Ft. Lauderdale marijuana possession penalties can cause wide-ranging implications if the case is not handled properly. Any criminal prosecution, even prosecution for a misdemeanor amount, should not be taken lightly. It should be handled with a great degree of skill and care by a distinguished marijuana attorney.
Criminal Penalties for Possessing Cannabis
The type of penalties that a person in Ft. Lauderdale may face for marijuana possession charges depend on the amount they allegedly have been caught with. Typically, if a person possesses less than 20 grams of cannabis it is a misdemeanor, and if they possess more it is a felony. A misdemeanor charge may result in one year in jail, one year of probation, and a $1,000 fine. A felony charge may result in up to five years in jail, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. These penalties may increase if the amount increases or if the accused person is in possession of cannabis plants and paraphernalia.
What are the Consequences of a Misdemeanor Marijuana Conviction in Ft Lauderdale?
The long-term penalties for marijuana possession in Ft. Lauderdale depend on a couple of factors, like whether or not it is a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies for marijuana possession are more serious and carry a greater degree of stigma versus a misdemeanor offense. When talking about each of those levels of charges, it depends on whether or not an individual adjudicated guilty, is convicted, or receives a withholding or adjudication. The big difference between those two is if somebody receives a withholding of adjudication, they can say that they were not convicted, and it opens the possibility than an individual might be able to get their record sealed if they receive a withholding of adjudication.
Understanding Public Perception
The law in Florida is once a person is convicted, their record cannot be sealed or expunged. If a person is asked about prior convictions, they would have to disclose it. This is most significant for a felony-related offense, because society hangs a great deal of the stigma against individuals that have felony convictions.
Individuals could lose certain employment opportunities because a felony on someone’s record shows the prospective employer a record lack of judgment and inability to follow rules or laws. Any criminal case could have a significant impact on an individual’s immigration status or aspirations as well.
The public perception has changed and a lot people get into trouble, especially younger people. They tend to be a little looser with respect to marijuana use in public while driving around, going to a concert, and smoking in public. At the end of the day, it is still unlawful and a criminal record is a person’s criminal record.
Speak with a Ft. Lauderdale Attorney About the Penalties for Marijuana Possession
It is just as easy to face a marijuana prosecution today as it was five years ago. There are a lot of better options than there were in the past in maneuvering through the criminal justice system through diversion programs and other means to get around the charge, have the charge dismissed, or through diversion programs that only an experienced criminal defense attorney with experience in the area of Fort Lauderdale with these types of cases would know.
It can be beneficial to speak with an attorney before facing Ft. Lauderdale marijuana possession penalties alone. It is a good idea for somebody to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by their side to help them get the best possible result that they can in any Fort Lauderdale marijuana charge.
