Cannabis is the most popular controlled substance, and there is little scientific evidence to show it deserves its status as a Schedule I drug. Unlike most other illegal substances, it is only a misdemeanor to possess a small amount of marijuana. The amount, however, must be very small — 20 grams or less — and even a tiny bit more will make the charge a felony.
West Palm Beach Felony Cannabis Lawyer
If you face felony charges for possessing marijuana, a dedicated attorney can help you avoid the very serious consequences of this charge. At Meltzer & Bell, P.A., we are experienced at representing people facing cannabis possession charges that rise to the felony level.
The partners at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a team, the experienced attorneys of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. work together to develop the best strategies and strongest defense possible on your behalf. The team of attorneys at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. are experienced West Palm Beach felony marijuana lawyers who have fought for the rights of people in South Florida for years. Call (561) 557-8686 today to set up a free consultation.
We represent people in the courts of Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Our clients come from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Wellington, Boynton Beach, Belle Glade, Palm Beach Gardens, Greenacres, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach and anywhere in that area.
Felony Marijuana Information Center
- Defining Felony Possession Charges for Marijuana in Florida
- Penalties for Felony Cannabis Convictions
- Finding the Best Felony Marijuana Possession Attorney in Palm Beach County
Defining Felony Possession Charges for Marijuana in Florida
Under Florida Statutes Annotated § 893.13, it is against the law to possess any controlled substance without legal justification. Among those controlled substances is cannabis, a plant indigenous to Asia that has been smoked for centuries. Cannabis is also called marijuana, marihuana, pot or weed.
To convict a person of this crime, prosecutors must prove the person was knowingly in actual or constructive possession of the marijuana. Actual possession means it was on his or her person. Constructive possession means that the cannabis was in a place where the defendant had exclusive control.
Misdemeanor charges may be pressed if the defendant had 20 grams or less. However, that is a very small amount — less than three quarters of an ounce. Any more is a third degree felony.
Possessing more than 25 pounds could be a trafficking charge, which carries mandatory minimum sentences.
Penalties for Felony Cannabis Convictions
If convicted, you will face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. As a convicted felon, you will never be allowed to vote in the state of Florida again. Under federal law, you will never be able to carry a firearm anywhere in the United States. You will also lose your driver’s license for two years.
If you have a record free of crimes of violence, you may be eligible for Palm Beach County Drug Court. In Drug Court, you complete a program of rehabilitation and submit to random drug tests, among other requirements. After the program, which usually lasts a year, your charges will be dismissed.
If you think drug court is your best options, your drug defense lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors for you to be admitted. However, there may be no need. An attorney can examine the evidence against you. Evidence obtained in an illegal search may be suppressed, leading to dropped or reduced charges. There may be reasonable doubt whether you had constructive possession of the cannabis.
Finding a Felony Marijuana Possession Attorney in Palm Beach County
Felony charges are dead serious, but there’s hope if you’re facing accusations of possessing more than 20 grams of cannabis. At Meltzer & Bell, P.A., we fight for the rights of people whose liberty is on the line. Contact a West Palm Beach felony marijuana lawyer from Meltzer & Bell, P.A. today. Call (561) 557-8686 to set up a free consultation.
