West Palm Beach Marijuana Crimes Attorney
Get Award-Winning Defense on Your Side
At the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A., our West Palm Beach drug crime lawyer understands the ins and outs of Florida’s drug laws. We can use this knowledge and our finely-tuned skills to help you figure out your next move in your marijuana crime matter. If you are facing charges, we can investigate the circumstances of your case and advocate for your rights to protect your freedom.
In recent years, attitudes toward marijuana have begun shifting, resulting in legislation changes concerning the substance. Florida drug laws have recently been revised, changing the way conduct involving the sale, possession, and growth of marijuana is prosecuted. For example, Florida voters passed Amendment 2, which allows the possession and use of cannabis for medical purposes. Having laws constantly changing, it can be difficult to determine what is right and wrong. This can make it frustrating if you are currently facing marijuana charges.
At the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A., we can provide the answers and guidance you need for your case. Call us at (561) 902-1122 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Florida’s Medical Marijuana Laws
In Florida, while recreational use of marijuana is illegal, purchasing or possessing the substances for medical use is allowed. Strict laws are in place to regulate the acquisition, use, delivery, and administering of cannabis for this purpose. For example, a person must receive a physician certification to obtain medical marijuana, and he or she can only purchase cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries.
To be eligible for a medical marijuana card, the individual must have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition, such as:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- AIDS
- PTSD
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Additionally, a person using cannabis for medical purposes is restricted on where it can be used.
For instance, he or she cannot administer the substance:
- On public transportation
- In a public place
- At the individual’s workplace (unless permitted)
- In a jail, prison, or other correctional facility
- On school property
- In a school bus
- In a vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat
Marijuana Laws in Florida
If a person does not have a physician’s approval to use cannabis, he or she could face criminal charges. Florida has several laws concerning conduct involving marijuana, and significant penalties can be imposed upon anyone convicted of an offense.
Possession of Marijuana
The level of charge and punishments assessed for possessing marijuana depend on the amount of the substance.
A person who is in actual or constructive possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana may be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. Conviction penalties include:
- Up to 1 year in jail,
- Up to 1 year of probation, and/or
- Up to $1,000 in fines
If the person possessed 20 grams or more of cannabis, he or she would face a third-degree felony charge. Punishments include:
- Up to 5 years in prison,
- Up to 5 years of probation, and/or
- Up to $5,000 in fines
Sale or Delivery of Marijuana
Delivering, without consideration, less than 20 grams of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanor. The offense is penalized by:
- Up to 1 year in jail,
- Up to 1 year of probation, and/or
- Up to $1,000 in fines
Selling or delivering marijuana is a third-degree felony. It’s punishable by:
- Up to 5 years in prison,
- Up to 5 years of probation, and/or
- Up to $5,000 in fines
Trafficking in Marijuana
Selling, purchasing, manufacturing, delivering, or bringing into the state more than 25 pounds of marijuana (referred to as trafficking in cannabis) is a first-degree felony. A conviction results in a prison term up 30 years, probation for up to 30 years, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
A court must impose mandatory minimum sentences and fines depending on the amount of marijuana:
- More than 25 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds: 3-year minimum prison term and a $25,000 fine
- 2,000 pounds or more but less than 10,000 pounds: 7-year minimum prison term and a $50,000 fine
- 10,000 pounds or more: 15-year minimum prison term and a $200,000 fine
Driver’s License Suspension
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will impose a mandatory six-month driver’s license suspension if a person is convicted of misdemeanor or felony possession or sale of marijuana.
Choose the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A.
If you have been accused of a marijuana drug crime, our firm can help. Attorney Rosenfeld can utilize his legal knowledge and experience to work toward a favorable result, such as a reduced charge or even a dismissal, if possible.
Contact the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A., at (561) 902-1122 to speak with our West Palm Beach marijuana crime lawyer today.