Houston Marijuana Possession Attorneys

In recent years, many states have relaxed their marijuana possession laws and decriminalized the drug, making it more accessible for those who need it or want to use it recreationally. However, in Texas, the laws surrounding marijuana possession are still strictly enforced.  Possession of marijuana can be a misdemeanor offense or a felony, depending upon the amount possessed by the defendant. If you have been charged with marijuana possession in Texas, our team of Houston marijuana possession defense lawyers at Mary E. Conn & Associates understands the fear and uncertainty you may feel. Our compassionate Houston marijuana possession defense attorneys work hard to alleviate your stress and get your charges reduced or dropped.

Our trusted firm Mary E. Conn & Associates has been in business since 1985, providing unmatched criminal defense services to Houston residents. Therefore, you can rely on us to listen to your story and fight tirelessly for your rights from start to finish. Our marijuana possession defense lawyers in Houston, TX give your case the individual care and attention it deserves to provide you with the best chance of achieving a positive outcome. If you have been charged with marijuana possession in Houston, don’t hesitate to call us and learn more about how our personalized services can help you.

What Are the Potential Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Texas?

Texas’s Health and Safety Code defines marijuana possession as knowingly or intentionally possessing a usable amount of marijuana. Penalties for this offense depend on the weight of the marijuana found and include the following:

• Two ounces or less: This is considered a Class B misdemeanor with maximum penalties of 180 days in county jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
• Two to four ounces: Possession of this amount of marijuana is considered a Class A misdemeanor and may result in up to one year in county jail and a $4,000 fine.
• Four to five ounces: This is a state jail felony with a penalty of 180 days to two years and a $10,000 fine.
• Five to 50 pounds: Possession of this amount may result in a third-degree felony and penalties of two to 10 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.
• 50 to 2,000 pounds: This second-degree felony has potential penalties of two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• 2,000 pounds or more: Possessions this large are considered an enhanced first-degree felony with possible penalties of 5 to 99 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Our empathetic defense lawyers at Mary E. Conn & Associates understand these penalties can seem intimidating, but it’s important to remember an arrest is not a conviction. Our team will work tirelessly to uncover all the facts related to your case, so we can devise the best strategy for your defense. Call us now to understand how our Houston, TX marijuana possession defense lawyers can help reduce your charges and potential penalties.

Understanding Possession of THC Charges and Penalties

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that has increased potency and is often used in edibles or vapes. While THC comes from the marijuana plant, possession of the oil comes with harsher potential penalties. Possession of any amount of THC is considered a felony in Texas, and punishments depend on weight, which is measured in grams. Possible penalties for THC possession include the following:

• One gram or less: This is considered a state jail felony, which may involve up to 180 days in jail and a $10,000 fine.
• One to four grams: This is a third-degree felony and may result in two to 10 years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Four to 400 grams: Possession of this amount is a second-degree felony, which may be punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• 400 grams or more: This charge can have a wide range of penalties, including five to 99 years in prison.

Despite several states legalizing marijuana and THC oil, Texas still has strict guidelines regarding these substances. At Mary E. Conn & Associates, we understand these penalties can be daunting, so we do everything we can to build a personalized, solid defense strategy that helps reduce your charges or, in the best case, gets your charges dismissed.

4 Defenses Against Marijuana Possession Charges

When thoroughly investigating your case, our attentive marijuana possession defense lawyers look closely to find opportunities for defense. Depending on your unique circumstances, our team may use one of the following defenses when fighting for your rights:

Improper Search and Seizure

Officers must follow specific protocols when searching your car, clothing, or other property. If they fail to follow the appropriate procedures and have to use tools to look inside your vehicle or other property, the search may be considered illegal. Additionally, if there were any legal issues with handling and weighing the marijuana, your charges may be dismissed.

Drugs Do Not Belong to You

Perhaps you were charged with marijuana possession, but it belonged to your roommate or someone else in your car. In this case, you may be able to defend against these charges by proving the marijuana was not yours and that you had no knowledge the other person possessed marijuana.

Planted Items

Another defense against marijuana possession charges is providing proof that someone planted the drug so you would take the fall. While this defense requires extensive evidence, our hardworking marijuana possession defense lawyers in Houston, TX work hard to obtain the proof to present a strong case.

Mistaken Drugs

An officer may think you are in possession of marijuana because they mistook something else for the illegal substance. Our Houston marijuana possession defense lawyers can order an analysis of the substance to determine if it is a drug, and if it’s not, the charges will likely be dismissed.

Why Contact Mary E. Conn & Associates After Receiving Marijuana Possession Charges?

The aftermath of receiving marijuana possession charges in Texas can be stressful and overwhelming, and acting quickly is crucial. However, it can be challenging to know where to start. Our experienced marijuana possession defense lawyers at Mary E. Conn & Associates in Houston, TX can help you create a personalized legal plan and fiercely advocate for your rights. Our team handles every aspect of your case, including the following:

• Collecting and analyzing evidence
• Interviewing witnesses 
• Building an effective defense strategy
• Answering your questions
• Utilizing valuable resources to strengthen your claim
• Speaking on your behalf in and out of court

With our Houston marijuana possession defense lawyers by your side, you have the best chance of achieving reduced or dropped charges, giving you the peace of mind that you are in the right hands and have dedicated advocates supporting you. Call us now to learn more about your case and more ways our marijuana possession defense attorneys can help.

Contact the Trusted Houston, TX Marijuana Possession Defense Attorneys at Mary E. Conn & Associates to Schedule a Consultation

After receiving marijuana possession charges in Houston, you may feel upset and lost. You may be wondering how being charged with a possession might affect your career, child custody, or other areas of your life. One of the first steps to take to fight for your rights is to contact the seasoned and skilled team at Mary E. Conn & Associates. Our marijuana possession defense attorneys in Houston work hard to ensure you are treated fairly and minimize your chance of getting penalized.

Since 1985, Mary E. Conn & Associates has proudly served Houston residents and fought for their rights. Our attorneys have worked on the most complex cases and are ready to take yours on. To schedule a free consultation today, call us at (713) 357-4190 or fill out our contact form. Our firm is located just twenty minutes from the Harris County Courthouse.

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