Did you know that traveling with marijuana in an unsealed container is considered a Moving Violation for 1 point, and unless you beat it in court, it will affect your insurance rates? With laws regarding marijuana being so vague, it’s hard for the average citizen to know where they stand or have a clue how to fight.

 

 

Knowing Your Rights Isn’t Always Enough

Navigating your way through a marijuana ticket can be a tricky mess even if you know and understand every law. Some people choose to use an attorney to help them fight because if you don’t know your way around a courtroom the chances of beating an unfair ticket go way down.

  • It isn’t right that laws regarding marijuana containers and travel appear to be open to interpretation of the individual but for now, that’s how it is.
  • Until the law is clarified, not only will traffic citations continue being written, you get to pay a fine as well as higher insurance rates.
  • People are often taken advantage of by receiving a ticket they didn’t deserve from a law enforcement officer just as confused as they are.
  • Perhaps the worst part is, once you get ticketed if you don’t fight and win it becomes a permanent record that follows you for life.

Container Laws Vary From State to State

Instead of one law for the nation, container laws vary depending on what area of the country you’re in. No matter what state you live in, or whether marijuana is for medical or recreational use, it helps avoid trouble with the law by simply carrying it in your trunk, or in the rear floorboard area so law enforcement can see it’s obviously out of reach. For now, once a seal has broken the burden of proof is on you, so don’t make it so easy for them.

  • California is working on legislation that should clear up the confusion, but for now, many people traveling with marijuana in their car also have the number of a cannabis attorney in their wallet.
  • Finally, a way has been found to determine just how much THC a person has in their system so rest assured if you think stashing marijuana in your trunk is inconvenient then consider all of the trouble a ticket could bring you and it won’t seem so bad.

It Could be A While Before Marijuana Persecution Completely Fades Away

To be fair, California’s politicians have been working to clear up any “container confusion” ahead of expected legalization in 2018. Obviously, legal transportation should be number one on their list and what they came up with was marijuana is to be treated the same as alcohol when it’s in your car.

  • When it comes to fines, California is famous for reasonableness in the beginning and then creeping up to ridiculous highs over time.
  • For now, open container fines for marijuana begin at $70, but who knows how long that will last because something else California is famous for is making money off the public, people just like you.

Traffic tickets are big business in the U.S., raking in billions every year, and you can bet Californians are paying their share. Is this situation unethical? Yes. Is it hopeless? No. With the proper knowledge and help, you can fight city hall and win.

Regardless of marijuana’s new legal status, there are always going to be people in positions of power who frown on its use. Victims of people who abuse their power don’t have many options. They can fight for their own rights, choose to hire an attorney with knowledge of marijuana laws, or pay the fine and walk away.

[Image:https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-cannabis-plant-606506/ ]

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Scott Desind

Scott Desind | Traffic Ticket Attorneys The Traffic Ticket Attorneys, Desind and Klijian, have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets. Our attorneys are well respected and known for their experience in fighting traffic tickets, specialized knowledge of the law and procedures and results by the court personnel, officers, deputies, competitors and clients.