what to expect for first offense possession of marijuana using court appointed lawyer in michigan

by Hiram Hessel 4 min read

You can still face jail time for your first offense possession charge. Both possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana are misdemeanor charges. Possession of paraphernalia carries a fine up to $500 and up to thirty days jail time.

Full Answer

What is a first offense marijuana possession charge in California?

If you have been convicted two or more times of possessing a controlled substance or violating precursor or tax stamp laws, your first offense Marijuana Possession charge will be a Class “D” felony. If you are convicted of first offense marijuana possession, the Court will sentence you to at least 48 hours in jail.

Can a prior conviction enhance a marijuana charge?

The State may enhance your charge. For example, a prior conviction for possessing a different substance could enhance your marijuana charge to an aggravated misdemeanor. Violating precursor laws (Chapter 124B,) or a tax stamp rules (Chapter 453B) could also cause enhancement.

What happens if you’re convicted of possession of marijuana in Iowa?

The first time you’re convicted of possessing marijuana in Iowa, the charge will be a serious misdemeanor — as long as you don’t have prior convictions for possession of other controlled substances, tax stamp violations, or precursor violations.

Can the government prove unlawful possession of marijuana?

The government can prove unlawful possession in one of two ways. First, they could prove actual possession. In order to prove actual possession, the prosecutor would have to present evidence that you had the marijuana on your person. Alternatively, they could prove constructive possession.

Can you go to jail for marijuana in Michigan?

Possession of weed is still a misdemeanor, but more serious, with penalties of up to one year in jail and fines of as much as $2,000. If you possess marijuana plants, however, you will face a felony cultivation charges which can land you in jail for a significant amount of time.

How long do you go to jail for drug possession in Michigan?

Possession with the intent to distribute can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years, a fine of $25,000 or both. For amounts under 50 grams is punishable by up to 4 years in jail and $25,000 in fines.

Is possession of a controlled substance a felony in Michigan?

A possession of a controlled substance charge is either a misdemeanor or a felony in Michigan.

Can I use medical marijuana on bond in Michigan?

Some courts allow relatively free and unrestricted use of medical marijuana while on bond or probation, while others do not allow it at all. Other courts may allow the use of medical marijuana, but only after they impose certain restrictions such as frequency of use and amount.

Do first time drug offenders go to jail in Michigan?

Defendants may be sentenced to up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2000, or both. Possession of a Schedule 1, 2, 3, 4 drug (other than narcotics or cocaine), or gamma-butyrolactone, is a felony offense. Defendants may be sentenced to up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $2000, or both.

What is the Michigan criminal file class for a drug offense?

Class H Felony has the shortest prison sentence (often one year) and may simply result in probation in some cases. The sale of illegal drugs and drug trafficking is classified as a felony in Michigan. Possession of certain illegal drugs is also a felony.

What are Schedule 1 drugs examples?

Some examples of substances listed in Schedule I are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), peyote, methaqualone, and 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy").

Is there a statute of limitations on drug charges in Michigan?

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for most misdemeanors is six years, and 10 years for most felonies. Violent crimes like murder and terrorist activities have no statute of limitations. This means that there is no time limit for the government to charge someone with these crimes.

What is considered a controlled substance in Michigan?

LSD, Peyote, Psilocyn (Psychedelic Mushrooms), and Schedule 5 Substances. Illegal possession of the following controlled substances is a misdemeanor punishable by not more than one years' imprisonment, a $2,000 fine, or both: LSD, peyote, mescaline, dimethyltryptamine, psilocyn, psilocybin, or a schedule 5 drug.

Can you use marijuana on probation in Michigan?

In 2021, the Michigan Court of Appeals in People v. Thue, COA 353978, ruled that medical marijuana cannot be banned when an individual is on probation. People who use medical marijuana with a prescription from their physician cannot face probation violations or be penalized for their valid medical marijuana use.

Can I get my medical marijuana card while on probation in Michigan?

You Can Use Medical Marijuana While On Probation In Michigan However, The Michigan Court of Appeal concluded that it is illegal for one to be denied their right to use medical marijuana while on probation so long as the individual adheres to the Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA) rules.

How much is a medical card in Michigan?

It costs $60 to apply for an adult patient card, which must be renewed after two years. There's an additional $25 fee to register a caregiver. Application materials, including proof of Michigan residency, should be mailed to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program, PO Box 30083, Lansing, Mich. 48903.

What is required to be a criminal for possession of marijuana?

Criminal possession requires proof of knowledge. For the marijuana offense to stick, the prosecution must show that you knew about the drugs. They have to show that you occupied and controlled the premises.

How long is a marijuana possession charge?

