Marijuana Possession In Florida
Drug crime attorneys with offices in Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando and Clearwater.
Marijuana is a drug used recreationally by many individuals and many states are making possession of small amounts a lower priority for prosecution. Florida is NOT one of those states. If the police find a joint on you or even paraphernalia, this is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000! Possession of more than 20 grams is a felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Do not take your possession arrest lightly!
“The consequences of a drug conviction are serious and life changing,” states Darren Finebloom, a criminal defense attorney concentrating on drug cases at Finebloom & Haenel, P.A. “Besides the possibility of jail time and fines, a conviction of a misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge will automatically impose a two-year driver’s license suspension.”
Here are the potential consequences of being convicted of a crime involving marijuana:
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Possession |
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20 g or less |
misdemeanor |
1 year |
$1,000 |
|
More than 20 g |
felony |
5 years |
$5,000 |
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300 or more plants |
felony |
Mandatory 3 Years up to 30 |
$25,000 |
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Sale or Trafficking |
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Sale of 20 g or less |
felony |
5 years |
$5,000 |
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>25lbs <2000 lbs (or 300 Plants) |
felony |
3 years MMS* |
$25,000 |
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>2000 lbs<10,000 lbs (or 2000 plants) |
felony |
7 years MMS* |
$50,000 |
|
>10,000 lbs (or 10,000 plants) |
felony |
15 years MMS* |
$200,000 |
|
All trafficking offenses have Mandatory Minimum Sentences (MMS). |
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Miscellaneous(paraphernalia, license suspensions, drug tax stamps, etc…) |
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Paraphernalia possession |
misdemeanor |
1 year |
$1,000 |
According to Darren Finebloom, there are many viable defense strategies to use against charges of marijuana trafficking or possession for sale. “An experienced defense lawyer will thoroughly examine any search warrants executed by the police and make sure your rights were not violated at any time during the arrest process,” Darren says, emphasizing that his strategy for successful drug crime defense revolves around evidence.
“In my extensive experience, analyzing all the evidence against my clients helps to determine the most effective ways to aggressively challenge the State’s cases. It’s up to me to fight for the best resolution possible for all my clients facing marijuana charges.”
