Marijuana Offense Lawyer in Nassau County, Long Island
Across America, marijuana laws are changing on a state level. The federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug along with heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. This means that the federal government believes that marijuana has no currently accepted medical use and has a high potential for abuse, the most dangerous of all scheduled drugs. Many states disagree with the government and some have legalized it for medical purposes. Other states have even legalized it for recreational use. In New York State, the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal, however, medical marijuana is not. If you are caught in possession of marijuana for personal use, you will most likely have to pay a fine. If you are charged with the intent to distribute, you will face harsher penalties. If you have been charged with a marijuana possession charge, KCS Law is here to serve.
Marijuana possession charge
Despite the recent shift in marijuana laws in New York State, it is still illegal to possess or sell the drug illegally. If you are caught in the possession of marijuana in the state of New York, you will most likely face serious criminal penalties. They are as follows:
- 28 grams or less: This is a violation, which comes with a $50 fine
- Between 28 grams and 2 ounces: This is also a violation, and it comes with a $200 fine
- More than 2-8 ounces: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, a $1,000 fine
- More than 8 ounces-1 pound: Felony charge, up to 4 years in jail, a $5,000 fine
- More than 1-10 pounds: Felony charge, up to 7 years in jail, a $5,000 fine
- More than 10 pounds: Felony charge, up to 15 years in jail, a $15,000 fine
Sale of marijuana charge
If you are caught illegally selling or distributing marijuana, you are subject to additional criminal penalties. They are as follows:
- 2 grams or less without profit or 1 marijuana cigarette: Misdemeanor, up to 3 months in jail, a $500 fine
- 25 grams or less: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, a $1,000 fine
- More than 25 grams-4 ounces: Felony, up to 4 years in jail, a $5,000 fine
- More than 4 ounces-1 pound: Felony, up to 7 years in jail, a $5,000 fine
- More than 1 pound: Felony, up to 15 years in jail, a $15,000 fine
- Using a child to assist in the sale of marijuana: Felony, up to 4 years in jail, a $5,000 fine
- Selling marijuana to a minor: Felony, up to 7 years in jail, a $5,000 fine
Contact a Garden City firm with years of experience
At KCS Law, we have years of experience helping clients downgrade their charges or even have them completely dismissed. Though some offenses are more severe than others, a conviction of a crime may burden you with a criminal record that can affect future employment opportunities. There are many avenues of defense to explore when facing a marijuana charge and our firm is ready to assess your case and help you come to the best possible conclusion. Contact KCS Law P.C. for a consultation.
