Most people in Ohio don’t think that possession of marijuana is a big deal. After all, possession of fewer than 100 grams of cannabis is considered a minor misdemeanor that requires a fine of $150 and no jail time. In fact, this will not even show up during a background check as having a criminal record in most cases.
Unfortunately, what many people fail to realize is that possession of more than 100 grams of marijuana can still lead to serious criminal charges. In fact, possession of more than 200 grams of marijuana (even in plant form) can lead to felony charges. Not only can felony possession of marijuana result in serious legal consequences, but it can also lead to long-term social and career consequences.
What Does a Felony Marijuana Charge Mean for Me?
If you are arrested for a felony possession of marijuana in Ohio, you face some serious penalties. If you are arrested with between 200 and 1,000 grams of cannabis, you face the following legal consequences:
- A 6 month to yearlong incarceration,
- Driver’s license suspension,
- $2,500 in fines,
- Loss of federal scholarships,
- Permanent criminal record.
In addition, you may face difficulties finding a job, acquiring a professional license, and acquiring quality housing. These penalties only increase if you are found in possession of larger quantities of marijuana. In fact, the maximum penalty for possession of marijuana can actually include two to eight years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Needless to say, a felony charges for possession of marijuana are a much bigger deal than many people first realize.
That’s why if you have been arrested for possession of marijuana, you can’t simply shrug it off even though that Ohio has substantially loosened its marijuana laws. A felony charge for marijuana can still significantly impact your life for a long time. That’s why you need to call an experienced Ohio drug lawyer right away to help you fight the charges and ensure that your rights are always protected.
If you have been arrested on a marijuana charge in the Cincinnati area, call Cincinnati drug lawyer Brad Groene immediately at (513) 338-1890 for a free consultation on your case. He will be by your side throughout the whole process and help you get the best outcome possible from your case.
