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Illegal possession of marijuana is one of the most common cases charged to court daily in Lake Charles. Marijuana is a controversial substance; although legal, it has varying clauses from state to state. It belongs to the popular class of substances (known as controlled substances) that shouldn't be freely circulated in the environment, you must know that the state law governing Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish has a very low tolerance for marijuana possession
Marijuana has been legalized, but there are clauses tied to its legality. This substance was legalized as a medical treatment for people with chronic diseases. So, if you want to possess marijuana legally, it has to be based on medical use. Marijuana was approved as an alternative drug for certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, cancer, muscle spasm, seizure disorder, and other debilitating conditions.
Since medical marijuana is a thing in Lake Charles, possession for medical reasons must be followed up by a valid prescription by a physician. Possessing marijuana without medical prescription can get you into a criminal case in Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish. A marijuana case warrants you to have a defense lawyer to appeal and defend you to get the best possible outcome. No one is given the freedom to move freely or possess marijuana without prescription/ legal proof of possession.
Recreational use of marijuana is illegal owing to reasons revolving around its mind-altering effects and its capacity for addiction. The streets are filled with people addicted to marijuana and those acting under the influence of marijuana. The goal of this law is to reduce the number of people acting under the influence of the mind-altering effect of marijuana.
The severity of punishment given to a person found in illegal possession of marijuana varies depending on the amount they have on them and prior convictions. When charged to court for this offense, you must reach out to Carl Barkemeyer as soon as possible so he can take up your case and defend you in court.
Possession of marijuana with the intent to sell is a higher level than ordinary possession for use. Whether you want to sell the marijuana in your possession or its kept for personal use is determined by the quantity of the substance found in your possession. If you are found to possess a large quantity of marijuana, you are charged to court for the intent to distribute or sell marijuana.
Possession with the intention to sell is a much more serious case of possession of marijuana. The major determinant if you possess it for personal use or the intent to distribute is the quantity of marijuana found on you. If found with a large quantity of marijuana, you will be charged for possession with the intent to sell.
In Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish, possession of 60 pounds or more is charged as an intent to sell. You may want to bring in your Marijuana lawyer in Lake Charles. Also, some materials could give you up as a distributor of marijuana. If drug paraphernalia is found along with large quantities of marijuana, it may give you up as a dealer. Drug paraphernalia includes a spoon, nylon, scale, etc. These materials may give you up for the distribution of marijuana, which is charged as a felony.
Marijuana belongs to the group of controlled substances. This classification has marijuana as one of the drugs with the most severe punishment upon possession. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which are illegal substances with a high ability to cause addiction.
· Possession;
Illegal possession of marijuana in a quantity that doesn't suggest distribution is punished as a misdemeanor. The offender is charged for possession of synthetic cannabinoids or marijuana and shall be incarcerated for up to 6months and made to pat a fine of $500 or both. A first offender caught with less than 60 pounds of marijuana shall be sentenced to not more than 6 months or pay a fine of up to $500, or both. A second offender shall be sentenced to up to 5 years or pay a fine of up to $2,000. A third offender receives a more severe penalty. They may be sentenced to up to 20 years of jail time.
· Possession with the intent to distribute;
If an offender is caught with over 60 pounds of marijuana, which could be charged as an intent to distribute the drug, they face a harsher penalty. If caught with over 60 pounds but less then 2,000 pounds of marijuana, the offender is incarcerated for up to 10 years, but not more than 60 years. For 2,000 pounds, but less than 10,000 pounds of marijuana, the offender is incarcerated for up to 20 years, but not more than 80 years. A quantity of up to 10,000 pounds attracts up to 20 to 80 years in prison.
Aggravating factors are circumstances in which the crime happened. These factors contribute to or enhance the severity of a crime. For marijuana possession, aggravating factors may include;
· Prior/multiple conviction: an offender with a history of marijuana conviction faces more severe penalties. The penalty an offender faces increases depending on the number of times they have been convicted. First offender, second offender...
· Inclusion of a minor: if you involve a minor in your marijuana crime, you are made to suffer harsher punishment. This may put you in for a higher degree of felony.
· A criminal record: having a criminal record can generally affect how the court punishes you.
Carl Barkemeyer is an experienced and skilled defense attorney in Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish. He has represented and made a difference in the cases of many people charged for marijuana possession here. Whenever you or anyone you get into a criminal case like marijuana possession., you shouldn't delay in contacting Carl Barkemeyer.
Get the legal representation you deserve today by reaching out to Carl Barkemeyer at 225-964-6720
Calcasieu Parish District Judges
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