A group of men in Florida may require a Fort Lauderdale marijuana arrest lawyer after a traffic stop by law enforcement officials yielded multiple bags of marijuana and four firearms. The operation was the result of a joint effort between the Crime Suppression Team and the Violence Intervention Proactive Enforcement Response unit in Broward County.
The traffic stop took place at 11:29 p.m. on September 18. The high-powered weapons discovered in the subsequent search of the car included a Beretta 92SF, Walter P-22, Zastava 7.62, and a 40-caliber Taurus PT840C. The detectives who executed the stop were working as part of a detail tasked with limiting car shows and other large gatherings that have caused problems recently in the area.
The three men arrested in the car face charges that include carrying a concealed weapon and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. One of the men was free on bond for a concealed handgun charge at the time of the current arrest. A Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer may be able to help mitigate the damage the men experience as a result of the arrest.
Penalties for being caught with marijuana in Florida will depend on the amount of marijuana found. When the marijuana possessed amounts to more than 20 grams, law enforcement will likely assume the intent to sell or distribute the substance, which opens the door to much stiffer punishments. This third-degree felony is punishable by as much as five years in state prison and a fine of no more than $5,000.
Other penalties that may become attached to the possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana in Florida include a two-year driver’s license suspension along with a felony conviction that can negatively affect job opportunities, the right to vote, and the ability to possess firearms.
Marijuana possession of more than 20 grams is a felony offense in Florida. Defendants accused of this crime in the Fort Lauderdale area will do well for themselves to secure the services of a Fort Lauderdale marijuana arrest lawyer. One suggestion to feel this need is Hassett & Associates P.A. Law Firm.
Kenneth Hassett and the lawyers working at his firm have successfully defended many marijuana cases at both the state and federal level. If you or someone close to you finds themselves in a situation similar to the one described in the article above, a Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer is needed. Your next move should become a call to Hassett & Associates, P.A. at 954-791-3939.