Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Florida

Even with marijuana laws changing all around the country, possession of recreational marijuana is illegal in Florida. Still, Florida’s laws on marijuana have been changing over the years. In 2016, Florida allowed for the possession and sale of medicinal marijuana, and it is fairly easy for Floridians to qualify for the program. Hemp has also become legal throughout the state in 2019. As such, law enforcement and the state attorney’s do not place too many resources into pursuing simple possession charges.

Whether the prosecution pursues a possession charge is largely left to their discretion. It is for this reason that anyone charged with marijuana possession speak to a criminal defense lawyer. If a prosecutor does secure a conviction, you may face serious penalties and have a criminal record for the rest of your life, which can greatly hamper other opportunities.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession

In Florida, a simple charge of possessing marijuana is defined as being in possession of under 20 grams of cannabis. This offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of a fine and possibly up to one year in jail.

If you are found in possession of between 20 grams and 25 pounds of marijuana, it is a third-degree felony possession charge. The penalties for a conviction of this offense are much more serious and include higher fines and up to five years in jail. A criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid these penalties by getting your charges reduced, or will help you beat them altogether.

Penalties for Trafficking Marijuana

Any time a person is found with more than 25 pounds of marijuana, they will face drug trafficking charges. The penalties for a conviction of this offense vary, depending on the amount of marijuana involved.

Our Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers can Help with Your Case

Marijuana is still largely illegal in Florida and anyone charged with possessing, selling, or trafficking cannabis needs the help of an Orlando criminal defense lawyer. At O’Mara Law Group, our experienced attorneys know the defenses available for these cases, and how to use them to build the solid defense you need. When you are facing charges, call us at (407) 634-6604 or contact us online to speak to one of our skilled attorneys.

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