In 1915, Utah was one of the first states to criminalize marijuana. Adopting a "war on drugs" attitude early on, Utah lawmakers take cannabis use very seriously. Cannabis charges are fought and prosecuted aggressively. A simple charge of possession is considered a class B misdemeanor, which carries the penalty of a maximum of 6 months in jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, and/or 12 months of probation with random mandatory drug testing. Possession of certain amounts is often considered "possession with intent to distribute," which is a felony and carries more severe consequences.
Any individual facing cannabis charges in Utah is up against a tough case. A strong defense and a knowledgeable marijuana lawyer is key to reducing fines, eliminating charges and maintaining a clean record. Branson West has fought hundreds of marijuana misdemeanor and criminal offenses including:
As an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, Branson West is the lawyer you can count on for any cannabis related charges.
As neighboring states (and the country as a whole) have passed both medical and recreational marijuana laws, Utah lawmakers have made recent updates that reflect this more relaxed attitude. In 2018, Utah lawmakers passed The Utah Medical Cannabis Act. This bill legalized the purchase, possession and usage of medical marijuana for qualifying patients. The legalization process is ongoing and recent amendments have further updated the legality of medical marijuana in Utah.
Even though marijuana holds legal medical status in Utah, sometimes medical marijuana users are convicted of cannabis charges in Utah. To fight a medical marijuana case, assistance from a distinguished lawyer like Branson West is essential. With Branson West on your side, you can drop unfair charges and maintain your cardholder status.
Additional updates to marijuana laws in Utah have also eliminated the metabolite DUI clause. According to current Utah law, drivers can no longer be criminalized or charged with a DUI for an inactive cannabis metabolite found in their system. If you have been wrongfully convicted of a DUI due to inactive marijuana metabolites found in your system, it may be possible to overturn your conviction. Branson West can help you build a solid defense and restore your license.
Whether you have been charged with possession of marijuana, you would like to get the charges in a prior conviction overturned, or you need help with a record expungement, Branson K. West can help. He has helped hundreds of clients to navigate Utah's complicated marijuana laws. Call today for a free marijuana defense consultation.
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