Public attitudes towards the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana have grown more permissive in recent years, and this shift has been reflected by many state legislatures that have voted to decriminalize or even legalize marijuana possession. Unfortunately for Alabamans who are caught with marijuana, our great state is not one of the many that have legalized it, and possession of any amount of marijuana can result in consequences.
The Legal and Collateral Consequences of a Drug Conviction
The possession of marijuana is a crime in Alabama, and people who are caught with any amount can face up to one year in jail and fines of up to $6,000. If there is evidence that the marijuana discovered was not just for personal use, you could be facing between one year and a day and ten years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. The penalties associated with the possession of marijuana increase with subsequent offenses.
What’s more, people who are convicted of any sort of drug crime experience substantial collateral consequences that can affect them for years or even decades after they have served their sentence. Some of the issues you can experience after a drug offense conviction include:
- The loss of an existing job
- Problems getting a job
- Sanctions imposed by your school
- Reduced chances of admission to the college or university of your choice
- Restrictions on your right to own firearms
A Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer May be Able to Help
If you’ve been arrested for the possession of marijuana and are terrified that you’ve ruined your life, we have some good news: an attorney can often help significantly mitigate the short and long-term consequences of an arrest. In some cases, an attorney may be able to uncover errors that the police made during their investigation that could result in the case against you being dropped or dismissed. If, for example, the police violated your rights during a traffic stop and that’s how they found the weed, it’s likely that the evidence they gathered could be suppressed, meaning it couldn’t be used against you. These kinds of defenses can be very difficult to identify, so it’s important to have a lawyer review your case, regardless of the circumstances.
In addition, many low-level first-offense marijuana charges are resolved through by reaching a plea bargain with the prosecuting attorney, and a skilled criminal defense lawyer may be able to get you a deal that allows you to avoid a conviction completely, provided you comply with certain terms. The best way to determine your best path forward is to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can.
Call Luck Law Today to Schedule a Consultation with a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of marijuana possession or any other crime, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you can. With more than two decades of experience, attorney Terry Luck has what it takes to protect your freedom and your future. To schedule a consultation with Mr. Luck, call our office today at 334-262-5455 or contact us online.
