Clearwater Marijuana Lawyer
Did you receive a ticket or citation for marijuana possession?
Marijuana decriminalization may not protect you from harsh marijuana possession penalties in Clearwater, Florida and the Tampa Bay area.
Despite the recent efforts toward decriminalization of cannabis (marijuana/weed/pot) in Florida this year, starting April 1, 2016, not all marijuana possession penalties have been lifted. When you are found in possession of marijuana in Clearwater and the Tampa Bay area, one of two things can happen. You can either be issued a ticket/marijuana citation or be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
Clearwater Marijuana Citations and Possession Tickets are issued when:
- The amount is less than 20 grams
- The subject is 18 or older
- No other criminal charges are applicable from the same incident
- The subject is qualified for release on his or her own recognizance
- The subject has no prior unpaid civil citations
*According to legal bulletin sent to Tampa police officers by attorney Kirby Rainsberger
Before Clearwater decriminalization of small marijuana possession took place, anyone found in possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana could be punished for a first-degree misdemeanor with up to a year in prison or probation and a $1,000 fine. In addition, they could also lose their driver license for 6 months to a year if convicted.
Now anyone found in possession of this same amount may be issued a marijuana citation in Clearwater, Florida. If you are issued a marijuana citation, you must:
- Pay a $75 fine for the first offense,
- $150 fine for the second offense,
- $300 for the third offense, and
- $450 for any subsequent violations that follow
Marijuana possession penalties are even harsher if you are found in possession of marijuana while driving. This can lead to a driving under the influence (DUI) charge if the issuing law enforcement finds the possessor impaired or “under the influence” of marijuana while driving.
Need a Clearwater Marijuana Lawyer?
Dean Tsourakis is an experienced Clearwater criminal defense attorney serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties. If you received a Clearwater marijuana citation or have been arrested for marijuana possession, then it is important to seek legal counsel before appearing.
Contact Dean to get a FREE Consultation for Clearwater Marijuana Citations.
Read More about Clearwater Marijuana Possession:
Dealing with a Misdemeanor: Finding A Marijuana Possession Lawyer in Hillsborough
on 06.07.2016