subject: Arrested For Marijuana - How A Drug Attorney Can Help [print this page] If you've been arrested on charges pertaining to the sale or possession of marijuana, this isn't a situation you should deal with alone. While people have a tendency to minimize the importance of being charged with marijuana crimes, you might be surprised at how fierce the prosecution is when it comes to seeking punishment. Depending on the judge you get, you could very well wind up in prison for something you found insignificant. Don't let this happen without a fight. Here's how a drug attorney can help with a wide variety of charges.
Possession
Possession is one of the most common charges pertaining to marijuana and illicit substances in general. If the amount found is small and you have no prior record, you have a good chance of finding leniency in the court system. But don't take this for granted. In many states, the law allows for some fairly harsh penalties even for first time offenders. You can roll the dice if you like, but this is your life you're talking about. By hiring a good drug attorney, you greatly improve your chances of getting a punishment on the lighter end of the spectrum, if you can't beat the charges altogether.
Medical Marijuana
In some states, medical marijuana is legal with a prescription, but this isn't the case in all states by any means. A valid prescription in one state may mean nothing in another. Even in states that have voted to completely legalize the substance, federal law still prohibits growth and possession, meaning you could still wind up in trouble. Don't assume that a valid prescription will protect you from harsher sentencing. In some cases, a judge may even lean towards harsher penalties, simply to send a message. A drug attorney can ensure that your rights are protected and that you aren't treated like an opportunity to make a statement.
Intent and Cultivation
The authorities take possession with intent and cultivation much more seriously than they do a simple possession charge. If you've been arrested on either of these charges, you can't afford to go to court without a good drug attorney handling your case. In some cases, someone charged with intent may have had no such intentions. It is determined by amount, not necessarily by extenuating evidence. Overcoming cultivation charges is a very difficult task, and it certainly isn't one you can accomplish on your own. You need an attorney with experience in the field who will aggressively defend your rights in court.
