PARIS – A West Paris father and son pleaded guilty to marijuana cultivation charges in Oxford County Superior Court on Friday.

Alan Hakala, 43, and his son Joseph Hakala, 23, of 9 Snow Falls Road, were arrested last April 20 when police with a warrant searched their home in the early hours of the morning, seizing more than 200 marijuana plants and 23 firearms.

Both had reached plea bargains with prosecutors.

Alan Hakala pleaded guilty to a felony charge of aggravated marijuana cultivation. He was sentenced to four years in prison, all but 15 months suspended, three years of probation and a $400 fine. He was taken directly into custody.

Joseph Hakala pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of marijuana cultivation, and agreed to a forfeiture of all but three of his firearms.

Justice Robert E. Crowley sentenced him to a fully suspended 364-day prison sentence, one year of probation and a $400 fine.

Police had gained a search warrant after getting a tip from an informant that Alan Hakala was growing the drug, and later observing plants outside his trailer.

Joseph Hakala had no criminal history, according to court officials, and Alan Hakala had one misdemeanor burglary conviction.

Cote said in court that Joseph Hakala has been an avid hunter since he was 10. Many of his firearms are gifts – some antiques – and have sentimental value.

Cote noted that while there was marijuana throughout the house, there was none in Joseph Hakala’s room.

“Alan has fully accepted responsibility for the conduct that happened in that house,” Cote said, later noting that he had mentioned to his father that what he was doing was wrong.

Crowley responded later, “he couldn’t be residing in that house and not know that marijuana was being grown.”

Joseph Hakala was allowed to keep three weapons of his choice after discussion between his attorney William Cote and Crowley.

Neither Cote nor Alan Hakala’s attorney, Henry Griffin, returned calls for comment.

It is customary for police to seize weapons found in the presence of drugs, Crowley explained, and they are either destroyed or sold, with the profit going into general funds.

“If you’re going to have drugs, don’t have firearms,” said Assistant District Attorney David Fisher.