Though not uncommon, marijuana charges are taken seriously by the state of Maryland and a conviction can cause significant problems in your future. A conviction can also result in jail time, in addition to costly fines and other consequences. Penalties range widely based on the nature of the offense.
Possession charges can slap penalties that include up to a year in jail and as much as $1,000 in fines. Distribution, possession with intent to distribute and cultivation charges are based on the amount of substance in your possession. If that amount is less than 50 pounds, you may receive 5 years of jail time and $15,000 fines. If it was greater than 50 pounds, the penalty goes up to at least 5 years of jail time and as much as $100,000 in fines.
Skilled Defense Against Marijuana Charges
The stakes are high. You need representation that is skilled enough to protect you from these penalties. At Cochran and Chhabra, LLC, we have the veteran experience to combat these charges and keep you out of jail.
Just because you have been found with marijuana on your person or in your car does not mean that you have already been found guilty. At Cochran and Chhabra, LLC, we help individuals defend against these charges, often finding instances where the person's constitutional rights were violated.
We will work to determine if lines of search and seizure were crossed in your arrest. We have been highly successful in these cases, and we will find the weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Even if the case against you is tight, we will find mitigating factors that, through negotiation, will help the marijuana charges to be lowered. We fight to the end for the best outcome possible in your case.
In May of 2012, Governor Martin O'Malley signed a new law that will reduce the penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. The new law, which will go into effect on October 1, 2012, will reduce the maximum penalty of possessing less than 10 grams of marijuana to a $500 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.
Contact An Anne Arundel Marijuana Possession Attorney
To arrange a free initial consultation, please contact our office today at 410.268.5515 or 888.268.5515.
