Marijuana possession charges in the Salt Lake area can carry penalties including jail time, a criminal record, losing your driver license, and more. Our criminal defense team has successfully defended clients facing charges for drug possession, cultivation, distribution, drug free zone violations, and more. Our experience can help give you the best chance at success in your case. Contact us today for an initial consultation.

Criminal Charges for Marijuana Possession in Utah

While some states have legalized medical marijuana, and other states have even legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, Utah law still considers possession of marijuana to be a criminal offense. To support a criminal charge for marijuana possession, a prosecutor must present evidence that the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed the marijuana. Evidence that the defendant had medical authorization from another state or was traveling from a state where recreational marijuana was legal may be beneficial in the plea bargaining process. But evidence of legality in another state is not determinative of the issue of guilt or innocence under Utah law.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Utah

Simple possession of marijuana can be prosecuted at the class B misdemeanor level (punishable by up to six months in jail). A drug free zone enhancement can increase the maximum potential penalty to one year in jail. Distribution, cultivation, or even possession with the intent to distribute can result in felony charges an possible prison time.

Finding a Salt Lake Criminal Attorney

If you are facing prosecution for marijuana or other drug charges in the Salt Lake area, contact us now to arrange for an initial consultation with Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard. See what an experienced criminal attorney can do for your case.