Penalties for Possession of Marijuana in Texas
Penalties for Possession of marijuana in Texas are very harsh compared to other states. Even possession of the smallest amount of marijuana is a Class B Misdemeanor in Texas. This means that you face up to 180 in jail and/or up to a $2,000.00 fine for possessing less than two ounces of marijuana. If you are arrested or charged for possessing over four ounces marijuana, a Class A Misdemeanor in Texas, you face up to an entire year in jail and/or up to a $4,000.00 fine.
Marijuana Possession Penalties in Austin, Texas
- Possession of Marijuana 2 ounces or less is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000.
- Possession of Marijuana between 2 and 4 ounces of is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 in jail year and a fine up to $4,000.
- Possession of Marijuana between 4 ounces and 5 lbs. is considered a State Jail felony, punishable by a minimum of 180 days and up to a maximum of 2 years in Texas state Jail and a fine up to $10,000.
- Possession of Marijuana between 5 lbs. and 50 lbs. of is classified as a Third Degree felony, punishable by a minimum sentence of no less than 2 years imprisonment and up to a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, and a fine up to $10,000.
- Possession of between 50 lbs. and 2,000 lbs of marijuana is a Second Degree felony, punishable by minimum sentence of 2 years imprisonment and up to a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, and a fine up to $10,000.
- Possession of more than 2,000 lbs. of marijuana is a First Degree Felony, punishable by a minimum sentence of 5 years and up to a maximum sentence of 99 years, and a fine of up to $50,000.
Additional Penalties for Possession of Marijuana
As you can see, penalties for possession of marijuana in Texas can be devestating. However, in addition to the penalties specified above, there are also additional consequences of a conviction for possession of marijuana. These penalties include the automatic suspension of your Texas driver’s license, ineligibility to receive federal funds for college, difficulty in finding emloyment and a permanent drug conviction on your criminal record. Possessing marijuana may not seem like a big deal when compared to crimes such as assault or DWI, but the penalties you face in Texas can be just as severe.
Austin Marijuana Possession Lawyer
There are many legal defenses to a drug possession cases. If you have been arrested or charged with marijuana possession or another drug-related charge and are confused or unsure how to proceed, please call Austin drug possession lawyer Kevin Bennett at (512) 476-4626. You may also contact us through email.
