In 2008 the Massachusetts legislature decriminalized possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana. If an offender 18 years of age or older possesses marijuana they are subject to a civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of that marijuana. There is no other criminal or civil punishment or disqualification other than the fine and forfeiture.
POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS
Possession and Distribution of Marijuana
Possession and Distribution of Marijuana
Criminal Record
As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I am often asked, "if my case was dismissed does it appear on my criminal record"? The answer is yes, it appears on your criminal record. Criminal records in Massachusetts are kept by the Commissioner of Probation under the designated name CORI, which stands for criminal offender record information. Any time an individual is arraigned before the court and entry is made on the CORI identifying the crime, the offender and all of his or her personal data. If the case is dismissed that disposition (dismissed) is entered on the CORI.