Utah Marijuana Defense Lawyer in Ogden
Drug crimes,
including
marijuana possession and distribution, can carry strict penalties
in the
Ogden courts. Prosecutions involving marijuana can range from a
class B
misdemeanor to a
much more serious
felony charge that carries the potential of years in prison. The level of a criminal charge can depend on the amount of
marijuana involved, its intended use, and whether the offense is committed in a drug free zone.
If you find yourself facing criminal prosecution for
marijuana
possession in Ogden or elsewhere in Utah, it is vital that you have on your side a
skilled
and
experienced criminal
defense attorney who can ensure that your
rights are protected. Attorney Stephen Howard has a
record of winning
real results
for his clients.
Contact us now for a confidential consultation, and see how we can help you.
Defending Marijuana Charges in Ogden
To successfully defend
a criminal case involving marijuana possession in Ogden, you
need
an attorney who understands the complicated constitutional law involved in
Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues as well as the important protections
offered under the
Fifth Amendment. You need a defender who understands
Utah's laws regarding the principles of "constructive"
possession and "innocent" possession. And you need counsel from a lawyer who
understands the effects that the
legalization of recreational and
medical
marijuana in other states has here in Utah.
Defending a marijuana charge in Utah can require a detailed factual
and legal analysis, motions to suppress evidence, and the complexities
involved in a jury trial. Depending on the strength of the case, a good defense can also involve engaging in
negotiations with the prosecutor which may end in a better outcome than
the likely result of a trial. A
successful defense can depend on having a defense lawyer with the
experience and skills
to understand which strategy is best tailored to achieve your
individual
goals in the case.
Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen
Howard has successfully defended drug cases in Utah ranging from
first-degree felony
distribution to misdemeanor marijuana and
paraphernalia charges. He has the experience and skills you need to
help achieve
the best results for your case.
Marijuana Convictions and Consequences in Ogden
Despite changing cultural
attitudes toward marijuana, possession, cultivation, and distribution
of marijuana remains illegal. From a legal stand point, you still need
to
take seriously any Ogden criminal
charges
relating to marijuana possession.
Depending on the circumstances, a prosecution for marijuana
possession can range from the misdemeanor level up through a much more
serious felony charge. A simple marijuana possession charge begins at
the class B misdemeanor level, which carries the potential of up to 180
days in
jail.
Distribution of or possession of marijuana with
the
intent to distribute can be filed as a third degree felony, which can
be punishable by up to 5
years in prison. Enhancements for an offense committed in a drug free
zone can potentially
increase the
penalties for simple possession to a maximum of a year in jail;
a charge for marijuana distribution charges can be enhanced to a
second degree
felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Collateral consequences for Utah drug convictions can include a
driver license
suspension. And like any criminal
conviction, it becomes a part of your criminal record,
affecting your ability to find employment or participate in other opportunities.
Many marijuana possession cases in Ogden are handled through the Ogden
City Justice Court. But even a misdemeanor charge should not be taken
lightly. Having an experienced
Utah criminal defense lawyer on your side can help give you the best
chance of success in your case.
The Effects Other States' Legalization of Marijuana
While
other states have made the possession of marijuana legal, criminal laws
against the possession of marijuana in Utah are still strictly
enforced. It is common for residents of states such as Arizona,
Colorado, and California to be pulled over for traffic violations
while traveling through Utah. The mere odor of marijuana can give a
police officer grounds for conducting a search of a vehicle during a
minor traffic stop. Even though
a driver or passenger may have a prescription for marijuana or a
medical marijuana
card
issued in another
state, in Utah they may still face criminal prosecution for possession
of a
controlled substance. If a blood or urine test reveals THC or a THC
metabolite in the driver's system, a "DUI metabolite" charge (driving
with a measurable controlled substance
metabolite) can be filed, even if the last time the driver used
marijuana was prior to
coming to Utah.
Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Marijuana Charges in Ogden
When facing criminal prosecution for a marijuana charge in
Ogden, you
need
a skilled and
experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer working on your
side. Utah
criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has a
record
of successfully handling
drug cases ranging from first degree felony distribution to misdemeanor
marijuana possession.
Contact us today to see how we can help defend your case.