Although Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, recreational marijuana in PA is still a crime. Here are a variety of different allegations relating to recreational marijuana that can lead to misdemeanor and felony charges:
- Drug possession
- Drug sale or distribution
- Drug cultivation
- Possession or sale of hash and concentrates
- Possession or sale of paraphernalia
City Laws Differ
If you are ever charged with a recreational marijuana offense, it is important to know your rights and the best possible defense team you can contact. The possession of small amounts of marijuana is no longer a crime in Philadelphia and a few other cities. However, experts say that some places with a decriminalization law, including Allentown, are unlikely to reinforce it due to contradictions with state codes relating to recreational marijuana in PA. If you are ever charged within a city’s limits, good defense teams know each city’s unique laws.
Protect Yourself From Poor Practice
Defense teams don’t just rely on knowing city laws inside and out; they also help you avoid charges resulting from poor practice, such as illegal search and seizure. This includes evidence seized under a search warrant without probable cause and a traffic stop lacking sufficient cause.
Even though medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania, you can still be charged for a variety of misdemeanors and felonies related to recreational marijuana in PA. In addition to knowing the particulars of city laws and the dangers of poor practice, you also deserve to have the best defense team on your side.
What to Know About Recreational Marijuana in PA and Your Rights
Even if you are arrested and charged, there is still hope. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania, like Michael Applebaum, can help you aggressively combat charges, and many will provide a free initial consultation. Investing in your own legal representation may help you avoid thousands of dollars in fines, as well as possible felony convictions and state prison time, depending on the severity of the charge.