How Much Weed is a Felony in Texas?
No, that picture hanging above isn’t oregano! Legalization of marijuana has been in the national news. Some states have made recreational use legal. Currently, marijuana is still illegal under Texas and Federal Law. What you might think is a small amount of weed can actually be a felony. So, how much weed is a felony in Texas?
Current Marijuana Laws in Texas
Depending on which part of the state you’re in, marijuana charges can be punished more lightly or heavily. Let’s also not forget about the license suspension that comes with a marijuana conviction, regardless of weight. Here’s a quick breakdown of Texas Weed Laws:
- Less than 2 ounces – Class B Misdemeanor ($2,000 fine/6 months jail)
- Between 2 ounces and 4 ounces – Class A Misdemeanor ($4,000 fine/1 year jail)
- 4 ounces to 5lbs – State Jail Felony ($10,000 fine/6 months – 2 years jail)
- 5lbs – 50lbs – 3rd Degree Felony ($10,000 fine/2 years – 10 years jail)
- 50lbs – 2,000lbs – 2nd Degree Felony ($10,000 fine/2 years – 20 years jail)
- 2,000lbs and up – 1st Degree Felony ($50,000 fine/5 years – 99 years jail)
How Much Weed is a Felony in Texas?
Well, how much weed did you have on you?
If you look at the little list above, you’ll see that possession of 4oz to 5lbs of marijuana in Texas is a felony. If you stop and think about it, the only difference between a misdemeanor possession of marijuana in Texas and felony possession of marijuana in Texas is the weight. At that point, you’re probably not using the weed just for “personal use” once you get up into the higher weight classes.
It’s all about the weight.
To make things worse, if you have that much weight on you, chances are very high that you’re also going to be charged with distribution. If I was a police officer or a prosecutor, I’d assume that you’re transporting it for yourself, transporting it for someone else, or you’re planning on selling it to other people. Normally, where there are drugs, there are also guns and drug paraphernalia as well. Why? Because when drug dealers get ripped off, they can’t call the police for help!
How does the weight affect my case?
The weight affects your case in a few ways. First, if the weight is big enough, you’ll be charged with a felony. Second, you may be pressured by police or prosecutors to turn over your source and act as an informant. This is VERY DANGEROUS. Third, other criminal charges will follow as the weight of the marijuana increases up the felony scale.
Not all hope is lost. Chances are very high that you would be offered a plea bargain, which may include a reduced charge, reduced penalty/fine etc… As far as charge reductions go, this is the way that a felony becomes a misdemeanor in Texas. When it comes to marijuana laws in Texas, not even Willie Nelson gets a pass…
