UCONN Marijuana Possession Lawyer
Even though marijuana can be legally possessed by those 21 and older, you can still be charged or ticketed for illegal possession of marijuana depending on the circumstances. There are a couple of different charges for illegal marijuana possession in Connecticut. A person could be charged with misdemeanor illegal possession of marijuana, which is a criminal arrest, or they can be charged by an infraction ticket, which is treated as a violation in Connecticut and not a criminal charge technically. It depends on the amount of marijuana that a person has on them, the person’s age, and prior history. Possession could mean on their person, in their car, in their bedroom, within reach, and almost anything that shows that they had ownership of it. If you have been charged with illegal marijuana possession, get in touch with a UCONN marijuana possession lawyer. A tenacious legal advocate can fight to defend your case.
Being Found to be in Illegal Possession of Marijuana
If you are under 21 you can never possess any marijuana. If you are over 21 you cannot possess more than an ounce and a half of marijuana outside of a locked compartment. Therefore, there are a couple of different ways to be found in illegal possession of marijuana. It could happen if an officer pulls someone over and the person appears to be under the influence of marijuana that might make the officer want to search the person’s vehicle to ensure marijuana laws are being complied with, especially if someone in the vehicle is under 21.
At UCONN, it is more often a room, for example, a dorm room gets a noise complaint and the officers come and ask to search the room. They end up searching the room one way or the other and they might find it that way.
How is Possession Viewed in the Eyes of the Law?
The state of Connecticut does not look at illegal marijuana possession favorably but compared to other hard drugs, such as heroin, it is taken a little bit more lightly.
That being said, illegal marijuana possession is still an offense of varying degree from minor to serious, depending on the amount of marijuana and the person’s age.
Illegal marijuana possession is a priority, especially on college campuses like UCONN. Marijuana is one of the more common drugs, so it ends up being a priority for the UCONN police officers. They see it more, so there tend to be more charges at places like UCONN or other Connecticut colleges.
Do Prosecutors Treat Marijuana Charges Differently Than Other Substance-Related Charges?
In some cases, the prosecutors probably do treat marijuana charges differently than other substance-related charges. They look at other drugs a little more seriously, especially heroin. Most prosecutors probably see it as less serious than a drug like heroin, but because it is so popular on college campuses, the prosecutors in Rockville do take it seriously, trying to curb college students from using it when it is done so illegally. An experienced UCONN marijuana possession lawyer can work tirelessly to defend their potential client against the prosecutor.
What Students Should Know About Marijuana Possession Laws
First, even if the UCONN police only issue a ticket, the student still needs to take it seriously and consult an attorney because it can become a part of their permanent record if not handled properly.
Second, even though marijuana is legal in Connecticut for persons over 21, if someone has a large amount of marijuana, whether for personal use or to sell, or is under 21, they could still be charged with a crime.
Third, even if they are just issued the infraction ticket or if they are arrested, they still could face penalties through UCONN’s disciplinary system and face proceedings through the school in addition to anything in court.
What Are Factors That Can Impact the Severity of Charges?
One factor that can impact the severity of a possession charge is the amount of marijuana they were found to possess. The amount of marijuana found on the person, along with their age, can determine whether they are going to be charged with a misdemeanor or issued an infraction. Another thing that makes it more serious is if the police or authorities think that the person is illegally selling marijuana. That is going to be a more serious penalty than someone that clearly is in possession for personal use.
The Severity of Marijuana Possession Penalties at UCONN
If someone is found to be in illegal possession of marijuana, they are most likely going to be issued something that seems just like a speeding ticket and they will have the opportunity of paying that fine or pleading not guilty and fighting it in Rockville Superior Court. If they plead guilty or they are found guilty of illegally possessing marijuana, it is a violation that could come up on a background check.
If a student over 21 is caught with more than five ounces of marijuana, it is a class C misdemeanor, so a person is exposed to potential jail time, potential periods of probation, and higher potential fines, as well. Students over 18 found in possession of five or more ounces of marijuana may also face misdemeanor charges.
Impact of Marijuana Possession Charges on Employment Opportunities
An illegal marijuana possession conviction would be reflected on a person’s criminal record or on a background check in the case of an infraction. A lot of times, especially with UCONN students who are going to be in the job market soon, if they are going against someone who has a clean record, that could be the deciding factor when applying for jobs and for graduate school.
In addition to the immediate penalties, such as potential probation, jail, and fines a person might have to think about if they are charged with criminal possession of marijuana, there are long-term consequences a person might have to deal with as well.
Long-Term Implications of a Marijuana Possession Offense
The long-term implications of an illegal marijuana possession offense have changed a little bit, especially since Connecticut legalized marijuana for all those older than 21. If an individual wants to know more, they should ask a knowledgeable UCONN marijuana possession lawyer.
Value of Working With a UCONN Marijuana Possession Attorney
There are a variety of benefits that come with working with a local drug attorney. Just being able to compare marijuana to other more serious drugs and explain to the court that this is not something that is as addictive or as dangerous as other drugs is helpful. A UCONN marijuana possession lawyer that knows the different characteristics of each drug is able to make comparisons and use it to help you in court. If you have been charged with illegal marijuana possession, contact a distinguished UCONN marijuana possession attorney that can build your case.