While the fight to legalize marijuana is ongoing, the laws in Pennsylvania still stand, making many activities involving the drug illegal. One such activity is trafficking. The Pennsylvania General Assembly explains that there are mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking marijuana. So, if law enforcement arrests you on this crime, you should be aware that you will face a mandatory sentence.
The sentence you receive depends on many factors that the court will consider. However, the mandatory sentence starts based on the amount of marijuana found in your possession.
The minimal amount for this crime is two pounds or ten plants. At this level, the sentence is one year in prison and a $5,000 fine. If you have a prior charge, then the prison time increases to two years and the fine to $10,000.
The top-level offense is trafficking at least 50 pounds or 51 plants. This comes with a five-year prison sentence. You will also pay a fine of $15,000. With a prior record, this becomes four years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
In the middle, between ten pounds and 50 pounds or at least 21 plants, you will face a sentence of three years in prisons with a $15,000 fine. A previous conviction will increase this to a $30,000 fine and four years in prison.
While these mandatory minimum sentences are much lighter than those for trafficking other drugs, they still are serious crimes. You will have a felony record and have to spend time behind bars. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
