Massachusetts Drug Possession Law
Massachusetts Drug Possession Defense
What you're facing under M.G.L. c. 94C § 34, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Massachusetts (MA) law.
Offense Class
Misdemeanor (most first offenses); Felony (Class A subsequent)
Maximum Penalty
2 years (Class A first); 3.5 years (Class A subsequent); 1 year (Class B); 1 year (Class C/D/E)
Maximum Fine
$2,000 (Class A); $1,000 (Class B); $1,000 (Class C/D/E)
Penalty Range in Massachusetts
Charge Enhancements
These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Massachusetts:
- Subsequent offenses
- Possession near a school or park
Massachusetts-Specific Detail
Massachusetts decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana (under 1 oz for adults 21+). Class A includes heroin, Class B includes cocaine, Class C includes prescription opioids, Class D includes marijuana.
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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Massachusetts drug possession law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.