Possession of More than 20 Grams of Marijuana Tampa Felony Marijuana Attorney

Possession of marijuana more than 20 grams is a third degree felony offense under Florida law which is punishable by five years in Florida State Prison and a five thousand dollar fine. The consequence of a felony marijuana conviction can be devastating. At the Sammis Law Firm, our attorneys are members of the NORML Legal Committee and are dedicated to the reform of marijuana laws across Florida and the United States. We take an aggressive and pro-active approach to fighting these serious charges for our clients.

Consequence to Your Driver's License if Convicted of Felony Possession of Marijuana

A conviction for possession of marijuana more than 20 grams under Florida law will result in a 2 year suspension of your driver's license and dramatic increase in your auto insurance rates, without any possibility of a hardship or business purpose only driver's license for the first year. Any instance of driving during the first year will result in an additional delay in obtaining a business purpose only or hardship license for the duration of the suspension period.

A Felony Conviction for a Marijuana Charge Under Florida Law

Additionally, a conviction for possession of marijuana more than 20 grams means a felony conviction which will have to be disclosed on any job application as it will show up in even the most basic background search. A felony conviction will lead to the loss of certain civil rights including the right to possess a firearm or vote in any local, state or federal election.

Felony Drug Diversion Programs for Possession of Cannabis - Are You Eligible?

Different counties in Florida (including Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hernando County, Sumter County, and Manatee County) have different programs to help you avoid a felony conviction for possession of marijuana more than 20 grams. Those programs, however, can require up to two years of intensive probation or supervision with frequent random urine screens, community service, fines and costs, and other conditions.

Felony Drug Diversion programs are available in different counties in Florida (including Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, and Polk County), although the terms and conditions can often be negotiated. Talk with a criminal defense attorney in Tampa about ways to fight the charges, including filing and litigating innovative motions to suppress and motions to dismiss which will eliminate any need to voluntarily agree to the intensive conditions required for the various felony drug diversion programs.

Florida Marijuana Offenses Artificially Enhanced for "Intent to Sell"

Although possession of marijuana less than 20 grams is usually charges as a misdemeanor, the law enforcement officer will attempt to uncover any evidence that the possession was with the intent to sell for monetary exchange in order to enhance the charges to a felony. Additionally, if the possession was for more than 20 grams, law enforcement officers can also use the amount of marijuana to try and attempt to show an "intent to sell" which is a slightly more serious charge than possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana.  

Your criminal defense attorney will need to investigate each piece of evidence alleged by the officer to support this enhanced charge of "intent to sell." If insufficient evidence exists, your attorney may be able to file a motion to dismiss the felony so that only a lesser charge can be alleged.

Contact the Attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm to Fight Your Case

If you have been arrested for felony possession of marijuana or cannabis more than 20 grams in the Tampa Bay area, including Tampa or Plant City in Hillsborough County, St. Petersburg or Clearwater in Pinellas County, Dade City or New Port Richey in Pasco County, Brooksville in Hernando County, Bushnell in Sumter County, Bartow in Polk County, or Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida, contact the Sammis Law Firm to speak directly with a Tampa Marijuana Lawyer about this serious felony charge. Call 813-250-0500 to schedule an office or phone consultation today.

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Related Marijuana Offenses Under Florida Law:

Legalization of Cannabis in Florida - Our lawyers advocate for the legalization of marijuana in the United States and in the State of Florida. Read more about the debate of legalization both pro and con. Also find out ore about the necessity defense under Florida law for those who use marijuana for medical reasons.

Manufacture of Cannabis under Florida law - Read more about manufacture of cannabis under Florida law, often referred to as cultivation of marijuana in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL.

Cannabis Grow House - The most recent marijuana legislation under Florida law provides for exceedingly harsh punishments for anyone caught cultivating more than 25 marijuana or cannabis plants. Learn more about how "Indoor Grow House Task Force" agencies throughout Florida are looking for marijuana cultivation operations in the Tampa Bay area.

Trafficking in Marijuana under Florida law - Under Florida law, the term "trafficking" simply means possession of a certain threshold quantity of marijuana or cannabis. The prosecutor is not required to show any intention to sell which is a seperate criminal charge.

Medical Cannabis Necessity Defense under Florida Law - Many people are surprised to learn that Florida law recognizes the medical necessity defense when it comes to possession or cultivation of cannabis. Read more about this "choosing between two evils" defense. Under Florida law, the common law defense has been used to negate criminal liability for men or women who possess cannabis for medical reasons.

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