The marijuana laws are changing rapidly in many states, especially those in the western United States, such as California, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon, where recreational marijuana is legal, and many other states which allow for the use of medicinal marijuana. But the fact that marijuana may be legal in your home state does not make it legal in any other state you travel to or through, and you could be facing criminal charges if stopped by police.
In Oklahoma, recreational and medicinal marijuana are illegal, and the state has some of the strictest laws in the country for marijuana possession (as well as trafficking and distribution) with the potential for significant jail time for simple possession of even a small amount of marijuana.
Working With an Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney
Your first instinct in responding to an arrest of you or a family member is probably to reach out to a trusted family attorney or friend who is a lawyer to ask for advice and counsel on what to do next. And while there is nothing wrong with that, understand that a lawyer not admitted to the Oklahoma bar is most likely not going to be in a position to defend you.
There are several reasons why finding an Oklahoma-based criminal defense attorney is most likely key to your defense. Your charges will brought in an Oklahoma court in the specific jurisdiction in which you were arrested, and your Oklahoma defense attorney will appear for you (in some cases without you having to be there if you have returned to your home state) to defend you against all charges.
A local attorney will not only understand the local law and courts, but is most likely in a better position to negotiate with prosecutors on an outcome that limits your criminal exposure.
Presenting Your Defense to Oklahoma Marijuana Charges
Your Oklahoma criminal defense attorney can pursue a number of different legal strategies on your behalf, including:
- Determining whether the police acted lawfully in stopping your vehicle, questioning you, and/or searching you or your automobile
- Questioning the sufficiency of the evidence presented against you, such as whether the marijuana was indeed in your possession or whether it met the requirements for the crime charged against you
- Negotiating with prosecutors and/or presenting arguments to the judge to limit the criminal penalties levied against you, which can include seeking a fine as opposed to jail time, and reducing the number or severity of criminal charges brought against you
Speak to an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney about the specifics of your situation to determine the best course of action for you.
How to Fight Your Oklahoma Marijuana Possession Charges
Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney Patrick Quillian worked as a Oklahoma district attorney, so he has the experience of working on the other side and understands how to best fight your case and work towards a dismissal of charges, not guilty verdict, or favorable agreement with reduction of penalties and charges. Contact the office of J. Patrick Quillian, Attorney at Law, today at 405-418-8888 to schedule a free consultation to see what his criminal defense team can do for you.
