Alachua County Lawyer for Marijuana Trafficking

The battle to decriminalize marijuana is still ongoing in Florida. Under the Florida Statutes, it’s still illegal to possess, distribute, sell, or delivery marijuana unless authorized to do so under the law. The penalties for possession are incredibly serious, but if you’re caught trafficking marijuana you should expect to face felony charges.

Defendants found with 25 or more pounds of cannabis (or 300 or more plants) may be charged with marijuana trafficking. If convicted of trafficking, you could face felony-level consequences including time in prison and expensive fines. That is why if you or someone you know has been arrested for marijuana trafficking in Florida, we highly encourage you to secure an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Gainesville Marijuana Trafficking Lawyer | Alachua County, Florida

If you or someone you know has been arrested for marijuana trafficking, distribution, or delivery, then contact Galigani Law Firm . Our legal team has been practicing criminal defense for decades with a special focus in cannabis-related crimes. We can utilize our extensive knowledge, resources, and skills to fight your case. Call us now to learn your legal options.

To set up your first consultation, call Galigani Law Firm at (352) 375-0812. Galigani Law Firm accepts clients throughout the greater Gainesville and Alachua County area including High Springs, Newberry, Hawthorne, Archer, Waldo, and La Crosse.

Information Center:

Marijuana Trafficking Definition
Penalites for Marijuana Trafficking
Mandatory Minimum for Trafficking
Additional Resources

Marijuana Trafficking in Florida

Distributing and/or moving large quantities of marijuana in an effort to deliver, sell, or cultivate it is known as trafficking in Florida. Marijuana trafficking is defined under the statutes section 893.135(1)(a) and the Florida Jury Instructions, which are a set of guidelines given to jurors. Listed below are the elements prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction for marijuana trafficking.

The individual knowingly possessed, sold, purchased, delivers, manufactured or brought into the state an illegal substance
The controlled substance found was cannabis or marijuana
More than 25 pounds of marijuana or at least 300 cannabis plants were found

Penalty for Marijuana Trafficking in FL

In Florida, the penalties for marijuana trafficking are determined by the quantity of drugs seized from the offender. If you were found trafficking more than 25 pounds or 300 plants of marijuana, then you’ll automatically be charged with a first-degree felony. However, it’s important to understand that Florida has a tiered penalty system for first-degree felonies in relation to trafficking.

The court fine may change depending on the number of plants or pounds of marijuana the offender was trafficking or attempting to traffic.

Listed below are the penalties for trafficking marijuana in Florida.

25 to 2,000 pounds or 300 to 2,000 plants
- Up to 30 years in prison
- A fine of up to $25,000
2,000 to 10,000 pounds or 2,000 to 10,000 plants
- Up to 30 years in prison
- A fine of up to $50,000
10,000 or more pounds or 10,000 or more cannabis plants
- Up to 30 years in prison
- A fine of up to $200,000

Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentence for Marijuana Trafficking

Trafficking marijuana will result in a first-degree felony charge as Florida Legislature considers the crime to be incredibly serious. The offense includes a mandatory minimum prison sentence upon conviction, meaning you may be going to prison even if it’s your first offense. The mandatory prison minimums are determined by the number of plants or pounds of cannabis found on the defendant.

25 to 2,000 pounds or 300 to 2,000 plants
- Mandatory 3 years in prison; and
2,000 to 10,000 pounds or 2,000 to 10,000 plants
- Mandatory 7 years in prison
10,000 or more pounds or 10,000 or more cannabis plants
- Mandatory 15 years in prison

Additional Resources

United for Care — This campaign is run by People United for Medical Marijuana (PUFMM). You can get facts, find stories of care, and learn answers to frequently asked questions on this website. There are also sections dedicated to news, videos, and a calendar of upcoming events.

Florida NORML Chapters — The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is an American non-profit organization. This website lists the different chapters the organization has in Florida. You can learn more about current legal issues, news releases, and ways to take action.