Tampa Lawyer - Possession of Marijuana Less than 20 Grams

Simply possession of marijuana often refers to the misdemeanor offense of possession of less than 20 grams. The consequences of an arrest or citation for such an offense, however, are far from simple.

Consequence to Your Driver's License if Convicted Even of a Misdemeanor

A conviction for possession of marijuana less 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. Additionally, a conviction for possession of marijuana less than 20 grams will cause a permanent blemish on your criminal record.

The Diversion Programs for Possession of Cannabis - Are You Eligible?

Different counties in Florida (including Hillsborough County, Polk County, Pasco County, and Pinellas County) have different programs to help you avoid a misdemeanor conviction for possession of marijuana less than 20 grams. Those programs, however, can require up to one year of probation or supervision with frequent random urine screens, community service, fines and costs, and other conditions.

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.

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. 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 misdemeanor offense can be prosecuted.

Contact Our Marijuana Attorneys

If you have been arrested for possession of marijuana or cannabis in the Tampa Bay area, including Tampa, Hillsborough County, St. Petersburg or Clearwater, Pinellas County, Dade City or New Port Richey, Pasco County, Blairsville, Hernando County, Bartow, Polk County, or Bradenton, Manatee County, contact the Sammis Law Firm to speak directly with a Tampa Marijuana Lawyer about this criminal offense.

Call 813-250-0500 to schedule an office or phone consultation today.

Related Marijuana Offenses Under Florida Law:

Florida Legalization of Marijuana - Our attorneys advocate for the legalization of marijuana in Florida. Find out more about the debate both pro and con, particularly for the issue of medical marijuana.

Cultivation of Marijuana - Find out more about cultivation of marijuana, often written up as "manufacture of cannabis" in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Marijuana Grow House - New legislation in Florida allows for exceedingly harsh punishments for anyone caught growing more than 20 grams of marijuana or cannabis. Learn more about how law enforcement officers in Florida are looking for grow house or marijuana cultivation operations in the Tampa Bay area.

Trafficking in Cannabis - Trafficking simply means possession of a certain quantity of marijuana or cannabis.

Medical Marijuana Necessity Defense - Florida law recognizes the necessity defense (choosing between two evils) This common law defense has been applied to excuse criminal liability for individuals that use or possess marijuana for medical purposes.