Possession

MASSACHUSETTS DRUG CRIMES LAWYER
POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA (MARIHUANA)

Just because many states are considering decriminalizing minor marijuana offenses does not change the fact that possession of marijuana is still illegal in Massachusetts.  Until the Massachusetts General Laws are revised, possession of marijuana remains an illegal offense that is punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.

If you have been arrested for possession, growing, using, selling or distributing marijuana, your legal situation depends up on the amount, whether or not you have any prior arrests, and other circumstances. You could be facing serious charges, imprisonment, fines, or both prison and expensive fines. Your first step must be contacting an experienced Massachusetts Criminal Drug Defense Attorney to discuss your case. Call Stephen Neyman 617-263-6800 immediately or click here to send an email.   

An experienced Massachusetts Drug Crimes lawyer can often resolve first offenses without a criminal record.  However – without effective and strong legal representation, a conviction for even a small amount of marijuana can become a life-changing event. 

If this is a first offense, the law states that the individual charged will be placed on probation, unless the person does not wish for some reason to be placed on probation, or unless the court files a written memo stating reasons for not allowing the person to be placed on probation.  When the probation period is completed, the case is dismissed, and records are sealed. This is the best outcome and the goal of a responsible and experienced Criminal Defense Drug Lawyer for a first time offender.

This is critical particularly for students and young adults.  A young person with a conviction of a drug charge will find government student aid, loans or grants difficult or impossible to obtain.  Prospective employers will make decisions when they learn of a criminal record that may haunt the student for the rest of their lives.

An experienced and motivated criminal defense attorney will work with a clear goal in mind- an acquittal if at all possible. Strategies include a careful examination of the circumstances of the arrest – was it a legal arrest, was a search warrant in place, did the officer have probable cause to conduct a search.  Every step of the arrest is carefully studied and analyzed to find a strong and defensible position.

For first time offenders, the court has many options – but without a strong defense, it is completely up to the judge to decide whether or not to make a first time offense a minor or major event.  The quality of your legal representation is critical.  For repeat offenders, punishment for possession, growing, using, selling or distributing marijuana becomes a very serious matter.   If you or someone you love has been arrested for possession of marijuana, call Stephen Neyman 617-263-6800 immediately or click here to send an email.   As with any criminal arrest, time is not on your side. 

Penalties for conviction of marijuana possession, to use are not mandatory, so good representation by an experienced Massachusetts Drug Crimes Lawyer can produce favorable results.

The lightest sentence for possession of marijuana other than stated above is imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than six months or a fine of $500, or both.