Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

While many advocate the necessity of making marijuana legal, it is still a crime to possess or distribute.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession

Possession of marijuana for personal use in Alabama is a misdemeanor. Possession of marijuana for other than personal use (i.e. sale) is a felony. The law does not state a specific quantity that differentiates between the two charges. Generally speaking, law enforcement officials consider quantities in excess of one ounce to constitute 'other than personal use'. However, an attorney is free to argue to a jury that any quantity under 2.2 pounds* was possessed for personal use.

*Possession of 2.2 or more pounds of marijuana in Alabama constitutes trafficking in marijuana under state law, regardless of the intent of the person in possession.

It is important to note that if you are convicted of possession, sale, manufacture, or cultivation of any drug, you will have your driver’s license suspended for six months.

Defense of Your Marijuana Possession Charge

A drug conviction can alter your life and have negative ramifications when it comes to your employment and home life. Every minute you wait to secure representation puts you at more of a disadvantage. At Simms & Associates, we advocate for our clients' rights. We will review the evidence and the procedures leading up to and during your arrest. To determine whether we should negotiate or litigate the case to trial, we will review the prosecution's case. Our goal is to get your charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.