Marijuana is easily the most commonly abused illegal drug in the United States. Marijuana is known as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, classified as having a high potential for abuse. Street names for marijuana include grass, pot, weed, Mary Jane, dope, indo, and hydro. Marijuana possession laws can impose strict penalties under certain situations.
Possession of marijuana (sometimes often called simple possession) is easily the most common drug criminal offenses in the United States. Regarded as a misdemeanor in a majority of states, marijuana possession penalties include fines, probation, and/or community service. Criminal possession of marijuana is the next level up in marijuana possession crimes and consists of possession of marijuana in a public place where it is either burning or in open public view in quantities greater than two oz . but less 8 ounces. Criminal possession of marijuana is also a misdemeanor however the repercussions increase along with the chance of jail time.


Technically, under federal drug law, the possession of marijuana, in any amount, is punishable by up to one year in jail including a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first conviction. Further convictions and larger amounts result in much stiffer penalties. Relatively few marijuana possession cases give rise to a felony level crime. Marijuana distribution, however, is always a felony under federal law. The sale of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana (the smallest amount category) is punishable by 5 years in prison as well as a $250,000 fine.
Marijuana is commonly consumed in its organic state, the plant itself used in various ways to produce a hallucinogenic effect on the user. Abuse and use of the cannabis plant as a means for getting high dates back to biblical times. The advent of laws criminalizing the use of the drug occurred sometime during the twentieth century, with fights to legalize the use of marijuana argued ever since, its use among Native Americans in religious ceremonies and the use of the drug by cancer patients to relieve nausea being the most recurrent arguments used for its legalization, including a considerable change in the marijuana possession laws.
Marijuana production's principal origin is Mexico. Virtually all foreign-produced marijuana accessible within the United States is smuggled into the country from Mexico over the Mexico border by criminal groups. Mexican criminal groups control the majority of wholesale marijuana distribution within the United States, with Asian criminal groups that bring in the product over the Canadian border running a close second. The potency of Canadian marijuana being considered superior to the Mexican version has resulted in an increase in Asian control of marijuana production and distribution. According to the National Drug Threat Assessment 2007, high potency Canada-based smuggling, distribution and production groups are increasing, giving rise to large-scale cannabis cultivation in large outdoor sites by both Mexican and Asian groups. In addition, in an effort to remain competitive in the higher potency marijuana distribution trade, Asian groups have begun operating indoor grow sites in residences throughout the Pacific Northwest and California. The trend is to purchase or lease a residence, customize the residence for the purpose of producing two to four crops of cannabis and abandoning the property after the crops are harvested.
Challenges to existing marijuana production and distribution laws are ongoing, with quite a few states decriminalizing certain marijuana usage for specific medical conditions. Even so , in United States v. Oakland Cannabis Club, the United States Supreme Court ruled that marijuana does not have any medical value as determined by Congress. The court’s opinion stated that: “In the case of the Controlled Substances Act, the statue reflects a determination that marijuana does not have any medical benefits worthy of an exception outside the confines of government-approved research projects.”
In 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a ruling which upheld the Drug Enforcement Act’s determination that marijuana should remain a Schedule I controlled substance, the most restrictive schedule under the Controlled Substance Act. The marijuana debate and court battles will certainly continue to occasionally appear in the United States Court system for a long time.
Defenses for those guilty of breaking marijuana possession laws, and distribution of marijuana laws, commonly revolve around the misuse of law enforcement power to search and seize property. Unlawful search and seizure, unlawful surveillance, and entrapment are the primary means of defending an arrest of marijuana possession or marijuana distribution.

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Texas courts take marijuana possession criminal charges seriously, and so should you. Multiple convictions of marijuana possession might result in felony criminal charges. Hence, you want to battle every charge you have to deal with, not just now , but to safeguard your privileges in the future as well. Considering the fact that possession criminal charges may easily lead to growing and cultivation criminal charges, you want a criminal defense lawyer who will lower virtually all potential damages.
The Finest Houston Criminal Defense Attorney will protect your legal rights and fight for you against marijuana possession criminal charges.
The harshness of the charges you confront will depend on the quantity of marijuana. If you are caught with under two ounces, you will face minor misdemeanor charges, but the consequences go up steeply from there. Possession of two to four ounces is a Class A Misdemeanor, and possession if over four ounces is considered a felony.
No one wants a drug arrest on their permanent record, so our first step is to have the charges completely dismissed. If dismissal or an acquittal at trial is not potential, we are going to seek to lessen the charges or lessen the penalties where possible.
For first-time offenders, the Most Dedicated Houston Lawyer will explore diversionary programs as well. By seeking proper drug treatment, you may possibly be able to avoid jail time. They will help you discover virtually all conceivable alternative sentencing strategies.

Juvenile Marijuana Possession

Marijuana has a unique odor, and so it is dangerous for minors to smoke it anywhere: in a vehicle, at home, or in a dorm room. Authorities can smell it and another infraction can certainly bring about significant repercussions, including the loss of student loans. The Most Respected Houston Attorney will handle juvenile crimes involving marijuana possession as well as criminal cases.
If you or a loved one have been arrested for marijuana possession, you want an seasoned trial attorney who is ready to stand up for your privileges right today. Speak to the Finest Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer immediately for a no cost initial consultation.