Rhode Island Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
Fight Your Drug Possession Charge in Rhode
Island!
Possession of drugs is a serious charge. Under
Rhode Island drug laws, many offenses have
mandatory minimum sentences if you are
convicted.
Penalties for drug possession in Rhode Island
vary according to the classification and
quantity of the substance involved. Even simple
possession of marijuana can have significant
penalties. Call me for a free consultation on
the charges against you, and I'll let you know
exactly what your options are, and what
opportunities we may have to beat the case.
Possession of Marijuana - RI Laws &
Penalties
If you are convicted on Possession of
Marijuana in RI under 1kg (aka simple
possession) - 1st offense - you
are facing a misdemeanor charge with a penalty
of:
- Fine - $200-$500
- Up to 1 year in jail
You
will also likely be sentenced to drug education
classes and up to 100 hours of community
service.
For a second offense marijuana possession
charge, the above penalties will be doubled,
and you will also face:
- 100 or more hours of community service
- A drug counseling and education program,
and possible drug treatment for abuse of
drugs
If you are found guilty of marijuana
possession while driving, you will also be faced
with a suspended drivers license for 6 months
(1 year for a 2nd offense).
Possession of over 1 kg (kilogram) has a
mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in jail,
and fines of up to $500,000.
Other RI Drug Possession Charges -Penalties
If you are found guilty of any other drug
possession charge, schedule I-V, the penalties
are:
- Fines: $500-$5000
- Up to 3 years in jail
- likely drug education classes and
community service
The most likely Presumptive sentence on a
Possession of a Controlled substance
conviction is 0-18 months in jail.
A Second (2nd) Offense drug possession/simple
possession charge in Rhode Island will face
doubled penalties, over 100 hours of community
service, a possible drug abuse program and drug
counseling and education.
Other Drug Charges &
Penalties
On any Second (2nd) Offense Drug charge
conviction relating to any narcotic drugs,
marijuana, depressant, stimulant, or
hallucinogenic substances, the defendant is subject to doubling
of the jail sentence, fine, or both.
On any Third (3rd) Offense Drug charge
conviction as above, the defendant is subject to
3 times the jail sentence, fine, or both.
The penalties for drug/narcotics offenses in
RI can be extreme if you are charged with
possession or cocaine, heroin, meth, GHB,
ecstasy, and may have mandatory jail times
depending on the quantity of the drugs involved.
Additional charges may include possession with
intent to sell, transport, cultivate,
trafficking, or manufacture.
There are also
substantial increases in penalties if you are
charged with distribution within a school zone
(within 300 yards of a park, playground, or
school), or selling to minor 3 years younger
than yourself. Call me for details on any
of these complicated and serious charges.
How to Beat a Rhode Island Drug Charge
The prosecution must be able to prove that
you were legally and knowingly in possession of
a controlled substance or drug. We can challenge
the facts of possession and the facts of
identification of the substance. We can also
challenge the legitimacy of the search and
seizure under the Constitution. The police must
have a legitimate reason to search your person,
your car or your home, or any evidence they
obtain against you must be thrown out.
The defense tactics I would use vary greatly
with the facts of the case. Give me a call and
I'll go over your case and walk through what I
think are your best options to beat your drug
charge and avoid the worst consequences.
Call me today for a free legal consultation
on your drug possession or criminal case. (401) 992-4072
Sincerely, James Powderly, Attorney at Law
Attorney James Powderly defends people accused
of drug possession, and other criminal
charges such as assault,
shoplifting, and criminal traffic offenses, in
courts across Rhode Island everyday. Call today
for a free, no-obligation, criminal defense
consultation on any RI arrest or charge. (401) 992-4072
James P. Powderly, Esq., A Rhode Island Criminal
Defense Attorney
Powderly Defense Firm
37 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840 |
