Possessing Marijuana in Washington State - Quantity Matters Greatly - VUCSA

The attorneys of Ashbach Law Offices, LLC have extensive successful history in representing clients charged with possession of marijuana. Through our experience and legal knowledge, we are often able to achieve dismissals of charges, or suppression of evidence (leading to dismissals), as well as reduction of charges, saving mandatory jail time, treatment, and ability to obtain federal student loans. If you have been, or someone you care about has, been charged with a drug crime, call (360) 659-4950 today for a free, no-pressure consultation.

Depending on the amount of marijuana person is alleged to have possessed, that person could be charged with either a simple misdemeanor or a Class C felony. Oftentimes, this charge comes with the companion charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Possession of marijuana in an amount less than forty grams or less is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine.  For a first offense, there is a mandatory minimum day in jail and a $250 fine (plus likely probation and possible treatment being ordered). Subsequent violations have a mandatory minimum of $500 fine.
Possession of marijuana in an amount over forty grams is a Class C felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine, although there are standard sentencing ranges based on a particular defendant’s criminal history.

Currently, there is a push to “decrimininalize” possession of small amounts of marijuana. In fact, the new City Prosecutor for Seattle Municipal Court has indicated that his office will not prosecute any more small possession crimes. Unfortunately, in most of the state, this is not the case, and many prosecutors ask for (and sometimes receive) stiff sentences for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

Ashbach Law Offices, LLC has significant history in successfully defending its clients who are charged with Possession of Marijuana crimes throughout Snohomish County and Skagit County. If you, or someone you care about, has been charged with Possession of Marijuana (or any other drug crime) call us today at (360) 659-4950 for a free consultation. We practice actively in cities like Arlington, Edmonds, Everett, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Monroe, Mukilteo and Marysville, Washington.

RCW 69.50.4014 Possession of forty grams or less of marihuana — Penalty.

Except as provided in RCW 69.50.401(2)(c), any person found guilty of possession of forty grams or less of marihuana is guilty of a misdemeanor.

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