Marijuana Cultivation / Grow Houses
With the use of marijuana becoming increasingly widespread in our country, and with many states adopting laws that legalize its use, it’s no surprise that many individuals are providing for the drug’s demand by cultivating their own cannabis plants. Among the rapidly growing crimes involving marijuana, the number of grow houses across the country has increased drastically in the last decade.
A charge of cultivating marijuana carries very serious penalties as the state and federal governments are scrambling to stem the tide of marijuana acceptance. As a felony offense, the penalties for this charge can by overwhelming. If you are up against these daunting charges, you need an experienced criminal justice attorney on your side.
Iowa Marijuana Cultivation Attorney
The lawyers at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have nearly 50 years of combined experience in representing those facing criminal charges across Iowa. Both Timothy McCarthy and Aaron Hamrock are licensed to represent clients in both state and federal court, and they are not afraid to take on a challenge. With you freedom on the line, you need an attorney who will aggressively protect your rights, and the team at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. is determined to proactively pursue a positive resolution for every client.
Call us today at (515) 279-9700 to schedule your free consultation about your unique case. We can analyze your circumstances and clearly outline the options available to you. It can be difficult to know the best way to proceed, but with the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney you can confidently proceed with protecting your future.
Penalties for Cultivating Marijuana
Like most other drug offenses, the penalties for growing marijuana increase based on the amount of the drug in question. Any charge for cultivating marijuana is considered a felony, but the consequences vary as follows:
- Less than 50 kilograms – the offender faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine between $750 and $7,5000.
- 50 to 100 kilograms – a conviction carries a possibility of up to 10 years in prison and a fine between $1,000 and $50,000.
- 100 to 1,000 kilograms – this offense carries the possibility of up to 25 years in prison and fine from $5,000 to $100,000.
- Over 1,000 kilograms – possible penalties include up to 50 years in prison and fine of up to $1,000,000.
These potential penalties can be increased in certain circumstances, such as if the offender possessed a firearm at the time of the offense, or if the cultivation area was within 1,000 of a school zone or other public place. If a minor was involved in the cultivation process, the consequences can also increase.
In addition to jail time and fines, an offender may be required to participate in a drug rehabilitation program or community service. As a felony offense, a conviction for this charge can have a serious impact on an offender’s future.
If the cultivation of marijuana was involved in an operation that distributed the drug across state borders, offenders could also be facing federal charges. A federal offense carries steeper penalties and a different prison system. Attorneys must be specifically able to represent their clients in federal courts, as both Timothy McCarthy and Aaron Hamrock are.
Seeking a Marijuana Grow House Attorney in Iowa
If you have been charge with the serious felony of growing marijuana, your future is truly on the line. McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. can work tirelessly on your behalf so that you can get past this difficult time and back on your feet. Let us take on your challenging situation and aggressively fight to defend your freedom. Call (515) 279-9700 today to schedule your free consultation appointment if you’ve been charged with growing marijuana in Polk County or Dallas County.