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Drug Offences

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”805″][vc_column_text]Drug possession is an offense by someone who did not manufacture, distribute, or sell the controlled substance. Instead, the defendant likely held the controlled substance for personal use. Possession of most controlled substances specified by Florida state laws, except for the medical use of marijuana through a doctor’s recommendation (beginning Jan. 3, 2017), may be charged as a felony. The Florida legislature also recently added bath salts and “Spice” to the list of banned substances. State law allows a first degree misdemeanor charge for simple possession of cannabis — marijuana — in an amount less than twenty grams (unless it is legally obtained for medical use).

The charge of “possession with intent to sell” includes all legal elements of simple possession, but also requires proof of the defendant’s intent to sell or distribute the drugs. The specific charge depends on the type of controlled substance involved in the crime. For example, a state prosecutor may bring a third degree felony charge for marijuana possession with intent to sell. In contrast, possession of cocaine with intent to sell may be charged as a second degree felony.

Florida Drug Possession Laws at a Glance

Additional details about Florida’s drug possession laws are listed below.

Statutes Florida Statutes Section 893.13

*Florida’s medical marijuana law will appear in the state constitution (with regulations to follow) when it takes effect on January 3, 2017.

Statutory Elements of a Drug Possession Charge
  1. The illegal nature of the controlled substance: The prosecutor must present evidence that the seized material is a controlled substance as defined by Florida law. This element generally requires scientific analysis by a crime lab.
  2. The defendant’s knowledge of the drug: The prosecutor must show that the defendant actually knew or should have known about the illicit nature of the controlled substance and its presence.
  3. The defendant’s control of the drug: The prosecutor must prove that the defendant had control over the location and presence of the controlled substance. A prosecutor likely has a more straightforward case if the defendant had the drugs on the defendant’s body or in a container held by the defendant.
Drug Possession Charges First Degree Misdemeanor Possession

  • Up to 20 g marijuana (except for legally possessed medical marijuana)
  • Misdemeanor offender with at least 4 priors is subject to enhanced penalties

Third Degree Felony Possession

  • More than 20 g marijuana (except for legally possessed medical marijuana); up to 28 g cocaine; up to 10 g MDMA/ecstasy; up to 1 g LSD; up to 4 g heroin/opiate

First Degree Felony Possession

  • More than 25 lbs. marijuana; more than 28 g cocaine; more than 10 g MDMA/ecstasy; more than 1 g LSD; more than 4 g heroin/opiate
Medical Marijuana *Specific regulations, including maximum amount allowed per patient, are not yet available. You can follow the developments as they are made available by the Florida Office of Compassionate Use.
Penalties
  • First Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 1 yr. in jail, plus court costs; those with at least 4 prior convictions may be sentenced to 1 yr. in jail, mandatory treatment, or home detention of up to 1 yr.
  • Third Degree Felony: Up to 5 yr. in prison
  • First Degree Felony: Up to 30 yrs. in prison and up to $250,000 in fines; mandatory minimums apply (depending on type of drug and amounts)
Defenses
  • Lack of knowledge that the material was a controlled substance
  • Valid prescription from a medical professional
  • Entrapment arranged by police
  • Fourth Amendment violation due to unlawful search and seizure
  • Use of cannabis in accordance with Florida’s medical marijuana law

Note: State laws are always subject to change. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult with a Florida criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.[/vc_column_text][contact-form-7 id=”708″ title=”Contact Our Defense Team Today”][/vc_column][/vc_row]