The crime of marijuana possession is fairly well understood, but charges relating to distribution of this illegal drug can be somewhat more complicated. An alleged offender may be accused of distributing cannabis if he or she sold, purchased, delivered, imported, manufactured, possessed with intent to sell, or kept or maintained a store, warehouse, vehicle, or other structure that was used to cultivate, manufacture, or store marijuana.
When cannabis exceeds a certain amount, people can face trafficking charges. However, any quantity of marijuana below that threshold may be classified as distribution if authorities suspect that there was a conspiracy to sell, delivery, or otherwise distribute the drugs.
West Palm Beach Marijuana Distribution Lawyer
Have you been arrested for allegedly distributing cannabis in South Florida? You will want to immediately have proficient legal representation who can give you the best chance of having the charges you face significantly reduced or possibly even dismissed.
The Palm Beach County marijuana distribution attorneys of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. fight to get favorable outcomes for clients in such communities as Riviera Beach, Boca Raton, Greenacres, Royal Palm Beach, and Jupiter. Our firm will provide a thorough analysis of your case to help you understand all of your legal options as soon as you call (561) 557-8686 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Florida Marijuana Distribution Overview
- How does the amount of cannabis affect the classification of the crime?
- What are the possible consequences if an alleged offender is convicted?
- Are there any defenses against these charges?
Marijuana Distribution Charges in Palm Beach County
Under Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes, distribution of cannabis may be classified as one of the following criminal offenses, depending on the alleged amount:
- First-Degree Misdemeanor — 20 grams or less of marijuana
- Third-Degree Felony — More than 20 grams but 25 pounds or less of marijuana, or fewer than 300 cannabis plants
It is important to understand that there are aggravating factors that can result in enhanced penalties. Under Florida Statute § 893.13, the following offenses are both classified as second-degree felonies:
- Cannabis Distribution Within 1,000 Feet of Drug-Free Zone — This applies if an alleged offender distributes marijuana in, on, or within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a child care facility, public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight, or at any time in, on, or within 1,000 feet of real property comprising a state, county, or municipal park, a community center, or a publicly owned recreational facility.
- Distributing Cannabis to a Person Younger than 18 — This applies if an alleged offender older than 18 years of age distributes marijuana to a minor younger than 18 years of age.
Marijuana Distribution Penalties in West Palm Beach
In addition to having a devastating charge added to his or her criminal record, an alleged offender also faces possible imprisonment and very steep fines if he or she is convicted. The possible consequences of a conviction may include:
- First-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to one year in jail and $1,000 maximum fine
- Third-Degree Felony — Up to five years in prison and $5,000 maximum fine
- Second-Degree Felony — Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 maximum fine
Florida Marijuana Distribution Defenses
Every arrest relating to cannabis distribution is unique. As a result, alleged offenders can have a variety of defenses available to them, depending on their specific circumstances.
Some common defenses in these types of cases include, but are not limited to:
- Entrapment
- Lack of evidence
- No intent to distribute
- No knowledge about marijuana
- Illegal search and seizure
- Inaccurate cannabis measurement
- Procedural violations by law enforcement
Find a Marijuana Distribution Lawyer in Palm Beach County
If you have been charged with alleged cannabis distribution in South Florida, you should not waste any time in making sure that you have highly skilled legal counsel. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. has more than two decades of experience fighting for clients in Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Delray Beach, and many surrounding areas.
Our firm was founded by a former felony special unit prosecutor and a former major crimes public defender, and this background allows us to provide the people we serve with a full perspective of how their cases will be handled and what can be expected in the courtroom. Let us review your own case by calling (561) 557-8686 today to take advantage of a free consultation.
