Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana
Having a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana may not seem like it would have a big impact compared to felony possession of marijuana, other controlled substance or narcotic. However, depending on the amount of pot you are being charged with possession of, you could be facing fines, probation, jail time, and the stigma of having a criminal record. Although drug charges can be severe, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
If you have been charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana, hiring a qualified Dayton criminal attorney may increase your chances of getting the charges against you reduced or dismissed. This is where Joslyn Law Firm steps in. Attorney Brian Joslyn is prepared to fight for you.
Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Attorney in Dayton
Drug charges are not to be taken lightly. If you have been charged and arrested with misdemeanor possession of marijuana, your future is at stake. Avoid this at all costs by contacting one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm.
The legal team at Joslyn Law Firm are passionate about criminal defense in marijuana cases like yours in Dayton or the surrounding areas of Huber Heights, Troy, Piqua, Springfield, Beavercreek, and Fairborn. Brian Joslyn and his team will go over your case in detail and use every defense strategy available to attempt a favorable outcome. Your first consultation with Joslyn Law Firm is free, so call (937) 356-3969 today to schedule.
Information Center
- Dayton Weed Possession Laws
- Ohio Definition of Marijuana Possession
- Misdemeanor Possession of Cannabis Defense in Montgomery County
- Dayton Penalties for Misdemeanor Weed Possession
- Additional Resources for Cannabis Possession
Dayton Weed Possession Laws
According to Ohio Rev. Code § 2925.11, possession of marijuana is a criminal offense with penalties that vary in degree according to the amount present. These penalties apply to any compound, preparation, substance, or mixture containing marijuana, cannabis, pot, ganja, or chronic, but do not include hashish, the resin derived from the plant, or anything created from the resin. Being in possession of 200 grams or less of marijuana or a related substance is a misdemeanor. More than 200 grams is a felony. Additionally, if you have been charged with marijuana possession be aware that law enforcement officers will most likely also look for any evidence of intent to distribute.
Ohio Definition of Marijuana Possession
In order to be guilty of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, there are certain factors that must be present. These factors include:
- Knowledge the substance is marijuana
- Reasonable belief the substance is marijuana
- Intent to possess marijuana
- Purpose to possess marijuana
Reasonable belief is judged by what a person of average intelligence would believe under the same circumstances. Additionally, under Ohio law, possession can be either actual or constructive. Actual possession is defined as having direct control of the substance, and constructive possession is awareness of the substance with the ability to become in actual possession present.
Misdemeanor Possession of Cannabis Defense in Montgomery County
The right to protection from unlawful searches and seizures is one of the unalienable rights defined by the United States Constitution. The fervent attempt of law enforcement officers to participate in the War on Drugs by arresting drug offenders has also resulted in many mistaken, and often blatant, disregards to this right. Any violation of this right, including manufactured evidence, lack of a search warrant, or an improperly executed search warrant is valid ground for your Montgomery County criminal defense attorney to file a motion to suppress evidence.
Without the key evidence involved in the search, the prosecution may not have case enough for the possession charge and could reduce or dismiss your case. Other defenses that could cause the prosecution, the judge, or the jury to reduce or dismiss your case are entrapment, lack of actual or constructive possession, and mistaken identity.
Dayton Penalties for Misdemeanor Weed Possession
The consequences that can come with a cannabis conviction are both social and criminal. For a first offense of possession of less than 100 grams of pot you will be charged with a minor misdemeanor and face a $150 fine. If you are convicted of being in possession of 100-200 grams of marijuana you are guilty of a fourth-degree misdemeanor and face a $250 fine and up to 30 days of jail and/or probation. You may also be subject to suspension of your driver’s license or CDL for six months to five years. Additionally, a marijuana conviction can:
- Jeopardize child custody, fostering, or adoption actions
- Disqualify you from food stamps or other government assistance
- Increase difficulty of obtaining government-subsidized housing
- Reduce the variety and number of education opportunities
- Increase difficulty of obtaining student loans
- Reduce the variety and number of employment opportunities
Even if you are charged with a minor misdemeanor marijuana charge, don’t just pay the fine and move on. An experienced Dayton misdemeanor possession lawyer will be able to fight the charges against you and possibly get them dismissed.
Additional Resources for Cannabis Possession
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Click the link to visit the official website for the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA’s mission is to support scientific research on drug use and its consequences. Access the site to learn more about marijuana use.
Ohio Laws: Drug Offenses – Visit the official website for the Ohio Revised Code. The site lists information about specific drug offenses such as marijuana possession, marijuana trafficking and more. Click the link to see how the state penalizes these specific crimes.
Montgomery County Cannabis Possession Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana, it’s important to secure legal representation. A conviction for marijuana possession can result in expensive fines and imprisonment.The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm will examine your case closely and look for any suppressible evidence, violation of rights, or other cracks in the prosecution’s case as well as aggressive defense strategies to protect your freedom.
Joslyn Law Firm serves clients in Dayton, Ohio. Attorney Brian Joslyn and his legal team also represent individuals in Montgomery County, Miami County, Clark County, and Greene County. Contact Joslyn Law Firm today at (937) 356-3969 to schedule your free consultation.
