Orlando Marijuana Possession Lawyer

Even as marijuana legalization efforts sweep through the United States, some states, including Florida, still place stark limitations on a person’s right to possess and use marijuana. Unless you qualify for a medical marijuana exemption in the Sunshine State, you may face legal consequences if you’re accused of marijuana possession.

Fortunately, there are ways to challenge accusations of possession. Our board-certified lawyers at Fighter Law, including Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis, are here to make it as easy as possible for you to protect your freedoms. You can count on us to provide you with an individualized, comprehensive defense, no matter how complicated your case seems.

Exceptions to Florida’s Marijuana Laws

While the possession of recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida, recent changes in Florida law allow individuals with a medical marijuana license to use marijuana purchased from a state-licensed dispensary. Users must register with the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry and have a qualifying medical condition, such as:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• AIDS or HIV

If you want to benefit from the state’s exceptions for medical marijuana users, you must have a valid license for the amount of marijuana found on you. The misuse of medical marijuana can still see you charged with a crime, even if you’re registered with the state.

Penalties For Marijuana Possession in Florida

The state breaks down the penalties it applies to people charged with marijuana possession based on their previous criminal history and what accessory crimes, if any, they’ve allegedly engaged in at the time of their arrest. For example, simple possession constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor so long as the individual being arrested doesn’t have a criminal record.

Florida police officers can charge someone with simple possession if they’re found in possession of 20 or fewer grams of marijuana. The possession of more grams of marijuana can see that charge change from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony conviction.

A first-degree misdemeanor can result in up to a year in jail and fines of up to $1,000, while a third-degree felony can result in up to five years in jail and fines of up to $5,000. 

Creating a Defense Against Accusations of Marijuana Possession

You have the right to connect with an Orlando marijuana possession lawyer if you’re facing accusations of marijuana possession. Representation can prevent the prosecution from violating your rights and protect you from exaggerated charges. A strong defense can also help disprove the accusations of possession brought against you, or even reduce or drop the charges.

It’s worth your time to work with a marijuana possession attorney to determine:

• Whether or not you were legally stopped, detained, and/or arrested
• If police officers violated your rights when obtaining evidence of your alleged possession
• If the allegations made against you may have been made out of bias
• If officers remembered to read your Miranda rights
• What evidence you have indicating your lack of intent to commit a crime
• What evidence might contradict an officer’s alleged findings

Remember, you have the right to contact an experienced marijuana possession lawyer immediately upon your arrest. It’s always in your best interest to wait to speak about your arrest until after an Orlando marijuana possession attorney arrives on the scene. Lawyers make a point to protect your rights and can prevent you from accidentally making your situation worse.

What to Know About Florida’s Marijuana Pretrial Diversion Programs

If you have a clean criminal record or haven’t faced accusations of marijuana possession before, you may have the right to ask a court to allow you to participate in a marijuana pretrial diversion program. There are five diversion programs available in Orange and Seminole Counties. 

Your right to participate in these programs will depend on your criminal record, the specific charges brought against you, the details of your case, and any record of participation you have with previous pretrial programs. 

If you do participate in a pretrial program, the state will drop the accusations of possession brought against you, and you won’t have those charges put on your record.

You Deserve Legal Representation From an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’re accused of marijuana possession in Orlando, do not panic. You have the right to request private legal representation and challenge the charges brought against you. The experienced team of criminal defense lawyers with Fighter Law can walk you through the process of crafting a defense that’ll see the charges brought against you reduced or dropped.

Our board-certified lawyers want to make it as easy as possible for anyone facing possession charges to get the legal representation they need to protect their rights. If you’re in need of legal representation, you can request a consultation with our criminal defense lawyers today by contacting us online or calling (407) 344-4837.