With the reform of marijuana laws in some states like Colorado, it is becoming more difficult to enforce laws in surrounding states. Since marijuana is illegal in North Dakota, you can be charged with possession even if you bought it legally in Colorado. If you are arrested on possession charges, you will need to seek the help of a drug crime lawyer in Fargo, ND.
Marijuana Possession Laws
In ND, marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled dangerous substance, or CDS, because it is considered to be a high risk for abuse and it has no recognized medicinal value. If you are caught with marijuana in your possession, you can be arrested and charged accordingly.
Possession Penalties
The penalties for being in possession of marijuana depend on how much you had and where you were caught. The penalties will increase if you were found to be in possession within 1,000 feet of a school and are convicted. A drug crime lawyer can explain the difference in penalties for being near a school.
If convicted for being in possession of any amount of marijuana up to half an ounce, you can be fined up to $1,000 or receive 30 days in jail or both. For amounts from half an ounce to one ounce, you can be fined up to $1,000 or be jailed for one year or both. For having one ounce or more of marijuana, you can be fined up to $5,000 or be sentenced up to five years in prison or both.
It is also illegal to be in possession of drug paraphernalia like a pipe or bong for smoking marijuana. You can face an additional fine of up to $2,000 or a year in jail or both. If you are arrested for possession of marijuana, you will need an experienced drug crime lawyer to defend you.
