Possession of less than one-half ounce of cannabis is a misdemeanour, punishable by up to a month in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of one half ounce or over is punishable by up to one year incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000. First convictions for possession of one ounce or less of cannabis can be expunged from the record after two years if no further criminal offences occur. Possession of more than one ounce of cannabis is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
Possession of less than one-half ounce while driving a motor vehicle is punishable by up to one year incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000.
Sale, distribution or production of less than 100 pounds of cannabis is punishable by up to ten years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. For quantities of 100 pounds or more, the penalty raises to a possible 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Consequences for sale or distribution rise if the sale occurs within 1,000 feet of a school.
All convictions also require the individual to undergo a narcotic addiction evaluation.
Conditional release: The state authorizes conditional release or alternative or diversion sentencing for individuals facing their first prosecutions. Typically, conditional release lets an individual opt for probation rather than trial. After successfully finishing probation, the person's criminal record does not reflect the charge.
|
