Pennsylvania Marijuana Possession Laws

Were you recently arrested for marijuana possession in Pennsylvania? If so, you should be aware of the penalties you face upon conviction. Please continue reading for more information on the matter.

If you are found guilty of possessing marijuana (pot) in PA, you face the following penalties:

• 30 grams or less is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

• Possession of more than 30 grams is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine, and results in an automatic six-month driver’s license suspension.

If this is your first marijuana offense, an attorney may be able to get you probation without having to have a verdict. If this is your second offense for drug possession, or if you have had multiple offenses, you may face double the penalties.

Please be aware that anytime someone is caught with more than 30 grams of marijuana, they could be charged with the more serious offense of “possession with intent to deliver or distribute,” which involves stiffer penalties.

Penalties for Possessing Other Drugs in PA

Possession of controlled substances, such as cocaine, heroin, LSD, ecstasy, meth, and illegal steroids, and unlawful possession (without a valid prescription) of prescription drugs, such as Vicodin and OxyContin, are prohibited.

The penalties for possessing the above drugs are as follows:

• For a first offense, up to 1 year in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.

• For a second offense, up to 2 years in prison.

• For a third offense, up to 3 years in prison.

• If you’re found possessing more than 5 grams of crack (cocaine), you may have to serve a mandatory minimum term of 5 years behind bars.

If you would like further information, you may want to read the PA Criminal Code Offense Listings.

Contact a Harrisburg drug crime attorney today!

If you are facing drug-related charges, contact Crisp & Associates, LLC for a hard-hitting defense! Not only do we have more than 30 years of combined experience, but we take on state and federal drug cases.