Indiana has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the Midwest. Currently, there are no scenarios in Indiana in which the possession, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana is not a criminal offense. Furthermore, Indiana does not recognize medical marijuana licenses from other states, nor does the state care if your home state treats the possession of marijuana as a non-criminal offense.
If you are facing marijuana-related charges in Hammond, Indiana, you need immediate and effective legal representation from a Hammond criminal defense lawyer. Contact a Hammond marijuana charges defense attorney at The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC to protect your rights and build a solid defense strategy.
Why Choose Us?
Attorney Joseph M. Roberts has spent years defending people across Hammond who were charged with marijuana-related offenses. He understands how these cases move through local courts and what prosecutors are likely to argue. Our firm keeps you informed from day one and takes the time to explain what every step means for your case.
You will never feel like you are being passed around or rushed through a system you do not understand. We take a hands-on approach to defense, and we are committed to treating you with the respect and honesty you deserve. Larger firms may promise results but leave you guessing about what is really happening. Here, you will always have access to the person handling your case, and you will always be heard.
How Important Is Early Legal Consultation For Marijuana Charges In Hammond?
If you were recently charged or believe charges may be coming, timing matters. Speaking with a defense lawyer early helps you avoid mistakes that could come back to hurt your case. Many people try to explain their side to the police or handle things on their own, only to realize too late that those early conversations can be used against them. The sooner you reach out, the more control you have over what happens next.
Starting your defense early also gives you the chance to build a plan around the specific risks you are facing. This is especially important if you have prior offenses or if your charge could be filed as a felony. When our firm gets involved early, we can begin reviewing the facts, protecting your rights, and exploring alternatives that might be available before your first court date. Reaching out now gives you room to act, rather than react. You deserve that chance.
Possession of Marijuana in Indiana (Indiana Code § 35-48-4-11)
In Indiana, possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana starts as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
If you are caught in possession of 30 grams of marijuana or more, you may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a potential sentence of 1 year in jail, and up to $5,000 in fines.
Additionally, if you have ever been convicted of a drug offense at any time in your past, any subsequent charge involving less than 30 grams will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Subsequent charges involving 30 grams or more will be charged as a Level 6 felony, carrying six months to 2.5 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
Distribution and Cultivation of Marijuana in Indiana (Indiana Code § 35-48-4-10)
The penalties for being convicted of distributing marijuana are more severe than those for simple possession, but they also escalate in severity based on the quantity. For instance, according to Indiana Code § 35-48-4-10, a first-time charge for distributing Less than 30 grams of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail, and a $5,000 fine.
However, distributing more than 30 grams with a prior conviction increases the charge to a Level 6 felony, which can result in 6 months to 2.5 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
Cultivating (growing) marijuana is treated similarly to distributing marijuana, with the severity also depending on the quantity being cultivated. Cultivating large amounts (30 grams or more) can lead to felony charges, carrying significant prison time.
The Collateral Consequences of a Marijuana Conviction
The potential penalties for being convicted of a marijuana-related offense extend beyond just the threat of jail time. Certain federal scholarships and grants will terminate if you are convicted of a marijuana offense and can immediately require you to repay any money already given to you.
Additionally, if you were in a car at the time that you were arrested, even if you were not the driver of the car, your license and registration for any vehicle that you own may be suspended for six months or more.
What Does The Typical Defense Process Look Like For Marijuana Charges In Hammond?
Most people facing a marijuana charge have never been through the criminal court system before. It can feel confusing at first, but knowing what to expect can make a big difference in how you feel and how your case moves forward. Here is a look at the general path your case might take after an arrest.
From Arrest To Arraignment
After an arrest, you will likely be booked into custody and may go through an initial hearing where bond is discussed. If you are released, your next step is the arraignment, where you are formally told what you are being charged with. This is also when you enter a plea, and it starts the timeline for everything that follows.
Pretrial Motions, Discovery, And Negotiations
Once your case is underway, both sides will begin gathering and sharing evidence. Our firm reviews every detail during this phase to identify errors, challenge the strength of the prosecution’s case, and file any necessary motions. This is also when many plea negotiations take place, which could lead to reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
Trial, Sentencing, And Post-Conviction Options
If a plea deal is not reached, your case may go to trial. We prepare by reviewing evidence, questioning witnesses, and building your defense in front of a judge or jury. If you are convicted, we can talk with you about sentencing outcomes and whether options like appeal or expungement may be available in the future.
Why You Need a Hammond Marijuana Defense Charges Attorney
Being charged with a marijuana-related offense in Indiana is a very serious matter, but it is not a hopeless matter. An experienced marijuana charges defense lawyer can work to minimize or even completely eliminate the penalties you face.
A skilled Hammond marijuana defense lawyer from The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts will fight to get the charges reduced, negotiate a favorable plea bargain, or work toward an alternative sentence like probation or conditional release that will keep you out of jail.
Contact a Marijuana Charges Defense Lawyer in Hammond, Indiana.
It is very important to remember that marijuana is still illegal in Indiana and under federal law, and being caught possessing, selling, or cultivating the drug still carries serious legal penalties.
If you or somebody you care about has been charged with a marijuana-related crime in Hammond, Indiana, contact The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC to discuss how we can best minimize the consequences.