Joseph Alexander Paletta Drug Crimes Law Blog on Lawyers.com

There's been a lot of talk in the news recently about legalization of marijuana for medical uses.  Currently Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have laws that effectively remove state-level criminal penalties for growing and/or possessing medical marijuana.

As a Pittsburgh drug crimes lawyer, I know that Pennsylvania has no such laws and federal law classifies as a Schedule I substance, defined as having a high potential for abuse and no medicinal value.  

Despite the many pro-legalization arguments, it's important to remember that in Pittsburgh, possession of, selling, or intent to deliver/distribute marijuana is a serious crime with serious penalties.

Some people believe that a drug charge for something as "simple" as marijuana possession is not really a big deal, or that it's not as serious as other illegal drugs.  However, any drug conviction, no matter how simple or harmless you believe the drug to be, can impact you for the rest of your life. 

First time offenders may only be sentenced to probation, but for two-time or multiple offenders, the penalties for possession of marijuana could double:

• For 30 grams or less:  up to 30 days in jail, and a fine of $500.
• More than 30 grams:  up to 1 year in jail and $5000 in fines.
• Automatic six month loss of your driver's license.

Additionally, possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana can result in a possession with intent to deliver/distribute charge, with fines up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.  If you sold to a minor, that doubles to a $5,000 fine and up to two years in jail.

Remember, despite all of the debates, possession of marijuana is a crime with serious consequences.

Joseph Alexander Paletta, Esq.
437 Grant Street, Suite 424
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Toll Free: 1-866-463-2257