An attorney for marijuana possession in Texas can attest that a simple possession charge can ruin someone’s job prospects. Their experiences have allowed them to see many people lose jobs because they have been convicted of a marijuana possession charge. Even for the lowest marijuana possession charge, a person can be denied employment in the federal government, federally-funded programs, and jobs with security clearances.
The Effects Of Marijuana Possession On Job Prospects In Texas
Marijuana possession in Texas can result in a misdemeanor charge or a felony charge, depending on the amount of marijuana possessed. If you are caught with less than two ounces of marijuana, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. However, if you are caught with more than five pounds of marijuana, you will likely be charged with a felony.
In addition to jail time and/or fines, there are other penalties that come along with marijuana possession charges in Texas. For example, an individual may be sentenced to up to 180 days in jail and/or fined up to $2,000 for possessing up to two ounces of marijuana. The offense is also a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties increase as the amount possessed increases; for example, offenders who possess four ounces or more but less than five pounds of marijuana may be sentenced to one year imprisonment and/or fined up to $4,000.
Possessing any amount of marijuana comes with significant consequences–from jail time and fines to increased penalties for offenses committed in drug-free zones. If you are facing charges for possession of marijuana in Texas, it is important to seek legal counsel right away.
How Is Marijuana Possession Viewed By Employers In Texas?
Employers in Texas are not required to drug test employees for marijuana, so the answer to this question would depend on the employer’s individual policies. Job applicants in Texas are not required to disclose their use of marijuana on job applications.
While employers are not required to drug test employees for marijuana use, if an employer chooses to institute a drug testing policy, applicants and employees are subject to testing. Testing positive for marijuana can result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
In Texas, an employer may fire or refuse to hire a person who is under the influence of marijuana or who has a detectable amount of marijuana in their system. When it comes to marijuana possession, the laws in Texas vary by county. Some counties take a more lenient approach than others. For example, in Tarrant County, if you are caught possessing marijuana, you may be eligible for a “drug diversion program” that can help get the charge reduced or removed from your record.
Even if an employer asks about your criminal history, they are not allowed to see records related to arrests that did not lead to convictions. This is something that The Medlin Law Firm–a criminal defense firm that specializes in cases filed in Dallas County–knows well.
In order for them to work with clients charged with marijuana possession, they have to stay informed about the policies in Dallas County and attend meetings that focus on changing policy. If a person is convicted of marijuana possession, they will be required to pay a fine, and the conviction will remain on their record. This record will affect job applications and make it more difficult to find employment.
The Medlin Law Firm is dedicated to helping people who have been charged with marijuana possession in Dallas County. The criminal defense attorneys at the firm are well-versed in marijuana possession laws, and they can help their clients avoid the negative consequences of a conviction.
If you have been charged with marijuana possession, contact The Medlin Law Firm today. The firm can help you avoid a conviction and the negative effects it will have on your life.
What Are The Penalties For Marijuana Possession In Texas?
- Marijuana possession is a criminal offense in Texas. The penalties for marijuana possession depend on the amount of marijuana that is found on the person. For first time offenders, the penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor to a first degree felony.
- Marijuana possession is a criminal offense in Texas. The severity of the punishment depends on the amount of marijuana that is possessed.
- Possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.
- Possession of more than 2 ounces but less than 4 ounces is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by 1 year in jail and $4,000 in fines.
- Possession of more than 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds is a state jail felony, punishable by 2 years in state jail and $10,000 in fines.
- Possession of more than 5 pounds but less than 50 pounds is a felony punishable by 3-10 years imprisonment and up to $100,000 in fines.
- Possession of more than 50 pounds but less than 250 pounds is a felony punishable by 5-99 years imprisonment and up to $250,000 fine.
- Possession of more than 250 pounds is a felony punishable by 10-life imprisonment and up to $500,000 fine
Can An Individual With A Conviction For Marijuana Possession Still Find Employment?
The answer to this question is complicated. It depends on the severity of the conviction, as well as other factors such as the nature of the job. In general, a felony conviction for marijuana possession will have a more significant impact on one’s ability to find employment than a misdemeanor conviction.
For many jobs, having a drug conviction–even for something like marijuana possession–will automatically disqualify an individual from being considered for the position. However, there are some jobs where having a drug conviction may not be an issue. There are also companies that are willing to give an individual with a criminal record a chance.
It is important to remember that each case is unique and should be evaluated individually. If you have questions about your specific situation, it is best to speak with an attorney who can provide more specific advice.
What Resources Are Available To Individuals Who Have Been Convicted Of Marijuana Possession?
There are a number of resources available to those convicted of marijuana possession, including:
- Drug counseling or treatment is often a condition of probation. An expungement or pardon can restore your rights and make it easier to find employment. Certain jobs, such as those with the federal government, may have a higher threshold for marijuana use.
- Employment help. You can also contact the Texas Workforce Commission’s One-Stop Career Centers to help you find employment.
- Housing assistance is available through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. You can also contact your criminal defense attorney for assistance with expungements, pardons, job searches, and other issues.
- Educational opportunities. You can also contact the Texas Workforce Commission’s One-Stop Career Centers to help you find employment.
- Housing assistance is available through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. You can also contact your criminal defense attorney for assistance with expungements, pardons, job searches, and other issues.
- Financial assistance. You can apply for financial assistance through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
There are a few resources that are available to those who have been convicted of marijuana possession. These agencies can help individuals find employment, apply for social security disability benefits, or get help with drug and alcohol treatment.
One such resource is a job placement organization. They can help an individual find a job that is suitable for them and their experience. They will also work with the individual’s schedule so they can continue to look for other employment opportunities while they are working.
Another resource is an alcohol and drug treatment center. This type of center offers many different services, including detoxification, outpatient care, and residential rehabilitation. The center will also work with the individual’s schedule so they can continue to look for other employment opportunities while they are receiving treatment.
The final resource is an agency that helps people apply for social security disability benefits. This agency can help individuals fill out the application and provide them with the necessary information about social security disability benefits.
What Are The Defenses Against Marijuana Possession Charges
When it comes to marijuana possession charges, there are many defenses that you can use in order to avoid a conviction. Some of these defenses include a lack of knowledge and possession on behalf of someone else. If you can prove that law enforcement failed to follow proper procedure, then some evidence against you might be excluded from the trial. This could help you have a better chance of avoiding a conviction.
There are many different ways to defend yourself against marijuana possession charges. You may be able to argue that you didn’t know what the substance was, or that it was not in your possession. You could also claim that the drugs were not for your personal use, but rather for someone else’s. If law enforcement did not adhere to proper protocol during the investigation or arrest, some evidence against you might be thrown out — which could help you avoid a conviction altogether!
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