The citizens of Denver legalized marijuana (less than an ounce), but the Denver City Attorney's Office still prosecutes marijuana cases under state law. Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana in Denver is a fine only offense.
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What to Know about Pleading to Possession of Less than an Ounce of Marijuana before you go to Court
If you plead to possession of marijuana in Denver, you may have to pay a fine of up to $100 plus court costs and a drug offender fee. In addition to the fine, you will have a conviction for possession of marijuana on your record. Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is classified as a petty offense. The federal government may refuse to give you a student loan because the conviction is classified as a drug offense. If you plead to possession of drug paraphernalia, also a petty offense, you will not have to pay the drug offender charge. Also, the conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia will not be classified as a drug offense.
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Your Options when You get to Court
The City of Denver will now be allowing defendants to pay the marijuana fine via mail. If you go to court, then you will have the opportunity to speak to a prosecutor and plea bargain. If you have a clean record, then you may enter into the Adult Diversion Program. In order to qualify for this program, you will have to take responsibility for your actions. In addition, you may have to take classes. You can ask the prosecutor to allow you to plead to possession of drug paraphernalia and avoid the drug offender charge.
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