Toledo Marijuana Possession Lawyer

While the use of marijuana may seem commonplace in Toledo and certainly in other parts of the country where marijuana has been legalized, such as Washington or Colorado, the reality is that marijuana use in Ohio can still result in serious penalties, and that under federal law, marijuana continues to be classified as a Schedule I drug (the most serious schedule of drug).

If you are found to be in possession of marijuana in our state, you may face penalties or criminal consequences. Here’s what you should know about Ohio’s marijuana laws, as well as how a Toledo marijuana possession lawyer can assist you–

WHAT CONSTITUTES POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA IN OHIO?

Possession exists when marijuana is found to be on an individual’s person (i.e. in their pocket or purse) or in their control. As such, even if you do not actually have the marijuana on you at a given moment, if you have marijuana in your car or home, you are guilty of possession. 

Fortunately, the possession of small amounts of marijuana has been decriminalized in Ohio. Today, being found in possession of less than 100 grams of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor offense, and will not result in any incarceration, although a fee of up to $150 will apply. Being found in possession of between 100 and 200 grams of marijuana is also a misdemeanor offense, although the penalties are slightly more serious: up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250. 

The possession of 200 grams or more of marijuana, however, is a felony offense. To be sure, according to the NORML Foundation, marijuana offenses are penalized in the following way:

• Between 200-1,000 grams of marijuana: felony offense – up to one year incarceration and $1,000 fine
• Between 1,000-20,000 grams of marijuana: felony offense – between one and five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000
• Between 20,000-40,000 grams of marijuana: felony offense – mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000
• 40,000 grams or more: felony offense, mandatory minimum prison time of eight years and a fine of up to $20,000. 

Note that in addition to having marijuana in one’s possession, other marijuana-related activities are also prohibited under the law, including cultivation, possession of hash and concentrates, and possession of paraphernalia. 

Of course, the sale and distribution of marijuana are also prohibited under the law, too.

For a free legal consultation with a marijuana possession lawyer serving Toledo, call (419) 930-3030

HOW A MARIJUANA POSSESSION CONVICTION CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

While the possession and use of marijuana may seem like no big deal to you, the truth is that a marijuana conviction, especially a felony conviction, could change your life. Not only may you face serious legal consequences, such as jail or prison time and large fines, but a drug conviction on your record may prevent you from gaining employment opportunities in the future, from participating in certain programs, and even from having full custody of your children in certain cases, especially if you and your children’s other parent are separated. Don’t wait for a marijuana conviction to affect your life – as soon as you are charged with marijuana possession, hire a skilled lawyer for representation that you can trust. 

Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

A NOTE ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN OHIO

The state of Ohio does have laws in place that permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes. However, in order to use medical marijuana lawfully, one must have a qualifying medical condition, must be a registered patient, and cannot cultivate marijuana at home.

DEFENSES TO MARIJUANA POSSESSION

Being charged with possession of marijuana can be a very unsettling experience, and one that leads to a lot of anxiety about the future and your opportunities. By working with a qualified lawyer, you may be able to have charges against you dropped or reduced, to secure a less severe sentence, or be found innocent of the charges you’re facing. Our lawyers can help you to understand the most common defenses to marijuana possession, as well as which, if any, apply to you. Common defenses include: 

• You were unaware of the fact that you were in possession of marijuana;
• You were not in possession of marijuana;
• The marijuana was not yours;
• You had a prescription for marijuana; or 
• The marijuana/evidence against you was seized in violation of your Constitutional rights.

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HOW OUR TOLEDO MARIJUANA POSSESSION LAWYERS CAN HELP YOU

At the law offices of Groth & Associates, we recognize that facing marijuana charges can be terrifying. When you call our law firm, we will immediately start working on your case, and will work hard for you to not only protect your constitutional rights, but also to secure the best case outcome possible. Our lawyers help you by:

• Explaining the charges you’re facing;
• Explaining the potential sentence you face;
• Reviewing and analyzing the evidence against you;
• Filing motions on your behalf, including motions to have evidence against you suppressed;
• Building your defense;
• Negotiating with the prosecution to reach a plea agreement;
• Representing you during a trial; and
• More.

Throughout the entire process, we promise to remain accessible and available and to always put your interests first. As our client, our first priority is to provide you with competent, effective counsel and criminal defense services.

CONTACT A TOLEDO MARIJUANA POSSESSION ATTORNEY AT THE LAW OFFICES OF GROTH & ASSOCIATES TODAY

If you are facing criminal charges, especially drug charges, you need a lawyer on your side immediately. The longer that you wait to call a lawyer, the more you may be harming your case – you can be sure that the prosecution will start working on your case immediately. At the law offices of Groth & Associates, our Toledo marijuana possession lawyers care about you and are committed to serving you. To schedule a consultation or to get the legal advice you need now, please call us directly or send us a message at your convenience. We can travel to your location for legal services.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form