Under federal law, possession of marijuana is a felony or a Class A misdemeanor, depending on whether the possessor has or has not been previously convicted of a drug offense. This is true even without distribution, or intent to distribute. The maximum punishment does not depend upon the quantity of marijuana possessed. The maximum punishment for possessing one gram of marijuana is identical to the maximum punishment for possessing a ton or more. The federal statute that prohibits possession of marijuana is 21 U.S.C. Section 844.
Although the maximum punishment does not depend on the quantity possessed, it very heavily depends on the number of previous drug-related convictions. Here are the details:
|
This table applies to federal convictions for simple possession. It does not apply to federal crimes like possession with intent to distribute, or actual distribution of federally controlled substances. And although this table provides information for federal marijuana convictions, it actually applies to all federal drug-related convictions. The prior convictions that can trigger the enhanced punishments specified above need not have been federal convictions. They may have been federal convictions, and they may have been State convictions. Where two or more prior convictions are involved, they may have been any combination of State and federal convictions.
Under New Jersey state law, simple possession of fifty grams or less of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense, and not a crime or felony. A situation exists where federal charges of small amounts of marijuana can be classified in that manner. This situation is where the possession of marijuana offense occurs on federal property. Examples of such federal property are Sandy Hook National Park, Picatinny Arsenal, and McGuire Air Force Base. It will still be a federal offense, and the charges will still be handled in federal court. However, the law that the federal judge will apply will be New Jersey state statutes, and New Jersey cases decided under those statutes.
Allan Marain is a New Jersey marijuana lawyer. He has successfully represented hundreds of clients charged with marijuana and marijuana-related offenses. He is available to discuss your situation in a no-charge no-obligation office conference. Call him!
Overview |
Allan Marain |
Norman Epting, Jr.
Case Evaluation |
Expungements |
Radio Promo |
Gun Lawyers |
Your Privacy |
Contact Us
Possession |
Distribution |
Intent To Distribute |
Paraphernalia |
Growing |
Juveniles |
PTI
CDS in Motor Veh. |
Conditional Dschg |
Drug Tests |
School Zone |
Public Housing |
Public Parks
Public Buildings |
Manufacturing |
Drivers Licenses |
Cocaine
(Federal)
Possession |
Distribution |
Constitutionality |
The Twilight Zone
On the Job |
Stopped by Police |
Jersey Justice |
El Paso |
Jury Service |
Dangerous Drugs
Cannabis Oil |
PGP Public Key |
High Links |
Lab Forensics |
About Marijuana
AG Guidelines |
Jill Stein, 2016 |
Donald J. Trump |
Winston Churchill
Reefer Madness |
Drug Informants |
Just Say “No!” |
Directions |
How Did We Do? |
Parking
