In the state of Florida, trafficking in cannabis or marijuana is a serious felony offense that carries serious punishment for those found guilty. When you possess more than 300 cannabis plants or 25 pounds of marijuana, you may face trafficking charges. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, our Orlando drug trafficking lawyers work vigorously to protect those accused of this serious drug offense from harsh penalties resulting from a conviction. You have legal rights; there are various legal options that can help mitigate the potential damage to your life, career and reputation.
Florida Statute Section 893.135(1)(a) defines trafficking in cannabis as knowingly selling, delivering, manufacturing, purchasing, or bringing into the state, or knowingly being in actual or constructive possession of more than 300 plants or 25 pounds of cannabis. This is a first-degree felony crime that could result in a mandatory minimum of three years behind bars, along with a fine of $25,000. It is imperative to work with an experienced and capable criminal defense lawyer when facing these serious allegations.
Defenses to Trafficking ChargesEven in serious criminal cases there are defense strategies that may prove effective depending on the facts of your case. While the top priority is to have a defendant be acquitted of the charges (found not guilty), it may also be possible to have charges dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense, which usually means lighter penalties. Should you go to trial, your attorney may choose to use one of the defenses below, although there may be others more suited to your case.
Florida Statute 893.1351(4) explains the intent to sell or distribute when a person is in possession of 25 or more marijuana plants, an offense closely related to trafficking. When a substantial amount of cannabis is involved, you must take action on your own behalf immediately.
Penalties for Cannabis Trafficking in FloridaThe punishment a defendant is subject to if convicted of trafficking in cannabis in Florida depends on several factors including criminal history and the amount of cannabis or marijuana involved. Penalties may include:
Possession of more than 300 but less than 2,000 cannabis plants, or more than 25 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds - Up to 30 years in prison along with a fine of $25,000. Those convicted will face a mandatory minimum of three years in prison.
Possession of 2,000 or more pounds but less than 10,000, or between 2,000 and 10,000 plants - Maximum of 30 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of seven years behind bars, along with a fine of $50,000.
Possession of 10,000 or more cannabis plants, or 10,000 pounds or more of marijuana - Maximum of 30 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 15 years behind bars, along with a fine of $200,000.
As you can see, the punishment if convicted is severe and life-changing. Not only will you lose your freedom, every aspect of your life will be impacted including family relationships, your career, reputation and more. When it comes to drug crimes, we know that many people are wrongly convicted. No matter the circumstances, it is vital to consult with a skilled Orlando defense attorney when your future and freedom may be in jeopardy.
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton TodayA conviction for trafficking in cannabis is far more serious than you can imagine. Even if you spend only three years in prison, that is three years of your life that are essentially lost. You will have a criminal record that makes securing employment and housing difficult. Your reputation will be tarnished, leaving you with a stigma that follows you for the rest of your life. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, our Orlando cannabis trafficking lawyers are on your side, prepared to fight vigorously to protect your freedom and avoid a conviction. We urge you to contact us for a free consultation today at 407-872-0307.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm Adams, Luka, & Benton did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of Adams, Luka, & Benton.