Cultivation of Marijuana and Grow House Cases
Arrested for Growing Marijuana in Tampa?
Under Florida law, cultivation of marijuana is a felony offense, regardless of the quantity involved. Growing even a single plant is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If the marijuana plants are being grown within 1000 feet of a child care facility, a public or private school between certain hours of the day, a college, a place of worship, a municipal park or a recreational facility, the maximum penalties are increased to fifteen years and a $10,000 fine.
Trafficking
- Cultivation of more than 25 but less than 2000 pounds of marijuana, or 300 to 2000 plants constitutes trafficking. In these quantities, the offense is classified as a first degree felony, punishable by up to thirty years in state prison, with a three year minimum mandatory sentence, and a $25,000 fine.
Cultivation of more than 2000 but less than 10,000 pounds, or 2000 to 10,000 plants is also a first degree felony, with a seven year minimum mandatory prison sentence, and a $50,000 fine.
- Cultivation of more than 10,000 pounds or 10,000 plants is also a first degree felony, with a fifteen year minimum mandatory sentence, and a $200,000 fine.
The penalties involved in cultivation cases are potentially devastating. If you have been arrested for cultivation of marijuana in any amount, or think you might be, you are urged to contact an experienced drug crimes defense attorney in Tampa immediately.
Cultivation and Grow House Cases in Tampa
At The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, we have represented clients who have run some of the most sophisticated operations in the area. As a former state prosecutor, Attorney Hessinger has a thorough knowledge of how the criminal justice system works. Tim Hessinger served 15 years as a prosecutor and tried numerous high profile cases while working in the career criminal division. In 2004, he was named Prosecutor of the Year, and has tried over 130 jury trials.
Defense against Cultivation and Grow House Charges
Upon taking a new case, we evaluate its merits with the greatest attention to detail. We look for potential weaknesses in the state's case, including constitutional violations related to searches or the obtaining of a confession. We begin communicating with the prosecutor's office immediately, orally and in writing, in an effort to obtain a reduction in charge or, in some cases, have the charges outright dropped. The sooner we can begin working on your case, the better chance we will have to affect the outcome. If you have been charged with cultivating marijuana, contact our firm for a free consultation as soon as possible.
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