Marijuana Laws in Maryland: Do You Know Everything?

It has been a few years now since Maryland decriminalized marijuana, and most people in the state are aware of that. The law states that you will be charged with a civil citation if found to possess less than 10 grams of marijuana. There are no longer criminal charges associated with possession of small amounts of marijuana. However, the law is not as simple as it may sound.

There are some variations in punishments and fines associated with possession of marijuana. The simple rule that everyone knows (i.e. possession of less than 10 grams results in a civil citation) only applies to people over 21. Anyone caught possessing less than 10 grams of marijuana will be required to appear in court where a judge is likely to require a drug diversion or education program to be completed. Another variation in the law applies to subsequent offenders. Anyone who previously had been cited 2 other times for possession under 10 grams will be required to appear in court if caught possessing less than 10 grams for a third time.

A first offense for possession of less than 10 grams results in a $100 fine. A second offense carries a $250 fine. A third offense carries a $500 fine.

Drug offense laws vary state to state and they can often be very confusing. If you have been charged with a drug offense in Baltimore, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.