While marijuana has become legal for medical use in 26 states (and for recreational use in seven), there aren’t any laws legalizing its use in any form in the state of Wisconsin. However, public opinion is changing; in a July 16, 2017 poll from Marquette University Law School, 59 percent of people agreed that it should be legalized.
Only 39 percent disagreed.
But that doesn’t mean that legislators are making changes any time soon. In February, democrats pushed for legalization after hearing from Gulf War veteran Steve Acheson and a number of others who claim to use marijuana to treat a variety of ailments.
Although Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) has pledged to introduce marijuana policy reform legislation in 2017, the last time she attempted to introduce legislation that would create a medical marijuana program for seriously ill people, it didn’t even make it to the floor where representatives could vote on it.
Marijuana Penalties in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Other Wisconsin Cities
If you’re caught with less than an ounce of marijuana, you can be thrown in jail for up to 6 months and pay a fine of up to $1,000—and that’s if it’s your first offense.
If you’re caught with any amount of marijuana as a second offense, you could be sentenced to up to 3 years, 6 months imprisonment and pay up to $10,000 in fines.
Whether it’s your first offense or any subsequent offense, the judge is required by law to suspend your driver’s license for at least 6 months, too.
Do You Need to Talk to a Marijuana Possession Defense Lawyer in Wisconsin?
It may be a good idea for you to talk to an attorney who understands Wisconsin’s marijuana laws and penalties—and who understands how they could impact your situation.
If you’ve been accused of possession of marijuana in any amount, call us right away at 414-292-6700 so we can give you case-specific legal advice. We may be able to help you, so reach out for your free consultation about marijuana possession today.
