West Palm Beach Marijuana Possession Lawyer
In several states, marijuana possession laws have become less stringent either in the letter of the law or its implementation by police. However, it is still a crime to possess any amount of marijuana in Florida, and Florida police continue to be aggressive in investigating people suspected of marijuana possession. Depending on the amount of the controlled substance in your possession, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are caught with any amount of marijuana, a trustworthy West Palm Beach marijuana possession lawyer can investigate the facts and determine the best strategy to defend you.
If you come to me about marijuana possession charges, I use insights culled from five years as a state prosecutor and an additional 25 years in private practice to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. I meet with clients at my West Palm Beach office, located near I-95 and PGA Boulevard, or at my West Palm Beach office. I accept credit cards for your convenience.
Penalties for Possessing Marijuana
People who are convicted of marijuana possession automatically have their driver’s license suspended for two years. They also may suffer from the stigma of a criminal record that suggests drug use. A criminal record can prove to be a problem in obtaining certain licenses, finding a job, or renting a home.
The specific penalties for marijuana possession vary depending on the quantity at issue. Possessing 20 or fewer grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor. If convicted, you can be sentenced to one year of imprisonment and up to a $1,000 fine. Possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana is a felony. If convicted, you can be sentenced to five years of imprisonment and fined up to $5,000.
The punishment for possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana is the same as the punishment for possessing fewer than 25 marijuana plants. Possession of 25 or more marijuana plants is a felony punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail and a fine of $10,000.
How Can an Experienced West Palm Beach Drug Crimes Attorney Help?
The prosecution must prove all elements of a drug possession charge beyond a reasonable doubt. One strong defense tactic consists of asking the court to suppress illegally obtained evidence. This defense may apply, for example, if the police lacked probable cause and a warrant to search your home and found marijuana as a result of that illegal search and seizure.
Another tactic is to attack the credibility of witnesses whose testimony is harmful to the defendant. Even if the charges cannot be dismissed, it may be possible to get them reduced. If you live with others, it may be the case that the police made a mistake about who actually owned the marijuana. In that case, I will try to build reasonable doubt. If none of the strategies to get the charges reduced or dismissed are successful, I can defend you at trial. An experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney can look into all of your options and employ the best strategy. Call 561-533-1221 or contact me through my online form. I accept credit cards.
