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Marijuana Crimes

Newport RI Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

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Client Testimonials

Josh is extremely skilled at what he does, and is a very approachable guy to work with. He is very experience in his work, and has excellent communication, customer service, and eager to help you in any way possible. His team also has very high urgency and customer service skills. I couldn't have imagined a better experience. If I were to ever find myself in need of any legal assistance again, this is the first person I'd call. He was the third or fourth individual I contacted in my search for legal advice, and the urgency, professionalism, good attitude, and incredible customer service of Josh & his colleagues were my deciding factor to go with him. Because I had him him to guide me through these dealings, I had an ironically very nice experience.

Em Lewis

15:42 26 Oct 18

I would recommend Josh Macktaz to anyone that needs help with a dui case ! He put my mind at ease after our first meeting and went over everything he was going to do for me and he did not let me down !!! I can't thank him enough for the outcome of my case and god forbid i ever needed him again he will be my first call ! I highly recommend Mr. Macktaz.

Guy Clausen 3rd

10:24 12 Oct 18

Attorney Macktaz showed excellent communication with me during the entire process. He was very transparent with everything he was doing and needed to get done. I highly reccommend using his services, especially in newport county matters.

aaron amaral

20:03 12 Sep 18

Being from out of state, never getting into any trouble in my life, and being completely terrified, not knowing anything about the judicial system or what was going to happen to me. I was lucky enough to have Josh recommended to me from a friend and I will forever be in debt to the both of them. From day one Josh thoroughly explained everything, reassured me, answered every email with every little question I had so promptly. I knew I was in the best, most capable hands I could be in. He makes you feel like you are his only client when I know just how busy he truly is. He went above and beyond for me, even saving me a trip to court because I am from out of state when he could. He knows the system, and the people within the system like the back of his hand. He is so thorough if there is a mistake that was made he will find it. That’s what he did for me. When I was sure my life was about to be turned upside down, he made something so nerve wracking as painless as possible. I could not have made a better decision by choosing him as my lawyer. I could never write enough good things about him, and I could never thank him enough for being so incredibly good at his job.

Lindsey Spencer

20:34 17 Nov 17

I highly recommend Joshua. He is very professional and explained everything in detail and my options in our first meeting. He did not raise unrealistic expectations and the end result was the "best case scenario" that he laid out for me in the initial consultation. I will be calling him again if I ever need help.

Tim Dawson

15:30 19 Sep 17

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Newport RI Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

Newport RI Marijuana Crimes Lawyer

Table of Contents

There are more arrests associated with the possession of marijuana than with possession of any other illicit drug in Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island UCR, in 2001 nearly 53 percent of adult arrests for drug possession and over 81 percent of all juvenile arrests for drug possession were marijuana-related.

Rhode Island Marijuana Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. provides aggressive and effective representation to individuals facing Marijuana (also called pot or weed) related Rhode Island drug offenses such as misdemeanor possession, felony possession, cultivation, sale, delivery, and distribution. A former Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General from 1993-1997 Attorney Macktaz has extensive experience with a misdemeanor and felony Marijuana possession, sale, and distribution cases as a prosecutor and has used that knowledge to successfully defend his private clients accused of marijuana and drug related offenses. Before becoming a private Rhode Island Defense Lawyer, Attorney Macktaz lectured in-coming police academy cadets as an AG Prosecutor on proper prosecutions. This unique experience has afforded Mr. Macktaz a wealth of knowledge not readily available to the average criminal defense attorney.

The criminal law embodies the statutes defining criminal offenses, including how offenders are to be charged, tried, and punished. If you are facing criminal charges in Rhode Island such as narcotics or Marijuana possession, intent, cultivation, sale, distribution, or delivery contact S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. a Rhode Island Defense Attorney today for a free, initial consultation to discuss your case.

Even though Rhode Island has legalized the use and possession of Medical Marijuana this does not immunize everyone. The penalties for possession of Marijuana in the state of Rhode Island are still severe.

Possession of Marijuana in Rhode Island Penalties:

Possession of Less than 1 kilogram of Marijuana in RI
Considered Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana and is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $200 – $500. If you receive a sentence of probation with no imprisonment, the offender is required to undergo a drug abuse evaluation, attend a drug education course and perform up to 100 hours of community service.
Possession 1 kilogram to 5 kilograms of Marijuana in RI
Considered felony marijuana possession and comes with the penalty is a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years (10) in prison with a maximum of 50 years and a fine of $10,000 – $500,000.
Possession of More than 5 kilograms of Marijuana in RI
Considered felony marijuana possession and the penalty is a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years (25) in prison with a maximum of life in prison and a fine of $25,000 – $100,000

Sale or possession within 300 yards of a school, public park or playground doubles the possible penalties.

In addition to these penalties if caught driving while in possession of marijuana this is penalized by automatic suspension of the offender’s driver’s license for six months for the first offense and for one year for subsequent offenses.

For sentences of probation with no imprisonment, the offender is required to undergo a drug abuse evaluation, attend a drug education course and perform 100 hours of community service.

Sale or Cultivation of Marijuana in Rhode Island Penalties:

ALL ARE FELONY CRIMES

Manufacture or delivery of less than 1 kilogram of Marijuana in RI
Manufacture or delivery of less than one kilogram of marijuana is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 – $100,000.
Manufacture or delivery of 1 kilogram to 5 kilograms of Marijuana in RI
For five kilograms or less, the penalty is a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison with a maximum of 50 years and a fine of $10,000 – $500,000.
Manufacture or delivery of 5 kilograms of Marijuana in RI
For more than five kilograms, the penalty is a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years in prison with a maximum of life in prison and a fine of $25,000 – $100,000.

Delivery to a minor at least three years younger than the offender adds an additional 2 – 5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Sale or possession within 300 yards of a school, public park or playground doubles the possible penalties.

These are serious penalties. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a marijuana-related crime Contact Newport, Rhode Island Marijuana Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today at 401-285-2996 and we will respond to you as soon as possible.