with intent to distribute based on quantity.
Possession of larger amounts of marijuana, in addition to other evidence, can result in the felony charge of possession with intent to distribute. A conviction for the felony possession charge can result in potential jail time, and higher fines. It should also be noted that any possession of marijuana paraphernalia is illegal in Maryland. This includes any materials intended for marijuana use, concealment, manufacturing, or distribution.
This is a general overview of the penalties involved, but the result of being charged can bring devastating limitations in life due to a criminal record.
Facing Marijuana Possession Charges
When faced with possession of marijuana charges, help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be beneficial for your defense, especially if unjust charges have been brought against you.
The Law Office of C. Gregory Coburn has served Ocean City for decades, so we know that by carefully analyzing the facts and events surrounding your case, there may be ways to help provide the best possible defense.
We can analyze the source of “probable cause” leading to your arrest or see if any evidence was obtained in violation of your Fourth Amendment Rights. A probation before judgment, or even a possible expungement of your record, may be possible depending on the facts of your case.
Our law office has provided representation for drug crimes such as illegal possession of drugs, possession of drugs with intent to distribute, manufacturing drugs, drug distribution or trafficking, and prescription drug abuse. We’re well versed in this area of the law and educated on what may be the strongest defense to your case.
Call or contact the Law Office of C. Gregory Coburn today to fight for you if you are charged with criminal marijuana possession. We’ll advise you through all the paperwork and information gathering, help build your case, and relentlessly negotiate on your behalf. You can schedule a free consultation with us to ensure your trust in us before we even get started. Whether the charges are serious or minor, we’ll work with you to provide a strong defense to help protect your rights and freedom.