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Felony Marijuana Possession

While so-called simple marijuana possession offenses are incredibly common in Florida, people who allegedly possess 20 grams or more of cannabis can face felony charges. Felony possession of marijuana offenses can result in much longer prison sentences and bigger fines for alleged offenders.

Felony convictions can also have very steep long-term consequences for individuals. Convicted felons can experience numerous hardships when attempting to obtain employment, housing, or professional licensing.

Attorney for Felony Marijuana Possession Arrests in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Were you arrested anywhere in South Florida for alleged possession of 20 grams or more of marijuana? Do not make any kind of statement to authorities without legal counsel. Contact Meltzer & Bell today.

Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell are experienced criminal defense lawyers in Fort Lauderdale who represent clients accused of marijuana crimes in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Davie, and many surrounding areas of Broward County. Call (954) 765-6585 to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.

Overview of Felony Marijuana Possession Crimes in Broward County

When does possession become trafficking?
How can people be punished if convicted of this crime?
Where can I find more information about felony marijuana possession in Broward County?

Florida Felony Marijuana Possession Charges

Cannabis is defined under Florida Statute § 893.02(3) as “all parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds or resin.” Florida Statute § 893.13 establishes that drug possession offenses involving 20 grams or less of cannabis are first-degree misdemeanors, but alleged offenders who possess more than 20 grams of marijuana can be charged with third-degree felony offenses.

It is important to note that Florida Statute § 893.1351(4) states that possession of 25 or more cannabis plants constitutes prima facie evidence that the cannabis is intended for sale or distribution, and alleged offenders in such cases may be charged with second-degree felony cultivating or manufacturing marijuana. When an alleged offender is in possession of 25 pounds or more of marijuana or 300 or more cannabis plants, that person can face first-degree felony trafficking in cannabis charges.

Felony Marijuana Possession Penalties in Broward County

Convictions for third-degree felony marijuana possession offenses are punishable by any combination of the following:

Up to five years in prison;

Fine of up to $5,000; and/or

One year revocation of driver’s license.

Felony convictions carry several other consequences, including the loss of the right to possess a firearm.

Florida Resources for Felony Marijuana Possession Offenses

Florida | Marijuana Anonymous (MA) — MA identifies itself as “a fellowship of men and women who share our experience, strength, and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction.” Visit this website to learn more about the times and locations of in-person meetings in Florida. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions and an online forum to seek help or discuss other marijuana-related issues.

Who’s Really in Prison for Marijuana? | Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) — The goal of the White House ONDCP is “to establish policies, priorities, and objectives to eradicate illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences in the United States. The ONDCP published this report to “set the record straight” regarding the “idea that our nation’s prisons are overflowing with otherwise lawabiding people convicted for nothing more than simple possession of marijuana.” According to the most recent data available in 1997 from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), only 1.6 percent of the state inmate population were held for offenses involving only marijuana, and less than 1 percent of all state prisoners (0.7 percent) were incarcerated with marijuana possession as the only charge.

Meltzer & Bell | Fort Lauderdale Felony Marijuana Possession Defense Lawyer

If you were arrested for alleged felony possession of cannabis anywhere in Broward County, it will be in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Meltzer & Bell defends individuals all over South Florida, including Wilton Manors, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, Weston, Tamarac, Margate, Coconut Creek, Hallandale Beach, and several other nearby communities.

Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell will work to help you achieve the most favorable resolution to your case with the fewest possible penalties. They can review your case and discuss all of your legal options as soon as you call (954) 765-6585 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.