If you are facing a possession of marijuana charge in Texas, the extent of your potential penalty will depend upon the amount of marijuana, your prior criminal history, and whether any additional charges apply to the situation. By working with a criminal defense lawyer in Ft. Worth, you may be able to reach an acceptable settlement with the prosecutor resulting in reduced fines and the avoidance of jail time. The following discusses the general laws surrounding possession of marijuana in Texas as well the potential penalties awaiting those convicted.
Criminal Defense Attorney in Ft. Worth Describes Texas Possession Laws
There are six categories of marijuana possession crimes within the Texas Penal Code ranging in severity depending upon the amount of marijuana confiscated at the time of the arrest and subsequent investigation. The lowest level crime, possession of two ounces or less, is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $2,000. Possession of two to four ounces, also a misdemeanor, carries a maximum jail sentence of one year and a fine of $4,000.
From there, all other marijuana possession crimes in Texas are considered felonies, beginning with possession of four ounces to five pounds, which is punishable by a possible jail sentence of 180 days to two years and a maximum fine of $10,000. Possession of five pounds through 50 pounds is a felony punishable by a jail sentence between two and ten years and a maximum fine of $10,000. A defendant caught with between 50 and 2,000 pounds of marijuana will face a jail sentence between two and 20 years and a $10,000 fine. Lastly, any suspect apprehended in possession of more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana will face possible jail time spanning from five to 99 years and a maximum penalty of $50,000.
As your criminal defense lawyer in Ft. Worth will explain, Texas imposes a mandatory minimum jail sentence for all felony marijuana possession convictions.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Ft. Worth Today
If you are facing a recent criminal charge involving the possession of marijuana and are in need of legal representation, contact a criminal defense lawyer in Ft. Worth right away. For an appointment, call attorney Bryan Hoeller at 877-208-3382.
Fort Worth