How Police Determine Weight in a Marijuana Grow Operation and How a Drug Crime Attorney Can Help
Since there are no laws specific to growing, if you get caught cultivating marijuana, the specific drug charge you would face in Texas would be a drug possession charge. One of the most important factors that will determine the severity of the charges you face is the weight of the marijuana found in your possession. But how do the police determine weight in a marijuana grow operation? And what can you do if you are facing drug charges and need legal help? In this blog post, we will explore how the police determine weight in a marijuana grow operation and how a drug crime attorney can help.
How “Usable” Weight is Determined in Marijuana Cultivation Cases
When determining weight in a marijuana grow operation, the police will typically weigh the entire plant, including the leaves, stems, and buds. However, not all of that weight is considered “usable.” The usable weight should be determined by subtracting the weight of the stems and leaves from the total weight. The buds of the plant are the only potent and valuable part of the plant, so they should exclusively be considered in determining the severity of the charges. However, we have seen labs in Texas include not only the weight of the entire plant, but also the medium in which the plant is growing. This is just one of the reasons having a knowledgeable attorney represent your interests against these charges can help reduce the penalties you may be facing.
The Importance of Total WeightÂ
The total weight of the marijuana found in your possession is important because it is used to determine the level of the offense you will be charged with. In many states, the weight of the marijuana found in your possession determines whether you will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. For example, in Texas, possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor, while possession of more than that is considered a felony.
The Role of Intent in a Marijuana Grow Charge
In addition to weight, the police and prosecutors will also consider your intent when determining the severity of the charges you face. If the police can show that you were growing marijuana for distribution or sale, the charges will be more severe than if you were growing for personal use. Intent can be established through various means, such as the size of the marijuana grow operation, the amount of money found on the premises, and the presence of scales or other drug paraphernalia.
The Importance of a Drug Crime Attorney when Facing a Marijuana Cultivation Charge
If you are facing drug charges related to a marijuana grow operation, it is essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced drug crime attorney on your side. A drug crime attorney in Plano can help you understand the charges you are facing, negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf, and build a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and minimize the consequences of the charges, or get your drug charged dismissed.
How a Drug Crime Attorney Can Help with Marijuana Charges
A drug crime attorney can help by thoroughly analyzing the facts of your case, investigating the legality of the search and seizure that led to your arrest, and challenging the evidence against you. They can also attempt to arrange with prosecutors reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, such as drug treatment or probation, which can help you avoid jail time and protect your future.
Contact a Plano Attorney for Drug Charges
In conclusion, understanding how the police determine weight in a marijuana grow operation is essential if you are facing drug charges related to marijuana cultivation. By working with a knowledgeable and experienced Plano drug crime attorney, you can better understand the charges you are facing, protect your rights, and build a strong defense strategy to minimize the consequences of the charges. Contact The Fox Firm today for a drug crime consultation to discuss how you can fight back against drug charges and protect your future.