florida drug possession laws
Do the 2017 Marijuana Laws Affect Your Rights?
The topic of Florida’s drug possession laws is much debated. It came into focus when the state passed the Florida Medical Marijuana Legislation Initiative, otherwise known as Amendment 2, in November 2016. That amendment took effect on January 3, 2017.
The amendment makes medical marijuana legal in Florida for debilitating medical conditions. These may include cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis or other conditions that a state-licensed physician feels medical marijuana will benefit.
Did Amendment 2 change Florida drug possession laws?
While medical marijuana is legal in Florida under certain conditions, Amendment 2 did not change Florida’s drug possession laws regarding marijuana or other controlled substances. This is in line with federal law, which also prohibits the possession and distribution of marijuana.
In Florida, drug possession laws are determined by Florida Statute 893.13. In short, if you are caught carrying illegal drugs (such as marijuana, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy/MDMA or heroin/opiate), you will likely be charged with possession of a controlled substance. If you intended to sell those illegal drugs, you will be charged with possession with intent to sell.
Here are the potential penalties you may face under Florida Statute 893.13:
Drug possession cases in Florida are serious business. If you are arrested on a drug charge in Orange County or Seminole County, you want a lawyer who will defend your rights and your freedoms. The attorneys at the Filler & Hedum Law Firm in Longwood, Seminole County, are well-versed in Florida drug possession laws and are committed to helping you seek justice.
The topic of Florida’s drug possession laws is much debated. It came into focus when the state passed the Florida Medical Marijuana Legislation Initiative, otherwise known as Amendment 2, in November 2016. That amendment took effect on January 3, 2017.
The amendment makes medical marijuana legal in Florida for debilitating medical conditions. These may include cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis or other conditions that a state-licensed physician feels medical marijuana will benefit.
Did Amendment 2 change Florida drug possession laws?
While medical marijuana is legal in Florida under certain conditions, Amendment 2 did not change Florida’s drug possession laws regarding marijuana or other controlled substances. This is in line with federal law, which also prohibits the possession and distribution of marijuana.
In Florida, drug possession laws are determined by Florida Statute 893.13. In short, if you are caught carrying illegal drugs (such as marijuana, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy/MDMA or heroin/opiate), you will likely be charged with possession of a controlled substance. If you intended to sell those illegal drugs, you will be charged with possession with intent to sell.
Here are the potential penalties you may face under Florida Statute 893.13:
- First-degree misdemeanor possession – You can be charged with this for a first-time possession charge in Florida if you carry up to 20 grams of marijuana. Penalties may include up to one year in jail, and you’ll be responsible to pay for court costs. If you’re a repeat offender with at least four prior arrests at the time of your drug possession arrest, you may also be required to seek mandatory treatment and may be subject to one year of home detention.
- Third-degree felony possession – You can be charged with this more serious crime if you possess between 20 grams and 25 pounds of marijuana, up to 28 grams of cocaine, up to 1 gram of LSD, up to 10g of ecstasy/MDMA, and up to 4 grams of heroin/opiate. Penalties may include up to five years in prison.
- First-degree felony possession – You can be charged with this serious felony if you possess more than 25 pounds of marijuana, more than 28 grams of cocaine, more than 1 gram of LSD, more than 10 grams of ecstasy/MDMA, and more than 4 grams of heroin/opiate. Penalties may include up to 30 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
Drug possession cases in Florida are serious business. If you are arrested on a drug charge in Orange County or Seminole County, you want a lawyer who will defend your rights and your freedoms. The attorneys at the Filler & Hedum Law Firm in Longwood, Seminole County, are well-versed in Florida drug possession laws and are committed to helping you seek justice.
Free Consultation and Criminal Law Case Review
To learn more about your legal rights in a drug case, call Filler & Hedum Law today for a free consultation. We’ll sit with you, answer all of your questions, outline a specific plan of attack that we will use for your defense, and fully explain all costs and fees associated with your defense. It is your life. There are no games, no secrets, no surprises with Filler & Hedum Law – just complete truth, commitment and legal expertise.
Filler & Hedum---There When You Need 'Em 407-772-0700.
Filler & Hedum---There When You Need 'Em 407-772-0700.