Were You Arrested For Marijuana Possession Or Sale?

Bronx Defense Attorney Jason A. Steinberger Can Help You Fight Your Drug Charges

Across the country, states are passing laws that decriminalize marijuana, make it accessible to those who need it for medical reasons, and even legalize it altogether. However, although the stigma surrounding marijuana use has faded considerably in recent years, possessing, selling, or using marijuana (also known as weed or pot) is still illegal in New York and comes with serious consequences that could include:

  • Jail time
  • Probation
  • Fines
  • Mandated programs
  • Driver’s license suspension
  • A criminal record

According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of all Americans (53 percent) believe that marijuana should be legal – and nearly half (49 percent) have tried the drug in the past. Yet our laws lag far behind our changing feelings about the nation’s most commonly used illicit drug. If you are facing marijuana-related charges in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, or Manhattan, you need to take these charges as seriously as the courts do.

If you or someone you know is facing marijuana charges in the Bronx, you need a trustworthy and experienced marijuana attorney on your side. Bronx Defense Attorney Jason A. Steinberger is here to help you fight your drug charges and protect your rights. Contact our legal team today at (718) 585-2833 to schedule a free, private case review meeting with a knowledgeable marijuana lawyer in Bronx.

What Does it Mean to be in Possession of Marijuana?

In New York, if a person has marijuana on his or her person, then he or she can be charged with possession. However, a person can also be charged with possession if he or she is simply inside of a car that contains marijuana, whether that person was near the marijuana or not. Similarly, if a person is residing in a house that contains marijuana, that person may face a marijuana possession charge.

The consequences of possessing marijuana vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, possessing very small amounts of the drug can result in a simple fine, while possessing up to two ounces of marijuana (misdemeanor) may end with a $500 fine and up to three months in jail. Possession of 10 or more pounds of marijuana (felony) could result in up to 15 years in jail and $15,000 in fines. Possession of marijuana in public view is an additional misdemeanor charge that could add 90 days of jail time to your sentence.

What Does it Mean to Sell Marijuana in New York?

Clearly, if a person has marijuana and gives some to another person in exchange for money, that is a marijuana sale. But a person can also be charged with a marijuana sale for simply sharing marijuana, because the act of giving marijuana to someone else constitutes a marijuana sale. Believe it or not, passing a marijuana cigarette, otherwise known as a joint, can form the basis of being charged.

“Selling” a marijuana cigarette or up to 25 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor that can carry up to $1,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. Selling larger amounts, selling drugs with the assistance of a child, or selling to a minor are all felonies that can result in up to 15 years in prison and $15,000 in fines.

Other Related Marijuana Charges

In addition to marijuana sale or possession, there are a number of other charges that you may face, depending on the circumstances of your arrest. These include:

  • Marijuana cultivation – a misdemeanor that could result in one year in prison and $1,000 in fines. It is important to note that those who are charged with cultivating marijuana are also often charged with marijuana possession.
  • Marijuana trafficking – a felony that could result in a mandatory 15 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. A person is considered a marijuana trafficker if he or she leads or directs the organization that sells more than $75,000 in drugs per year.
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia (such as scales or balances) – a misdemeanor for first offenders and a felony for subsequent offenses. For first offenders, the consequences could include a year in prison. For repeat offenders, the consequences could include seven years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

Following Your Drug Arrest, Speak To Bronx Marijuana Defense Attorney Jason Steinberger

A lawyer talking to his client about identity theft in Bronx.The consequences of being convicted of serious drug charges can affect every aspect of your life, and could include the loss of your freedom. That’s why hiring a private criminal drug lawyer is so important to many people facing charges. Bronx marijuana defense lawyer Jason A. Steinberger can help if you have been arrested, are under investigation, or are wanted by the police. He can also educate you and give you the criminal legal guidance that you need to help with all types of drug criminal felonies, criminal misdemeanors, and criminal violations.

Our skilled legal practitioner also handles other types of criminal charges cases such as:

Protect Your Future Today with Bronx Marijuana Attorney Jason A. Steinberger

Don’t let a drug charge ruin your life. If you are facing marijuana-related charges in the Bronx, you need an experienced marijuana lawyer who can help you fight your charges and protect your rights.

Contact Jason A. Steinberger today at (718) 585-2833 or by filling out our online form for a free, private case evaluation. As a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense attorney, he has the knowledge and skills to build a strong defense and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Don’t wait, schedule your consultation now.