The penalties for a marijuana crime have dropped dramatically in recent years.
At this point, most drug crimes involving marijuana – not counting those that involve enough marijuana to create an intent to sell – are civil infractions that are only punishable with a fine.
However, minors accused of marijuana offenses may face traditional repercussions of a criminal conviction like fines and jail time and also, as a result, face a blemish on their criminal records that can seriously undermine their futures.
According to Maine Legislation:
“A minor who possesses up to and including 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $100 may be adjudged. If the minor does not commit another violation of this paragraph within one year following adjudication, the court shall expunge the record of the civil violation.”
If a minor who violates § 2453-A once in Maine will be adjudged a fine of no less than $300 BUT no more than $600. If the same minor has violated the same act 2 times or more will be adjudged a fine of $600 with small exceptions to the law.
The cost of a criminal conviction involving marijuana goes well beyond the fine. It can impact a young person’s college prospects and financial aid and can put a blemish on their professional reputation even before it gets started.
