As reported by Thomas Morgan in the May 24, 2012 edition of the Providence Journal, a West Warwick minister has been sentenced to eighteen (18) months in federal prison for possession of marijuana. The man is a license medical marijuana caregiver, which allows him to grow marijuana for patients. He was allowed to have twenty-four (24) plants but he was found with 183 plants when arrested by police.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 21-28-4.01(a) it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Possession of marijuana is defined as misdemeanor and upon conviction may be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or both.
Pursuant to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is classified as a schedule I drug, which means it is has high potential for abuse. Possession of marijuana under one (1) ounce is a misdemeanor, but possession of larger quantities of marijuana is a felony. Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 21-28-4.01.1, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess or deliver the following enumerated quantities of certain controlled substances, one kilogram (1 kg.) to five (5 kgs.) kilograms of a mixture containing a detectable amount of marijuana. If convicted, the penalties include imprisonment for a term up to fifty (50) years and fined not more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
If you or a family member has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of heroin or other drug offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.