What Happens if I am Caught With Marijuana in Maryland?

Though marijuana possession has largely been decriminalized throughout the country, if you are caught in possession of marijuana in Maryland, you may still face a wide variety of penalties. Please continue reading and reach out to our knowledgeable Maryland criminal defense attorney to learn more about how our firm can help you.

What happens if I am caught in the possession of marijuana in Maryland?

If you are caught in the possession of marijuana, you will most likely face very serious consequences, though the consequences you face depend largely upon the amount of marijuana you have been caught with. The penalties for marijuana possession are as follows:

• Less than 10 grams: Civil offense, no jail time, and a $100 fine.
• Between 10 grams and 50 pounds: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, and a $1,000 fine.
• More than 50 pounds: Felony, at least 5 years in jail, and a potential $100,000 fine.

That being said, you should note that these are the penalties for what the state deems "personal use," and that possession with the intent to distribute generally results in even harsher penalties. Furthermore, if you are caught using marijuana in public, you may face a potential $500 civil fine, and if this is your second or subsequent marijuana offense, you will face increased fines.

What are the penalties for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in Maryland?

The penalties for the possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute are even harsher, which is why you must not proceed without retaining the assistance of an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney who can represent your best interests through every step of the process ahead. The consequences for the intent to distribute marijuana in Maryland are as follows:

• Less than 50 pounds: Felony, 5 years of incarceration, and a potential $15,000 fine.
• 50 pounds or more: Felony, a minimum of 5 years of incarceration, and a potential $15,000 fine.
• More than 50 pounds (drug kingpin): Felony, between 20-40 years of incarceration, and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
• For the intent to distribute to a minor: Felony, up to 20 years of incarceration, and a $20,000 fine.
• In a school vehicle, or in, on, or within 1,000 feet of an elementary or secondary school: Felony, up to 20 years of incarceration, and a potential $20,000 fine.

If you have been charged with marijuana possession, give our Maryland criminal defense attorneys a call today. We have what it takes to help.

Contact our experienced Maryland firm

Here at the Ruben Law Firm, we understand how much your legal situation means to you. That is why we pledge to provide you with the personalized attention you deserve, every step of the way. Our firm is more than happy to assist you through matters of personal injury law, bankruptcy, family law, criminal defense, and estate planning. Attorney Ruben has helped clients achieve favorable results in a wide array of legal matters for years, and he is ready to do the same for you. Simply contact the Ruben Law Firm today.