Q: My 18 year old just received a minor in possession for marijuana what type of charges can we expect
A: The type of charges depend on the amount of marijuana your 18 year old had when he or she got caught. Marijuana is typically considered a schedule 2 controlled substance and ranks up there with heroin and cocaine in terms of its perceived severity. Based on what you've indicated, it would seem that the appropriate charge is for a relatively small amount and wouldn't implicate felony charges. In Michigan a first offense possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor and carries with it a possible one year jail sentence, maximum two thousand dollar fine, and a mandatory six month license suspension. A second possession offense takes on even greater severity. It is a felony and carries with it a 2 year maximum sentence and potentially a $4,000 fine and a mandatory 1 year license suspension. Where your 18-year old got arrested also matters. A first-offense marijuana arrest in a public park, for instance, is potentially a two-year felony. If you'd like to discuss this matter further please contact me.
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