Marijuana Cultivation / Grow House Attorney in Tavares, FL

If you are under investigation or have been charged with cultivating or growing marijuana in Tavares, it is critical to understand you face serious punishment if convicted.  In recent years, law enforcement investigators have begun monitoring electric bills with the help of utility companies in an effort to determine where grow houses may exist.  Depending on the scope of operations and increased energy use, police can often zero in on those they believe are involved in marijuana cultivation.  Regardless of the circumstances that result in your being suspected or even arrests, it is essential to consult with a highly experienced Tavares drug crimes lawyer immediately.  At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we fight vigorously for our clients' legal rights and freedom.

Referred to as cannabis, pot, reefer, Mary Jane, ganja, and other names, marijuana is illegal in Florida, unlike many other states.  If you are found guilty of maintaining a grow house, you will face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three (3) years along with possible fines and a criminal record.  Ultimately, a conviction can have lasting negative consequences for the rest of your life.

Marijuana Grow Houses in Tavares

Grow houses are often located in abandoned homes, trailer houses, foreclosed homes, storage sheds, or even basements or garages of occupied homes.  Regardless of where it is, those who are suspected of marijuana cultivation are vigorously prosecuted.  Additionally, it is important to note that growing or cultivating marijuana or cannabis for the purpose of sale or distribution is a serious crime, one that could potentially cost you your freedom, reputation, and much more.

Penalties for Marijuana Cultivation in Lake County, FL

The criminal charge you face depends on several factors, including the number of plants found in a grow house and where the activity is taking place.  For instance, those found to have 300 or more plants or more than 25 pounds may be charged with manufacturing or trafficking.  Additionally, if the grow houses or cultivation is occurring near a daycare, school, or other location where children are present, you may be charged with a more serious offense.  Marijuana cultivation is typically charged as a third-degree felony, and will leave those convicted facing penalties which include:

    1.    Up to five (5) years in prison
    2.    Fines of up to $5,000

A criminal record is another consequence of being found guilty, however if you maintain a grow house and are found to have 25 or more pounds or 300 to 2,000 marijuana plants, you will face trafficking charges which result in up to 30 years in prison and a $25,000 fine if convicted.  More than 2,000 plants, and the charges become even more serious.

We mentioned earlier that a grow house may be discovered when law enforcement notice substantial increases in utility or energy bills.  Other discovery methods include undercover agents and informants who share information with police. No matter how it occurs, it is critical to contact a Tavares marijuana cultivation attorney the moment you have been arrested or suspect you are under investigation.

Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton Now
When charged with maintaining a grow house or any drug crime, it is vital you know and understand your rights.  You must remain silent when questioned by police, however your first priority should be to contact a seasoned Tavares criminal defense lawyer.  At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we will answer your questions, provide legal guidance, explore all possible legal options, and develop a strong, effective legal strategy should your case go to trial.  Ultimately, our goal is to protect your freedom and avoid serious criminal penalties, or have charges reduced when possible.  Contact our firm immediately for a free consultation.