In the last several years, states across the nation have pushed to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Some have done so, and others like Minnesota have decriminalized marijuana possession in small quantities. This post will examine how much marijuana a person may possession and still be subject to decriminalization penalties, and what may happen if they possess more than that threshold. Readers should not rely on this post as legal advice and can talk to their local criminal defense attorneys for marijuana and other drug crime defense concerns.
Understanding decriminalization
Decriminalization is an important term when it comes to marijuana. Prior to recent history, a person who possessed any amount of marijuana may have been arrested on a serious drug charge in Minnesota. Now, a Stillwater resident may only face a petty misdemeanor if they are in possession of less than 42.5 grams of marijuana. The fine for this petty misdemeanor is $200.
Higher consequences for greater amounts of marijuana
Once a person possesses more than 42.5 grams of marijuana, however, their legal charges may become more severe if they are arrested on possession charges. Possessing more than 42.5 grams of marijuana is a felony with hefty penalties attached.
For example, possession between the amounts of 42.5 grams and 10 grams of marijuana can be punished with up to a 5-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine. Possession in excess of 10 grams may result in a prison sentence of 20 to 30 years and fines in excess of $250,000. As readers can see, the greater the amount of marijuana involved, the more serious the penalties associated with their marijuana possession charge.
Addressing marijuana charges in Minnesota
Drug charges based on marijuana possession are serious legal issues. Particularly when a person’s is alleged to be in possession of large quantities of the substance, they may worry about their future and the consequences of a possible conviction. They have options, however, and may have opportunities to reduce or avoid the penalties associated with their charges.
For some, plea deals may help them reduce their charges or the sanctions they can face for possible guilty pleas or convictions. Others may have strong defense options for preparing sound cases that combat the charges lodged against them by prosecutors. Whatever defense path they choose to follow, drug crime defendants do not have to face their legal troubles on their own. They can always choose to work with criminal defense lawyers who represent drug crime defendants in the courts of Minnesota.