A class D felony charge is punishable by up to 5 years in prison. A Class C felony charge is punishable by up to 10 years.

What is Marijuana?

Most parts of cannabis plants count as marijuana. Industrial hemp is not marijuana under Iowa‘s cannabis law. Law enforcement cannot always readily discern between hemp and marijuana.

What is medical cannabidiol?

For purposes of Iowa law, medical cannabidiol is any pharmaceudical grade cannabinoid — usually THC or CBD — found in either indica or sativa cannabis plants. Additionally, medical cannabidiol includes preparations of the cannabis plant with no more than 3% THC.

What is the code for possession of drug paraphernalia in Iowa?

In order to convict you of possession of drug paraphernalia under Iowa code 124.414, the government will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you materials used or attempted to be used with a controlled substance. It is significant that the statute does not prohibit possession of equipment or paraphernalia that were intended ...

How can the government prove unlawful possession?

In order to prove actual possession, the prosecutor would have to present evidence that you had the marijuana on your person.

What is the penalty for possession of marijuana in Iowa?

For a charge of possession of marijuana, first offense, Iowa Code 124.401 (5) provides that if it is charged as a serious misdemeanor, you’re facing a fine of up to $1000 and/or up to 6 months of jail time . As with all criminal fines, a 35% surcharge applies. Additionally, Iowa Code 911.3 demands a “law enforcement initiative surcharge” ...

How long can you go to jail for marijuana possession?

Furthermore, if you have a lot of weed, your charge will be for trafficking marijuana. These charges carry jail time for up to 5 years for first offenses. Therefore, no matter what your first offense is for, you can receive jail time for your first marijuana related offense.

Can you drive with marijuana in your car?

Sure, your first offense can be an easy fine and move on. But, sometimes it’s not so cut and dry. So, consider not driving with it in your car. We understand that you want to have fun, enjoy your marijuana, and not be bothered. But, when you live in a state that has yet to legalize marijuana— you are putting yourself at risk. So drive safe, drive clean, and drive safely. But if it comes down to it, and you’ve failed to do so, we’re here to help you.

Can you go to jail for possession of marijuana?

Both possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana are misdemeanor charges. Possession of paraphernalia carries a fine up to $500 and up to thirty days jail time. Possession of weed carries a fine of $100 to $200 and up to thirty days jail time. Therefore, your punishment will be based on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. In short, the judge will interpret the law as they see fit.

What is distribution in marijuana?

According to McConnell, distribution is the selling, transportation, or illegal import of marijuana. “You can incur enhanced penalties based on the amount being distributed and for selling to a minor or within 1000 feet of a school,” McConnell said.

What is marijuana paraphernalia?

Marijuana paraphernalia includes anything used in the growing, harvesting, processing, selling, storing, or use of marijuana. McConnell explains that, much like cultivation or distribution, there are many factors that determine the severity of a marijuana paraphernalia offense.

How to contact McConnell Law Firm?

Please contact the McConnell Law Firm at (316) 243-5903 for a free consultation.

Is marijuana possession a misdemeanor in Kansas?

Kansas recently changed the law regarding marijuana possession, easing the penalty for first-time possession charges. Penalties are tiered based on the amount of marijuana in your possession and your criminal history at the time of the arrest. “First-time marijuana possession is considered a Class B misdemeanor,” McConnell said. “It can incur a fine up to $1000, up to six months in jail, or both.”

Is marijuana cultivation a felony?

Cultivation is the growing of marijuana. “The severity of the penalty is dependent on the number of plants being grown,” McConnell said. “However, cultivation is a felony regardless of the other circumstances.”

Have You Been Charged With Possession, Distribution, or Cultivation of Marijuana?

If you are in the Wichita area and have been accused of or charged with possession, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana, the McConnell Law Firm would like to help. Although every case is different and no conclusions should be drawn without a legal consultation to discuss the specifics of your case, it is usually best to hire a criminal defense attorney immediately following such an accusation or charge.

What is the penalty for possession of marijuana in Michigan?

Basically, it states that a person shall not be in possession of marijuana, and a person charged with the criminal offense of possession of marijuana could face a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.

How long does a marijuana license last?

A conviction for possession of marijuana also means license sanctions under MCL 333.7408a (1), which states a person’s license will be suspended for a period of six months for a first offense drug conviction. It may be possible to convince a judge to grant a restricted license after the first 30 days of suspension.

Can a conviction for possession of marijuana suspend your license?

Can a conviction for possession of marijuana suspend your license? Yes, believe it or not, even if your marijuana possession was no where near a vehicle a conviction for possessing marijuana will result in losing your driver license for six months.