Arrested For Marijuana – New Port Richey Defense Attorney

Were you arrested for marijuana possession, growing, trafficking or intent to sell in New Port Richey? Know your rights. Get a criminal defense attorney.

Unlike the complex chemistry involved in the production of Schedule 1 narcotics such as methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin, marijuana cultivation is relatively uncomplicated by comparison. The internet makes it very easy to find instructions and equipment for growing marijuana. However, law enforcement against private fostering of this plant has exploded in the last five years. Additionally, Florida has some of the toughest penalties in the country when it comes to grow houses.

Marijuana Drug Laws In Florida

In Florida, 25 marijuana plants equate to intent to distribute. This is a second-degree felony that can land you in prison for 15 years. Prior to 2008, this same conviction was only handed out to people with 300 or more plants. If children are residing in the home where the plants are being grown, the charge gets bumped up to a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Attempting to sell a large quantity of plants or harvested marijuana carries mandatory minimum sentencing.

How Marijuana Grow Houses Are Discovered

With all of the available real estate in Florida, cultivators are renting homes and converting them into marijuana grow houses. As a landlord, you can be charged with a crime even if you do not personally participate in the cultivation. Since growing marijuana consumes a lot of electricity — UV lighting, climate control, etc. — a spike in energy consumption may be all that is needed by law enforcement to search a home. Some police simply wait in the parking lots of hydroponic gardening stores and follow people back to their residences. Unusual odors emanating from the house or increased amounts of curbside garbage may be other indicators.

Knowledgeable Pasco County Lawyer For Marijuana Cultivation Charges

How the police enter a house suspected of harvesting marijuana plants and what probable cause they used to obtain a search warrant, if any, are extremely important in planning your defense. Your Fourth Amendment rights may have been violated by law enforcement, and that is why it’s crucial you have an experienced attorney by your side to navigate the legal system during this time. Serious jail time, driver’s license suspension and more can result from a marijuana cultivation arrest. I have served the community for over 20 years. Let me help you.