In Connecticut, facing criminal charges means dealing with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. These agencies possess a wealth of experience in criminal prosecution. They understand the general nature of offenses and the criminal code.
More so, the government has trained them to “catch” any mistake or potentially damaging statements you might make. Despite being innocent, the police may advise you to respond to some of their questions if you want things to go well.
So, this article explains the laws of Connecticut, focusing on cannabis. It will help answer your possible questions about what the prosecutor has to “prove” to get a conviction, the punishment, and the factors that might affect the sentence.
Possession of Cannabis for Personal Use
In 2021, the government of Connecticut signed an act concerning responsible and equal regulation of adult-use cannabis into law. The law allows adults over 21 years old to carry up to five ounces of marijuana in their residence and about one and a half ounces of cannabis flowers or concentrates in public.
The law restricts the inciting actions that organizations (hospitals, employers, etc.) may take against people who have tested positive for cannabis exposure in the past. It also stipulates that police officers cannot search someone simply because they smell marijuana.
Possession of over one and a half ounces of marijuana attracts a prison term of no more than a year and a fine of no more than $2000. For a second offense, the court will have to evaluate the accused. If the judge discovers the defendant is a drug addict, the prosecution may have to be put on hold while the defendant enrolls in and completes a drug abuse treatment program.
Cultivation or Distribution of Cannabis
Home cultivation is still against the law and is punishable by fines until July 1, 2023. Cultivating up to three mature and immature plants carries the following penalties: (1) a written warning for a first offense; (2) a fine of no more than $500 for a second offense; and (3) a habitual offender will be found guilty of a class D misdemeanor.
Distribution of less than one kilogram of marijuana is punishable by a fine or seven years of imprisonment for the first offender and up to 15 years for others. Cultivating or sharing marijuana within 1,500 feet of a public residence, an elementary/middle school, or a daycare facility may result in up to three years of imprisonment and other punishments.
An adult who distributes cannabis to someone under 18 will get two years of jail time and other imposed sentences. On the other hand, using someone under 18 to distribute marijuana is punishable by three years of prison time in addition to any other imposed sentence.
Possession or Distribution of Marijuana Paraphernalia
By possessing paraphernalia for cultivating, distributing, or consuming more than one-half ounce of marijuana, an individual can be guilty of a class C misdemeanor which can lead to a fine of up to $500 and up to three months in prison. Possessing it to distribute it is a class A misdemeanor that attracts a maximum penalty of a year of jail time and a fine of $2,000.
To conclude that a defendant is guilty of this crime, there must be evidence that the defendant knows or should have known that people would use the item to grow, distribute, or consume more than one-half ounce of marijuana. Possessing or sharing paraphernalia within 1,500 feet of an elementary or middle school can attract one year of imprisonment in addition to the imposed punishment.
