Decriminalization Laws for UCONN Marijuana Possession
While the decriminalization of marijuana is a major step forward in Connecticut law, many people are unsure of what decriminalization actually entails. The subject of decriminalization is important, especially considering the potential implications that it could have for university students who have been charged with possession while on campus. If you have been charged with possession or, you want to learn more about decriminalization laws for UCONN marijuana possession, consult an adept marijuana possession lawyer today.
Common Misconceptions About Decriminalization of Marijuana
The most common misconception about decriminalization laws for UCONN marijuana possession is that a lot of people think that any amount of marijuana is no longer a crime. That is not the case. Anything from a half ounce to four ounces is a misdemeanor, and if a person gets much greater than that, a person could face potential felony charges even with the decriminalization.
How Do Decriminalization Laws Relate to Possession
Decriminalization of marijuana possession means that there are a lot less criminal marijuana arrests, because of the fact that a lot of them are going through the infractions bureau now, at least at first. The only way that cases involving less than half an ounce of marijuana possession get to Superior Court is if the person pleads not guilty and gets a court date.
Unfortunately, decriminalizarion laws for UCONN marijuana possession do not apply to all types of possession. If a person is in possession of less than half an ounce of marijuana, it considered a violation in Connecticut and not a crime anymore, but anything over a half ounce is still a crime.
Do Decriminalization Laws Affect or Apply to UCONN Students
It relates to the amount. If a UCONN student is in possession of less than half an ounce of marijuana, they will not be charged criminally, but they will be issued an infraction ticket.The most important thing is even though it is not technically a criminal charge it still could affect their future once they graduate UCONN and are in the working world.
How Decriminalization Has Influenced Enforcement of Local Marijuana Law
Decriminalization allows the police to just issue infraction tickets, which are similar to speeding tickets, for anything under a half an ounce of marijuana. So a lot of people that were using marijuana for personal use would fall into that category. They often would not have more than half an ounce on them just for themselves.
Decriminalization is helpful because people are no longer getting arrested. Instead, they are just getting issued an infraction for possession. On the other side, when Connecticut decriminalized it, they also added that if a person under 21 is found guilty of the infraction or plead guilty to the infraction that is when the driver’s license suspension through the DMV come into effect. So, they made it a little bit more serious by adding that on the other side.
Mitigating Factors Under Decriminalization Law
If a person had a small amount of marijuana and they were not selling or attempting to sell marijuana, that usually gives the defense lawyer a much better case than someone who is selling marijuana. Also, if the person is struggling with substance abuse issues, but is working on getting rehabilitation and treatment that will help to qualify for a more lenient sentence, as well.
Important Information for Those Facing Marijuana Possession Charges
Even marijuana possession is technically decriminalized, there still are penalties that could affect a student’s future, especially someone like a UCONN student who is going to be applying for internships and jobs.
It is important that students take these charges seriously, and act quickly. A lot of times, especially with UCONN students, they are scared to tell their parents, so they end up paying the ticket and pleading guilty or trying to handle it on their own. Unfortunately, that usually leads to a much messier situation.
While decriminalization laws for UCONN marijuana possession cannot completely protect a student from legal consequences for possession, they can (in some instances) mitigate the severity of the offense. If an individual wants more information on decriminalization and how it can impact their case, they should consult a qualified marijuana possession lawyer that can help.