I Got Arrested For Drug Possession In Kansas. How Long Could I Go To Jail For?

If you were arrested for drug possession in Kansas, the length of time you could spend in jail depends not only on the drug you were caught with but also the amount of it found on you. Getting caught with a small amount of a controlled substance, regardless of its schedule, may lead to a shorter sentence – if you are convicted of your charges – than if you get caught with a large amount. Quantity is an important factor for authorities and prosecutors, who see a big difference between simple possession and possession with the intent to distribute. The former offense usually carries a lighter sentence; the latter can lead to years in prison and can carry a hefty fine.

Can I Still Go To Jail For Marijuana Possession?

In many states that border Kansas, marijuana is legal for medical use, recreational use or both. Kansas, however, is one of six states where marijuana use remains fully illegal, and its laws could cause trouble for visitors who are unaware of them. However, prosecutors are aware that Kansas is an island among states with changing marijuana laws and that societal views of marijuana use are shifting; as a result, they are often, though not always, lenient toward individuals arrested for marijuana possession. They may not dismiss marijuana possession cases outright, but they will generally work with the accused to find resolutions that do not upend their lives.

Is There Any Way I Can Avoid Going To Jail?

While Kansas has some of the harshest drug laws in the United States, individuals charged with drug possession can – and do – receive second chances and avoid jail time. For first-time offenders, probation is sometimes an alternative to incarceration. And people charged with lower level drug offenses may also qualify for participation in diversion programs or drug courts. Eligibility for these programs is determined at the discretion of prosecutors.

None of these outcomes are guaranteed. Yet, the accused can take an important step toward improving their odds of protecting their freedom: hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney will have a complete understanding of how Kansas’ drug laws pertain to the situation at hand, as well as knowledge of how state judicial systems operate. Armed with these facts, they can mount the most effective defense possible.