The Albany Sheriff is really cracking down on the bad guys these days. The Times Union had a couple of articles on November 29th about his team nailing a gambling ring, and another about them bungling a marijuana operation.In the gambling story, the Sheriff successfully protected the public from four dopes who were engaged in a gambling conspiracy. The story is filled with dollar amounts that are

If you're facing marijuana charges in New York State, we might be able to help. Please check out our Marijuana Lawyer page.Got part of another case resolved tonight. Client was charged with UPM (unlawful possession of marijuana). Criminal Procedure Law section 170.56 provides for dismissal or ACOD (adjourned in contemplation of dismissal) for UPM and the two misdemeanor marijuana charges, if it's

Note: Our office handles marijuana possession cases.I appeared with a young client this week who was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana (CPM). In NY, 25 grams or less is unlawful possession of marijuana (UPM), a violation. This client had 29 grams, which makes it a misdemeanor -- a crime. 29 grams is about an ounce.With UPM, it's common to get the charge resolved with an ACOD -

The US Supreme Court recently made another decision on "medical marijuana" (PDF).California legalized marijuana for medical use. Under federal law (the Controlled Substances Act, or CSA), marijuana remains illegal. The CSA was challenged as violating the Commerce Clause (and also the Necessary and Proper Clause). This is part of a very long dispute on the Court over how much power the federal

Today I noticed a blog mentioned marijuana enforcement in a posting 26 Million Joints". I've been a critic for many years of the the War on Drugs. Now as a lawyer I frequently represent defendants on marijuana charges. The most common in New York is "Unlawful Possession of Marijuana" (UPM). It is a very low level offense. The fine and surcharge is usually about $200.The most common way this comes