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We blog about relevant issues in criminal defense law, discuss the misconceptions surrounding criminal defense law, and provide readers with helpful criminal defense information and resources.


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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Educate Yourself About The Marijuana Laws In Massachusetts

It is important to understand that the differences in how marijuana is carried can vastly affect your penalty ranging from a civil offense to a mandatory prison sentence.  
Under current Massachusetts Law, possessing under an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana is considered to be a civil offense and could result in a $100 fine.  However, the way marijuana is packaged could be the difference between paying a $100 fine to serving a prison sentence of at least two years.  Someone who possesses an ounce of marijuana could pay the $100 fine if it is packaged in one bag only--on the contrary, someone who possesses five so called “20 sacks” (which is roughly 5 grams of marijuana) could be charged with distribution. 
While possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is considered decriminalized, a defendant may be criminally charged with possession with the intent to distribute if the defendant gives the impression that a marijuana sale is being conducted.  Examples of this would be the fact that marijuana is divided into individual baggies, the presence of a drug scale, money, customer lists, multiple cell phones and numerous empty baggies.  All of these things are indicia of drug dealing as opposed to just mere possession. Being that possession with the intent to distribute marijuana is considered a felony; if the individual is arrested within 1,000 feet of a school zone or a 100 feet of a park, there is a minimum mandatory two year prison sentence. 
By better educating yourself about the marijuana laws in Massachusetts, you can enjoy piece of mind that you are abiding by the law. For additional information or to set up a consultation please Contact Attorney Paul R. Moraski at 978-744-1200, or Visit our websites at www.MassDefense.com,  www.MassDrugDefense.com and www.NorthofBostonLaw.com
The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski
221 Essex Street, Suite 51
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Tel: 978.744.1200
Fax: 978.825.1370