Marijuana decriminalization is one of the news issues that is being spoken of frequently these days. In recent days, Canada has announced a nationwide program for the legalization of this drug. Even President Trump has noted that he might be willing to look into loosening up the federal laws against marijuana.
In Arkansas, there are many different laws that apply to marijuana. For example, this state has a medical marijuana exception so that people who meet specific requirements can legally take the drug. Without a medical marijuana exception, you can be charged with a crime if you are found to be in possession of it. You can also face charges for selling, distributing or trafficking.
For the most part, courts have a wide berth for what they can do when a person is caught with small amounts of marijuana. You can face up to one year in jail for possession convictions for small amounts of drugs. Cases involving 10 pounds or more usually have mandatory minimums. Fines and other penalties are also possible, so you should find out what might happen in your case. This enables you to plan your defense strategy accordingly.
Being convicted of selling or distributing marijuana can result in a prison sentence, especially with greater quantities of the drug. For trafficking, which is possible for charges associated with 500 pounds or more of marijuana, there is a mandatory minimum sentence that will apply.
One important distinction that you need to find out about is whether your case is a felony or a misdemeanor. First offenses associated with small amounts are usually misdemeanors; however, larger quantities and subsequent offenses are usually felonies.