Why Fight a Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession Charge?
It is true that in some cases of first offense misdemeanor marijuana possession or possession of illegal drug paraphernalia, the legal consequences are not especially harsh. That does not mean that you shouldn’t fight the charge. A conviction can cost you more than a few nights in jail, a fine or the inconvenience of probation.
Many people, especially young people, charged with marijuana possession fail to realize the serious consequences of a conviction or guilty plea. Having a conviction for drug possession on your record can close doors to future opportunities. For some students, an arrest and conviction for marijuana possession can result in academic suspension and the loss of financial aid, such as Pell grants.
If you are a student or parent of a student facing misdemeanor drug possession charges in southeast Texas, contact us today for a no-cost consultation with an experienced defense lawyer in Houston.
More Consequences of a Conviction or Guilty Plea
Starting a career with a criminal record can be challenging. Depending on the nature of the job, having a marijuana possession conviction on your record could move your application to the bottom of the pile, if not disqualify you altogether. Being a convicted criminal can make it hard to live where you want, since many landlords and property management companies now run criminal background checks.
A conviction for marijuana possession may not seem like a big deal, but when you factor in the potential loss of future opportunity, isn’t it at least worth the effort to consult an experienced attorney who can give you an honest assessment of your case and whether it is worth it to fight the charge?
Fighting Unfair Charges of Possession, Distribution or Trafficking
It is also important to remember that being accused of possessing large amounts of marijuana can lead to more serious charges such as distribution or trafficking. In these cases, the prosecution must prove that you were actually in possession of the marijuana, not simply in the same place at the same time. Having an experienced defense attorney at your side immediately can make an enormous difference in the ultimate outcome of these cases.
Contact Us Today
If your future is worth fighting for, contact the experienced criminal defense trial attorney Gilbert J. Alvarado. From our office in Houston, we serve the needs of clients throughout southeast Texas. Your initial consultation will be free, informative and completely confidential.