Pennsylvania courts are harsh on drug offenders, even if it’s only their first charge. This is why if you are currently facing a marijuana-related offense, you must read on and hire experienced legal counsel as soon as you can. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the consequences of marijuana possession in Pennsylvania?
If you are caught in possession of marijuana in Pennsylvania, you may face the following penalties:
- 30 grams or less: Misdemeanor, 30 days in jail, $500 fine
- More than 30 grams: Misdemeanor, 1 year in jail, $5,000 fine
It should also be noted that your first possession conviction is, in some cases, eligible for conditional release. However, a second or subsequent conviction may lead to a doubled penalty.
What happens if I am caught selling marijuana in Pennsylvania?
The state of Pennsylvania takes the illegal sale and distribution of marijuana very seriously. If caught, you may face the following penalties:
- 30 grams or less for no profit: Misdemeanor, 30 days in jail, $500 fine
- More than 30 grams: Felony, up to 5 years in jail, $15,000 fine
If you are caught selling or distributing marijuana within 1000 feet of a school or 250 feet of a recreational playground facility, you may face a 2-4 year prison sentence. If you are caught selling to a minor, or were caught selling after a previous drug conviction, you may face doubled penalties. Additionally, Pennsylvania courts are allowed to increase the maximum fines to compensate for all the profits you made off the sale of marijuana.
What happens if I am caught with marijuana paraphernalia in Pennsylvania?
The possession or sale of paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense, punishable with 6-12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Additionally, if you are caught selling paraphernalia to a minor at least three years younger than you, you are facing a misdemeanor with a potential 2-year jail sentence and a $5,000 fine.
You should also know that the cultivation of marijuana in Pennsylvania is strictly prohibited, and if you are found cultivating any number of marijuana plants, you are looking at a felony charge that comes with up to 5 years of incarceration and a $15,000 fine.
Contact our experienced Pennsylvania firm
Ilkhanoff & Silverstein offers comprehensive courtroom and trial ex[erience that allows us to provide high quality, powerful legal representation. Prosecutors in Pennsylvania are highly motivated to win and give you the maximum sentence. Fortunately, our firm is willing to do the necessary work to obtain the most positive outcome possible in your case. If you are facing marijuana-related charges, you must contact a Pennsylvania drug crime defense lawyer who you can rely on.
