A marijuana attorney is a defense lawyer with a focus on drug crimes. Marijuana is considered a ‘minor’ drug by most, but a conviction can cause trouble for the rest of one’s life. The federal government and most states have harsh penalties for pot-related crimes such as:
Growing
Possession
Distribution/selling
Transporting
The Marijuana Attorney’s Job
A defense lawyer working on behalf of someone accused of a drug crime can have a significant impact on a case’s outcome. The lawyer’s experience, skills and knowledge are used to protect the defendant’s rights, and to minimize any negative effects of the drug charges. A marijuana attorney phoenix can challenge arrest circumstances or interrogation/investigation techniques, and he or she can work to get charges dismissed or reduced.
For instance, a prosecutor decides whether to levy misdemeanor or felony charges based on the quantity of marijuana. If the quantity is small, the defendant may be eligible for charge dismissal, and may be able to get away with paying a fine. A marijuana defense attorney can tell their clients what to expect during the legal process.
Marijuana Crime Penalties
The penalties for marijuana-related crimes include:
Prison/jail time
House arrest
Fines
Property seizure
Community service
Drug counseling
Drug offender registration
Work release
The Factors Affecting Pot Penalties
There are several factors that affect the charges issuable in a particular case, such as the drug amount, the individual’s age, and their previous criminal history, including prior drug arrests. The state of the marijuana (whether it was in plant or ready-use form), and whether there were any minors present at the time of the offense also play a role. If the defendant had drug paraphernalia such as scales or bags, or large quantities of cash, charges could be more severe.
Drug crimes can have long lasting impacts on a defendant’s life, affecting their ability to hold certain jobs or even rent a home. However, a skilled marijuana lawyer can help to reduce or eliminate drug charges in some cases. If you or someone you know has been accused of a marijuana related crime, call a Phoenix marijuana attorney today.