What is the Potential Outcome for a Possession of Marijuana Citation Less Than 10 Grams in Maryland?
What the actual outcome will be for a Possession of Marijuana Less Than 10 Grams citation varies depending on a number of factors, but there are many potential outcomes. Some of the most common are:
1. Nolle Prosequi / Charge dropped
A skillful lawyer can put your case in a position to have the charge dropped for a number of reasons. For instance, the State was not prepared for trial with their witnesses or the drugs were not properly analyzed.
2. Stet or Nolle Prosequi for a Drug Diversion Program / Community Service
Sometimes the best thing to do is take a deal where you do something (drug diversion program, community service, etc.) in exchange for the charges being dropped. Often this may be the best deal that an attorney can negotiate for you in the case.
3. Probation / Fine
The maximum penalty for this offense is 90 days in jail, but that is rarely the actual outcome. Even on a conviction (or a Probation Before Judgment) the judge may only place the Defendant on supervised or unsupervised probation or impose a fine for a first conviction.
4. Jail
Cannot be longer than 90 days in jail, but if someone has one or more prior convictions, and depending on the jurisdiction, the State may be seeking jail time. While the sentence is up to the judge, not the prosecutor, a judge could send a message by imposing some period of jail–whether that be a weekend, a week, a month, or the maximum time.
It is imperative to obtain an attorney in any situation where being locked up is a possibility! There are other possible outcomes than jail time for possession of a small amount of marijuana in Maryland, and having an attorney can not only keep you out of jail but can a lot of times keep your record clear. Feel free to contact attorney Chris Peretti at 301-875-3472 for a free consultation. I routinely defend folks charged with possession of marijuana and know all the ins and outs of the process, how to identify the best defenses, and how to take the specific approach in your case to get you the best result possible.