The Denson Firm

Marijuana Possession

At the Denson Firm, our Pinellas County marijuana defense attorney understands facing criminal charges for marijuana possession can be intimidating. We help people throughout Clearwater, Tampa, and St. Petersburg fight weed possession charges to avoid penalties like fines and jail time.

If you have been arrested for marijuana possession in Florida, it's essential you reach out to The Denson Firm as soon as possible. Depending on the details of your case, a marijuana possession lawyer might be able to get your charges dropped or reduced.

Contacting an experienced marijuana defense attorney immediately after a weed-related arrest lets you know your best legal options.

Possession of Marijuana in Florida

Florida Marijuana LawsThere can be confusion surrounding marijuana possession laws because of the legalization of medical marijuana. However, being caught with marijuana in Florida will usually still leave you facing criminal charges.

You can be charged with possession of marijuana if you are found with any part of the cannabis plant on you, including leaves, stems, and seeds. To be convicted of possession of marijuana, a prosecutor will have to prove that you had either actual or constructive possession of the substance.

Actual possession means you were physically found with marijuana in your possession, including in your pocket or purse. It can be more difficult to prove constructive possession. Constructive possession means:

  • You were found in the presence of marijuana
  • You were aware you were in the presence of marijuana
  • You were able to possess the marijuana physically
  • You had the intent to possess the marijuana

An example of constructive possession could include a scenario where a police officer finds marijuana in a vehicle you were riding in but which did not belong to you. Even though the marijuana wasn’t found on your person, a prosecutor could argue a case for constructive possession.

How Can a St. Petersburg Marijuana Possession Lawyer Help?

If you are caught with marijuana on you in Florida, you could face criminal charges. Even though possession of marijuana might seem like a minor charge, it can have devastating consequences for your life, including jail time.

The punishment is even more severe if you have been repeatedly found with weed or other drugs in your possession, as penalties can be harsher for multiple offenses.

An experienced weed lawyer understands how to represent people charged with marijuana possession. Florida marijuana lawyer Bruce Denson will work to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. If you have been arrested for marijuana possession, there might be opportunities for a marijuana attorney to get your charges dropped.

If you have already been charged with weed possession, Bruce Denson can aid you in your criminal defense plan. In many cases, especially for a first-time offense, it might be possible for a defense attorney to get the matter resolved without having to go to trial.

Because Bruce Denson is familiar with the defense requirements needed for a possession of marijuana charge, he can address any concerns you might have if you have been caught with weed.

Florida Marijuana Laws 

In Florida, being caught with weed can have significant consequences. Section 893.13 of the Florida Statutes outlines the legal definitions for marijuana possession charges. Depending on the amount of marijuana found in your possession, you could face a misdemeanor or a felony conviction.

Medical Marijuana Laws

Greater acceptance of the use of medical marijuana has made it difficult to understand the seriousness of being charged with marijuana possession. Even though Florida legalized medical marijuana for certain conditions in 2017, recreational marijuana is still illegal.

If you have not been approved to use marijuana for medical reasons by a licensed doctor, you can face marijuana possession charges if you are found with it.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession

Being convicted of marijuana possession could involve serving jail time and/or paying a fine. If you are convicted, possession of fewer than 20 grams of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor conviction for possession of marijuana could result in a sentence of up to one year in jail and a possible fine of up to $1,000.

Possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana (up to 25 pounds) can result in a felony conviction. A felony conviction for marijuana possession can result in up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. The jail sentence and fine increase if you are found with more than 25 pounds of marijuana.

These are just the baseline penalties for marijuana possession charges. If there are other factors involved in your case, like the presence of a weapon, the punishment can be significantly escalated.

What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for Marijuana Possession in Pinellas County

If you are arrested on marijuana possession charges, you have legal rights. An experienced marijuana possession lawyer will be able to help you determine the ideal defense plan for your case. If you’ve been arrested for having weed on you, you should immediately contact a marijuana possession lawyer.

It is important not to minimize getting caught with weed on you in Florida. Even though it might not seem like a big deal, marijuana possession charges can result in a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life.

A St. Petersburg possession of marijuana attorney will work with the prosecutor and judge to try to resolve your case before a conviction ruins your record.

Contact a Weed Lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL, Today

If you have been charged with marijuana possession in St. Petersburg, a marijuana lawyer will be able to assist you in strategizing your legal defense. Criminal charges can be challenging to navigate on your own. A marijuana attorney will be able to assist you in understanding all of the options you have and how to plan for the outcome you want.

Contact The Denson Firm for a free consultation if you have been arrested for being caught with weed. Our consultations are always confidential.

Marijuana defense attorney Bruce Denson is here to protect your rights and provide you with the defense you deserve in fighting your marijuana possession charge.

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