There are several proposed legislative changes to the marijuana laws in Texas right now. Some of the proposed changes are asking for less penalties and some of them are asking for more penalties. I guess we will have to just sit back and see what will happen. These proposed changes may not go anywhere and could just die on the vine.
One of the proposed changes has been put forth by Rep. Harold Dutton Jr. (D-Houston). His bill would reduce the penalty for possessing one ounce or less of marijuana from a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000) to a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by a fine of up to $500).
The current penalties for possession of Marijuana are:
Weight | Classification | Penalty |
2 ounces or less | Class B misdemeanor | Not more than 180 days in a county jail and/or a fine of not more than $2,000 |
More than 2 ounces, but less than 4 ounces | Class A misdemeanor | Not more than 1 year in a county jail and/or a fine of not more than $4,000 |
More than 4 ounces, but less than 5 pounds | State jail felony | 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and/or a fine of not more than $10,000 |
More than 5 pounds, but less than 50 pounds | Third-degree felony | 2 to 10 years in a state prison and/or a fine of not more than $10,000 |
More than 50 pounds, but less than 2,000 | Second-degree felony | 2 to 20 years in a state prison and/or a fine of not more than $10,000 |
More than 2,000 pounds | Enhanced first-degree felony | 5 to 99 years and a fine of not more than $50,000 |
You can also be sentenced to a suspended driver’s license for up to six months following a conviction on any violation of the Texas Controlled Substances Act, including marijauna. The above penalties have the option of probation depending on the individual circumstances.
If you are interested in getting legislative updates regarding Marijuana issues you can go to http://www.mpp.org/takeaction/subscribe-to-alerts.html and sign up to receive email updates.
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