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.
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.
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.