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Marijuana Crimes

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

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Newport RI Marijuana Crimes Lawyer

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.

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