Marijuana laws in the United States are pretty complex. First, they vary from state to state. Second, laws are constantly being revised and changed. Given this complex landscape, it is easy to get into trouble and break the law. This can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is essential to know how to choose a reliable and qualified attorney who specializes in marijuana laws.
Understanding the Specifics of State Laws
As we have already written, the laws vary significantly across the country. Conventionally, all states can be divided into four groups:
- Medical and recreational use of cannabis is permitted.
- Only medical use is allowed.
- Use is allowed for medical purposes with restrictions.
- There is no special legislation on this issue.
Thus, a Tulsa medical marijuana attorney is forced to work with one set of laws and in Los Angeles with another. This is because Oklahoma laws only allow cannabis use with a special medical card and under a medical prescription. California has much more lenient laws, and it can be used for recreational purposes. This fact means that the stricter the legislation, the greater the chances of violating it. Accordingly, there is a greater demand for lawyers to deal with this issue.
Why You Might Need a Medical Marijuana Attorney
Now, let’s talk about the cases in which you may need the help of a lawyer. In fact, the list of such situations is not very large:
- Consultation. If you are a responsible and reasonable person, you will find out about the laws in force in the state in advance. Since the information may be contradictory or unclear, the best way is to consult with a specialist. You can find out the permitted amount of cannabis that you can buy and store. In addition, the attorney will tell you in what places and in what forms you can use it.
- Protecting your interests. If you have been unlawfully denied a medical card or your rights have been restricted in some other way, you can file a lawsuit. It is pretty challenging to do this on your own, so a lawyer’s help will come in very handy.
- Representing your interests in court. If you have committed an offense, you will need a defense attorney. He will help you provide the correct documents and present the information in such a way as to receive the minimum possible punishment.
Thus, a lawyer is needed not only in court. It is best not to let it come to this at all, and to learn about all the current restrictions in advance.
Where to Find an Attorney
So, you have defined your goals, and now all that remains is to find an attorney, but where to do this? There are several ways, and now we will tell you about them.
Google Search
Most likely, this method immediately came to your mind. It is really simple and accessible. In addition, thanks to Google Geodata, you can find the firms and individual lawyers closest to you. Moreover, this way, you can immediately see reviews and ratings from other users, which is very convenient.
State Bar Association Website
Google is not the only way to find a lawyer using the Internet. On the bar association’s website, you will always find a complete list of licensed specialists in your state. This method is convenient because you will be sure that the specialist has a license and no penalties. But you will have to google reviews separately.
Social Networks
Of course, we shouldn’t forget about social networks. There are many thematic groups where it is easy to find contact information of suitable specialists. In addition, a lawyer’s reputation is quite well traced in social networks.
Recommendations from Friends and Colleagues
Since the dawn of mankind, this method has remained the most beloved. Indeed, a recommendation from a friend who has already used the services of a given specialist is more compelling evidence than reviews on the Internet. Therefore, ask your friends and colleagues; perhaps someone will provide you with the contact of a good lawyer.
How to Choose an Attorney
If you start googling attorney, you will see how many of them there are. However, this does not mean that you should contact the first one you come across. It is worth approaching this responsibly, because a lot depends on the lawyer. Here are some tips to help you choose the best option.
Specialization in Marijuana Law
Any area of law includes many nuances and pitfalls. They may not be apparent not only to the average person but also to a lawyer who has a different specialization. Very often, you can see ads for general practice lawyers. However, such a broad area of activity is usually accompanied by shallow knowledge of specific areas. In simple matters, this knowledge may be enough. However, the best option is an attorney specializing in marijuana.
Work Experience in Your State
Because of the difference in laws, it is better to choose a lawyer who works in your state. This ensures excellent knowledge of local laws. If we take the example above, even the best attorney from Los Angeles will not be as effective as a lawyer from Oklahoma if you need help in this state. Again, there are variations here, and this is just a general recommendation.
Reputation and Reviews
After the first two points, you have already narrowed down the list of attorneys. However, the choice is still too large. Therefore, first of all, it is worth assessing the quality of the candidates’ work. It is impossible to do this with complete certainty. However, indirect evidence of good work is reputation and customer reviews.
Start with reviews. They will help you get a general idea. If the attorney does poor work, it will definitely come to light. However, do not expect 100% positive reviews, as even the best professional cannot please everyone. Of course, it is worth looking at trustworthy resources, such as Google Reviews. Also, check the lawyer you choose for disciplinary action. This information is publicly available on your state bar association’s website.
Cost of Services
Here it is important to focus not only on the price, but also on the transparency of pricing. Services can be expensive or cheap, and this does not in any way indicate their quality. However, a conscientious lawyer always provides a clear answer regarding the introductory price and possible additional costs. If a specialist avoids answering, then it is not worth working with him.
Customer Focus
You must be sure that you will receive timely assistance. If you have an urgent question and the lawyer suggests postponing the consultation due to being busy, look for another specialist. Within the framework of your cooperation, your interests should be the lawyer’s first priority.
Ease of Communication
Once you have narrowed down a few professionals that fit your criteria, it is essential to make sure you are on the same page. This can be done by visiting the attorney’s office in person or by arranging a video call. This is to see how comfortable you are communicating with this attorney. It is not about becoming best friends with the professional. It is just that you will have to interact a lot during the process of working together, and it is better that this does not cause inconvenience.
Conclusion
A medical marijuana attorney may be needed in a variety of situations, from consultation to representation in court. Much depends on the qualifications of this specialist, so it is vital to approach the choice responsibly. Use all of the listed criteria to choose the best attorney for your specific situation. If you encounter legal problems in this area, immediately start looking for a lawyer. The sooner you find one, the better. This will help you avoid serious problems with the law.
