It’s no secret that the national opinion on marijuana is rapidly changing. Each year new states enact bills that legalize the use of medical and recreational marijuana. However, in Texas, it remains illegal to possess, sell, distribute, or cultivate the drug. In fact, Texas is a leading state when it comes to the severity of punishments for drug crimes. The possession of two grams of marijuana can be enough to land you in jail for one year.
This does not mean that Texas has been completely immune to changing attitudes. The 2015 Compassionate Use Act created an extremely limited medical marijuana program for use within the state. This new law covers only sufferers of intractable epilepsy, allowing patients access to marijuana with low levels of THC. Patients must receive authorization from a doctor, typically after other treatment options have proven ineffective. Unlike other states, Texas does not allow sufferers to grow their own marijuana.
As of this posting, the current penalties for possession of marijuana are as follows:
2 Ounces or Less: Class B Misdemeanor; up to six months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine
2 to 4 Ounces: Class A Misdemeanor; up to 1 year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine
4 Ounces to 5 Pounds: State Jail Felony; up to 2 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
5 to 50 Pounds: Third Degree Felony; up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
50 to 2,000 Pounds: Second Degree Felony; up to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
2,000 Pounds or More: First Degree Felony; up to 99 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine
Fighting Possession of Marijuana Charges
A conviction for the possession of marijuana can complicate life long after incarceration has ended and fines have been paid. A mark on your criminal record can affect the places you qualify to live and restrict your employment opportunities. Do not let the changing national attitude towards marijuana fool you into underestimating the seriousness of drug related offenses. If you have been accused of a drug crime, waste no time in contacting the Law Office of Samuel R. Terry.
Questions about your case? Contact the firm’s lead Fort Worth criminal defense attorney and discover your legal options. Call (817) 882-9977 today.