WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH MARIJUANA POSSESSION?

In Texas, being charged with marijuana possession will be followed by a booking. Depending upon whether or not you were given a marijuana ticket for having a small amount of marijuana, 2 ounces or less, or whether you were found with more than 2 ounces, your booking will take place in one of two ways. If you received a ticket for a small amount of marijuana, and if you do not have any other outstanding warrants or concurrent charges, you will be given a date to appear before a judge, be photographed, have your fingerprints taken and post a bond.

If you were charged with possessing more than 2 ounces, you will be taken into custody, and booked at the jail, appear before a judge and released after posting bond as set by the judge. What follows in each case is you will be given a date and time to return to court for a pre-trial hearing where you or your attorney may argue motions for suppression of evidence, or, plead to the offense. If you plead guilty, you could be sentenced at that time or given another date to appear for sentencing. If you plead not guilty, you will be given a trial date in the future, and appear at that time for your trial.

A charge for possession of a small amount of marijuana, you can expect a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail. A charge for possession of a larger amount of marijuana over 2 ounces, will carry with it higher fines and possibly a longer jail sentence.

For more information on expungements, please call the Law Office of A. Oliver Hassibi.