Rhode Island Drug Possession Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald, Inc. of Providence, Rhode Island

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Experienced Drug Possession Lawyer Ready to Defend Your Charges

If you’ve been charged with drug possession in Rhode Island, it’s important to know that prosecutors take drug crimes very seriously. Possession of illegal substances or drug paraphernalia can lead to expensive fines, jail time, and a criminal record that can negatively affect all areas of your life. This is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced Rhode Island drug possession defense lawyer if you’re charged with a drug crime. 

The Law Office Of John E. MacDonald, Inc. has aggressively and successfully represented clients facing criminal prosecution for all types of drug crimes which include possession of cocaine, heroin, and other Schedule I, II, and other illegal drugs. It’s also possible to face marijuana possession charges, despite the progressive changes in Rhode Island marijuana laws. Rhode Island drug crimes defense lawyer John E. MacDonald is a former public defender with extensive experience representing those who have been charged with drug possession. Contact The Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc. today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your drug possession case. 

What You Need to Know About Drug Possession Charges in Rhode Island

The Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc. can answer all of your questions regarding drug possession criminal charges, potential penalties, and aggressive defense strategies for drug crimes. Our law firm aims to provide our clients with as much information as possible to help them understand drug possession consequences as well as the best way to move forward after a drug possession arrest. Below you’ll find various facts and figures regarding drug possession charges in Rhode Island. Contact The Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc. today to speak with a drug possession defense lawyer. 

What are the penalties for drug possession in Rhode Island? 

The penalties and punishments for drug possession in Rhode Island will depend on a few different factors. For instance, the classification of the drug as well as the amount in possession will determine what level of penalties a defendant will face. While possession of marijuana in small amounts can lead to civil violations, which are comparable to traffic tickets, possession of other controlled substances, such as cocaine, fentanyl, LSD, or methaqualone can result in the following penalties: 

  • Misdemeanor or felony charges
  • Time in prison
  • Expensive fines that can range from $500 – $500,000
  • Community service 
  • Payments towards Rhode Island drug education programs
  • Required registration, attendance, and completion of a drug counseling program

To help you understand how punishments will vary according to the amount of drugs in possession, here are examples of cocaine possession penalties:

Cocaine Possession Penalties 

  • Nolo contendere pleas: 100 hrs. community service and drug education program;
  • Possession of up to 1 oz of cocaine: 3 years in prison and/or $500 to $5000 in fines
  • Possession of 1 oz – 1 kg of cocaine: 10-50 years in prison and/or $10,000-$50,000 in fines
  • Possession of over 1 kg of cocaine: 20 years to life in prison and $25,000 to $1,000,000 in fines

It’s also important to note that if you were caught with drug possession while in your vehicle, you can face a driver’s license suspension for up to 1 year. In addition, if you are convicted of drug possession with intent to sell near a school or involving minors and your penalties could be doubled. To learn more about how to avoid these penalties and expensive fines for drug possession, contact The Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc. today. Only an experienced drug possession defense attorney can help minimize your punishments and protect your rights. 

What are the penalties for marijuana possession in Rhode Island? 

The onset of changes in Rhode Island marijuana laws has sparked a lot of confusion around what’s considered legal for personal use what’s considered illegal possession of cannabis. While marijuana has become decriminalized, you can still be arrested for possession of larger amounts of marijuana. Here’s what you need to know about marijuana possession penalties in Rhode Island:

Possession for Personal Use:

  • Possession of less than 1 oz. of marijuana: civil violation and a fine of $150
  • Possession of 1 oz. – 1 kg of marijuana: misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, and a fine of $500

Possession with Intent to Distribute:

  • Possession of 1-5 kg of marijuana: felony, 10-50 years in prison, and a fine of $500,000
  • Possession of 5kg of marijuana: felony, 25 years to life in prison, and a fine of $100,000

We understand that the ever-changing marijuana laws can lead to unnecessary drug possession charges. If you’ve been charged with marijuana possession for personal use or with intent to distribute, you need a skilled drug possession defense attorney by your side. Contact our law firm today to learn more about Rhode Island’s marijuana possession laws and penalties and what to do if you’ve been charged with marijuana possession. 

What are the penalties for drug paraphernalia possession in Rhode Island?

Drug paraphernalia possession in Rhode Island is also considered a serious criminal offense. While most people believe that they need to be holding drugs to be charged with possession, simply having equipment on hand that’s associated with drugs can result in possession charges as well. 

Penalties for paraphernalia possession:

  • Up to $5,000 in fines
  • Up to 2 years in prison

Penalties for paraphernalia possession with intent to sell to minors:

  • Up to $5,000 fines
  • Up to 5 years in prison

For legal representation for drug paraphernalia possession charges, contact The Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc. today. 

How does Rhode Island define drug paraphernalia?

Under Rhode Island and federal law, drug paraphernalia is defined as “any equipment, product or material of any kind which is primarily intended or designed for use in manufacturing, compounding, converting, concealing, producing, processing, preparing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance.” 

Some examples of drug paraphernalia include:

  • Pipes (metal, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, plastic, or ceramic) 
  • Water pipes 
  • Roach clips 
  • Miniature spoons 
  • Chillums (cone-shaped marijuana/hash pipes) 
  • Bongs
  • Cigarette papers 
  • Cocaine freebase kits

For more information about what’s considered drug paraphernalia in Rhode Island, call our law firm to speak with a drug possession defense lawyer today. 

Can I be charged with drug possession if I’m a medical marijuana patient? 

Becoming a registered medical marijuana patient allows you to buy cannabis through legal means, like state-approved dispensaries. However, if you’re caught purchasing marijuana through illegal channels, or if you’re caught with possession of other controlled substances, you can be charged with drug possession despite the fact that you’re a registered medical marijuana patient. 

If you’re currently a medical marijuana patient, but you’ve been charged with drug possession, it’s important to speak with a drug possession defense attorney right away. 

Can a Rhode Island drug possession charge be dropped or dismissed? 

Yes, it is possible to have drug possession charges dropped, but only if you choose to work with an experienced Rhode Island drug possession defense attorney. Only a skilled drug possession lawyer can design an aggressive defense strategy to help minimize your penalties or even have your drug charges dropped. Rhode Island Drug Possession Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald has decades of experience in drug crime defense. Don’t leave your future to chance, contact The Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc. today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options. 

Contact the Best Rhode Island Drug Possession Defense Lawyer 

If you have been charged with a drug possession charge, it’s crucial to hire legal representation that you trust. At The Law Office of John E. MacDonald Inc., we use our extensive knowledge in the areas of drug crime criminal defense, as well as and state and federal drug laws to create a defense for your specific drug possession case. With our skills and legal expertise, we may be able to have your charges dropped, or have your sentence reduced or altered. 

Our Drug Crime Lawyers are available to you 24- hours a day, seven days a week. We frequently answer emails after hours, on weekends, and while on vacation. We encourage you to call us today at 401.421.1440 today for a free consultation, wherein you will witness first hand, the professionalism, competence, and dedication we have to offer in resolving your drug possession case.