By: James Davis
Florida has extremely strict marijuana laws and a violation is taken seriously, resulting in fines and jail time. In addition, a conviction of any drug offense in Florida automatically suspends your driver’s license for two years.
In addition, DUI laws and penalties include the use of marijuana while driving.
Consequences of Possession of Marijuana in Florida
If you get convicted of having marijuana in your possession (for personal use), these are the legal consequences:
- Possession of 20 grams or less is a misdemeanor, with up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
- Unless you are within 1,000 feet of a school, college, park, child care facility, community center, church, convenience store, university, business, public recreational facility, and are in possession of 20 grams or less.
- If you are caught in any of these locations and convicted, you are guilty of a felony with up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
- In addition, if you have more than 20 grams in your possession, you can be charged with a 3rd degree felony and punished up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
- If you possess more than 25 marijuana plants, the intent to deliver is assumed and it is a punishable 2nd degree felony, with up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Consequences of Cultivation or the Intent to Deliver in Florida
As noted above, the possession of a certain amount of marijuana or possessing marijuana in certain locations is automatically interpreted as the intent to deliver, which has more serious consequences than just the possession.
Here’s a run down of consequences of additional marijuana cultivation or the intent to deliver convictions:
- If you are found guilty of possession of more than 20 grams but less than 25 pounds, the potential prison time is up to 5 years and the fine is $5,000.
- If you are found guilty of trafficking between 25 and 2,000 pounds, the potential prison time is up to 15 years and the fine is $25,000. 3 years is the minimum mandatory prison sentence.
- If you are found guilty of trafficking between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds, the potential prison time is 30 years and $50,000. 7 years in prison is the minimum mandatory prison sentence.
- If you are found guilty of trafficking more than 10,000 pounds of marijuana, the minimum prison time is 15 years (with up to 30 years allowable) and a fine of $200,000.
Indirect Consequences of Marijuana Related Conviction in Florida
In addition to jail time, probation, fines, and driver’s license suspension, the following are indirect consequences of getting convicted of a marijuana related crime. Conviction can lead to:
- Job Loss
- Professional License Revocation
- Stressful Personal Life
- Other Criminal and Civil Charges such as Homicide and Manslaughter
- Ineligibility for State Financial Aid and Bright Futures Scholarships
- Possible 3 Year Ban on Public Housing
- Ineligibility for State Permits, Licenses, And Certification (Without Drug Treatment Program)
- 5 Year Ban on Adoption and Foster Care
- Lifetime Ban on Right to Possess Firearm
Consequences of Marijuana DUI in Florida
Most people think of drunk driving when they hear the term, “DUI.” In addition to drunk driving, DUI includes using marijuana and driving.
These are the penalties for a first DUI conviction in Florida. Subsequent convictions have more serious consequences.
- Fine – $500 – $1000
- Community Service – 50 Hours
- Probation – Up to 1 Year
- Imprisonment – Up to 6 Months
- License Revocation – Minimum of 180 days
- DUI School – 12 Hours
- Impoundment of Vehicle – 10 days
Get Qualified Legal Help Immediately
Because drug offenses, including possession and trafficking of marijuana, are serious criminal offenses, it’s imperative to get help immediately.
Keep the telephone number of a qualified marijuana defense attorney – here’s ours: (904) 358.0420
