Denton Criminal Lawyer

Texas Marijuana Laws: Even Small Amounts Carry Strict Penalties

Texas imposes some of the harshest punishments of any state for the possession and distribution of marijuana. Even first-time offenders with very small amounts of marijuana can face tough fines and jail time, along with other additional punishments.

The penalties for the possession of marijuana in Texas in small amounts include the following:

• Possession of less than 2 oz. is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Possession of 2 oz. to 4 oz. is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• Possession of 4 oz. to 1 lb. is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

In addition to these penalties, anyone with no prior felony convictions who is convicted of the possession of less than 1 lb. of marijuana is required to undergo mandatory drug treatment.

The penalties for the sale of small amounts of marijuana in Texas include the following:

• A gift of ¼ oz. or less is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• The sale of ¼ oz. or less is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• The sale of ¼ oz. to 5 lbs. is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in jail with a $10,000 fine.

In addition, any sale to a minor is an automatic felony charge, with a punishment of 2 to 20 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Any sale within 1,000 feet of a school or within 300 feet of public parks and other specified areas can increase the severity of existing charges.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with the possession, sale, or distribution of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia, contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 for help.