Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
In Massachusetts, four teenagers from Framingham High School were arrested on Monday after they were caught smoking marijuana behind the school. The teens are four boys, ages 14, 16, and two 15-year-olds. They were charged with marijuana possession and released to their parents custody.
According to the school official that discovered the boys while they were smoking pot, one of the teens was carrying a small bag of marijuana, as well as a pipe for smoking the drug. The teen said that he found the marijuana.
If your son or daughter has been arrested for a crime in Massachusetts, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced Boston criminal defense attorney that can protect your child’s rights while providing the best defense. Your Massachusetts juvenile crimes attorney can take all the necessary steps to make sure that your son or daughter is charged as a juvenile and not as an adult.
Marijuana Possession in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, possession of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor crime and punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. Probation is an option-depending on whether this is your first or a subsequent offense. The sale or cultivation of marijuana is considered a felony crime, and time in prison and fines may vary depending on how much marijuana is involved and other circumstances related to the arrest.
However, on election day, Massachusetts voters will be asked to vote on a proposed law that would decriminalize marijuana possession of one ounce or less. For offenders older than 18, new penalties would include a $100 civil fine and the forfeiture of marijuana. For offenders younger than 18, a parent or legal guardian would be informed of the offense, and the offender would be given the opportunity to take part in a drug awareness program. If an underage offender did not complete the program, the find would be raised to $1,000.
Proposal would make marijuana possession a matter of $100 fine, SouthCoastToday.com, October 9, 2008
Related Web Resources:
Framingnham High School Students face marijuana charges, The Metrowest Daily, October 8, 2008
DA speaks out against marijuana decriminalization, The Daily News Tribune, October 8, 2008
2008 Information For Voters: Possession of Marijuana, Elections Division
Please contact Altman & Altman LLP today.
