New York Marijuana Desk Appearance Ticket Defense Lawyer

In the state of New York, it remains illegal to possess any amount of marijuana. If you have been issued a desk appearance ticket for possession of marijuana, then you should immediately seek legal advice. Possession of marijuana can lead to criminal charges and a permanent record. Despite the trend to legalize marijuana, a conviction is increasingly problematic as employers, licensing authorities, and immigration officials routinely exclude applicants with a criminal record.

Possession charges can be filed against you if:

• You are found to be in personal possession of marijuana
• You were seen possessing marijuana
• You were standing next to someone who was possessing marijuana
• You were found with marijuana in your car or apartment

Information for First-Time Offenders

The issuance of a desk appearance ticket should not be taken lightly. Unlike traffic tickets which are generally non-criminal, a desk appearance ticket usually charges you with a crime and means that the police department has referred your case to the District Attorney for prosecution. If this is a first-time offense, you could be eligible for special treatment under the law ; however this will depend on the application made on your behalf in court. On your court date, the judge and prosecutor will expect you to be represented by a attorney. It is in your best interest to go to court with an experienced New York City criminal defense attorney. Call us today for a case evaluation.

Penalties for Marijuana Charges in New York

If you were found to be in possession of marijuana in public, then you could be charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fifth degree.

Criminal Possession of Marijuana Penalties (P.L. 221.10) include:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines
• Supervised probation
• Driver's license suspension
• Student loan consequences
• Permanent criminal record
• Permanent immigration and international travel consequences

Penalties for the unlawful possession of marijuana (P.L. 221.05) include:

• Up to 15 days in jail
• Fines
• Supervised probation
• Criminal record
• Enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses
• Student loan consequences, employment consequences

Avoid a conviction and the numerous negative consequences that could result. Contact a New York desk appearance defense lawyer Lance Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher has obtained hundreds of dismissals for his clients in New York City Criminal Court including in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx.

Arrested in New York City? Contact us today to schedule your case evaluation.