What it means and how it affects penalties
The Narcotics Act (BtMG) regulates the handling of illegal drugs in Germany. An important term in this law is the „small quantity.“ If only a small quantity is present, the public prosecutor's office can refrain from prosecution. In the case of first offenses involving cannabis products, this is even mandatory according to the case law of the Federal Constitutional Court.
If someone is found with a „small amount“ of illegal drugs, this can also lead to the dismissal of charges for opportunistic reasons or reduced penalties. Each federal state maintains a table listing different types of drugs and the corresponding amounts considered to be for personal use.
What tables are there and what do they regulate?
It is important to note that there is no nationwide table and that the quantity considered „small“ can vary from state to state. For some narcotics, a small quantity is not even defined. An experienced lawyer like Markus Sittig from SITTIG LAW in Hamburg, who specializes in criminal law and IT law, can determine what quantity of drugs is present and whether it can be considered „small.“.
It is also important to note that the table only regulates the quantity of possession for personal use and not for trading purposes. A lawyer like Markus Sittig can help you understand these differences and how they can affect your individual case.
Another important fact to consider is that the table is regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed to take into account current trends and developments in the drug market. An experienced lawyer like Markus Sittig will always be up-to-date and know what changes have been made to the table and how they can affect your case.
Contact us
If you are ever accused of possessing a „small amount“ of drugs, it is important to quickly hire a qualified attorney, such as Markus Sittig of SITTIG LAW in Hamburg, to build your defense and protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options.