Maryland Marijuana Reform Lowers Penalties, But Risks Remain

December 05, 2012

Maryland marijuana reform lowers penalties, but risks remain

As many states throughout the U.S. have done recently, Maryland implemented a law this year that reduces the penalties for possession of small quantities of marijuana. Lawmakers hope the new policy will reduce strain on the court system and allow police to focus more of their resources on addressing violent crime and other serious offenses.

Maryland's new marijuana possession law went into effect on October 1, 2012. Under the new law, the maximum penalty for possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is reduced to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. While still relatively harsh, the new law significantly reduces the penalties for marijuana possession. Previously, Maryland had some of the toughest marijuana penalties in the region -- in the past, people convicted in Maryland of possessing less than 10 grams of marijuana could face a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, compared to just 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500 in other nearby states.

Supporters of marijuana reform in Maryland hope the new policy will help streamline the prosecution of misdemeanor marijuana possession offenses, freeing up time and resources to address violent crime and other more serious offenses. Supporters also say the relaxed penalties are more in line with the laws and prevailing opinions in other states.

Key goals of the new law include reducing the backlog of drug violations in the Maryland court system, while also providing drug users with an opportunity for rehabilitation. The new policy eliminates jury trials for misdemeanor marijuana possession cases in Maryland, which instead are adjudicated by a district court judge. This streamlines the prosecution process and allows charges to be resolved more quickly.

Drug charges carry legal and personal consequences

Despite the recent reform, marijuana remains an illegal substance under both state and federal laws, and is treated as such by law enforcement. People convicted of marijuana violations in Maryland can face serious consequences both in and out of the courtroom.

Even a relatively minor conviction for possessing a small quantity of marijuana will result in a criminal record that can be accessed easily by employers, schools, landlords and financial institutions -- potentially creating obstacles to finding work, renting an apartment, enrolling in school or securing a loan for a major purchase such as a car or home. In addition, by de-emphasizing enforcement efforts against casual marijuana users in Maryland, the new law allows police and prosecutors to devote more resources to targeting dealers and suppliers of marijuana, for whom the criminal penalties have not changed.

People facing criminal charges for drug crimes in Maryland should seek help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can advise them of their rights and advocate on their behalf to minimize the negative consequences of the charges.

Article provided by Craig M. Kadish, Chtd.
Visit us at http://www.kadishlawfirm.com