Marijuana Distribution

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

Marijuana Distribution Lawyer


Back to top

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.

Back to top

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

Back to top

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

Back to top

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.

  • Law Firm 500 Fastest Growing Law Firms In the U.S - 2017 Honoree
    Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was an honaree for the Fastest Growing Law Firm In the U.S. award in 2017.
  • National College for DUI Defense
    The NCDD is a professional, non-profit corporation dedicated to the improvement of the criminal defense bar, and to the dissemination of information to the public about drunk driving law and related issues.
  • Broward Association of Criminal Defense lawyers
    BACDL's mission is to assist, support, and strengthen the Broward County criminal defense practitioner in the zealous defense of individuals and their Constitutional rights.
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    Promoting excellence and integrity in the practice of criminal law.
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    NACDL is an American criminal defense organization. Members include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, active U.S. military defense counsel, judges and more.
  • National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
    NORML is an American non-profit organization based in Washington, DC whose aim is to achieve the legalization of non-medical marijuana in the United States.
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
    The DDLA was founded on principles of democracy, transparency, and freedom of speech. We provide support, resources and education to the top DUI attorneys nationwide.
  • Better Business Bureau
    The BBB, founded in 1912, is a private, nonprofit organization whose self-described mission is to focus on advancing marketplace trust.
  • Law Firm 500 Fastest Growing Law Firms In the U.S - 2017 Honoree
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Broward Association of Criminal Defense lawyers
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • Better Business Bureau

    Contact Us Now

    Call (561) 557-8686 or complete the form. Phones answered 24/7. Most form responses within 5 minutes during business hours, and 15-20 minutes during evenings and weekends.

    100% Secure & Confidential