If you have been charged with a marijuana-related crime for the first time, it is important to know what penalties you might expect to face. The penalties differ based on a number of factors, including your criminal history and the type of marijuana/marijuana-related product involved. With the expertise of our lead criminal defense Attorney Jonathan W. McConnell, the McConnell Law Firm in Wichita, Kansas, is prepared to defend against a variety of marijuana charges.
Kansas recently changed the law regarding marijuana possession, easing the penalty for first-time possession charges. Penalties are tiered based on the amount of marijuana in your possession and your criminal history at the time of the arrest. “First-time marijuana possession is considered a Class B misdemeanor,” McConnell said. “It can incur a fine up to $1000, up to six months in jail, or both.”
Penalties for marijuana-related crimes beyond simple possession become complex quickly. In addition to criminal history and type of marijuana, there are many factors that affect sentencing. Kansas delineates penalties in categories for purposes of severity. For further information regarding the more severe marijuana-related offenses defined below, contact the McConnell Law Firm.
1 – Distribution of Marijuana
According to McConnell, distribution is the selling, transportation, or illegal import of marijuana. “You can incur enhanced penalties based on the amount being distributed and for selling to a minor or within 1000 feet of a school,” McConnell said.
2 – Cultivation of Marijuana
Cultivation is the growing of marijuana. “The severity of the penalty is dependent on the number of plants being grown,” McConnell said. “However, cultivation is a felony regardless of the other circumstances.”
3 – Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
Marijuana paraphernalia includes anything used in the growing, harvesting, processing, selling, storing, or use of marijuana. McConnell explains that, much like cultivation or distribution, there are many factors that determine the severity of a marijuana paraphernalia offense.
Have You Been Charged With Possession, Distribution, or Cultivation of Marijuana?
If you are in the Wichita area and have been accused of or charged with possession, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana, the McConnell Law Firm would like to help. Although every case is different and no conclusions should be drawn without a legal consultation to discuss the specifics of your case, it is usually best to hire a criminal defense attorney immediately following such an accusation or charge.
Contacting the McConnell Law Firm at the beginning of a criminal investigation is ideal, although we can also provide assistance even after charges have been filed.
