Category Archives: Drug Crimes
Actual vs Constructive Drug Possession In Florida
Drug possession is a very common crime in Florida, but not all possession cases are prosecuted the same way. There are certain criteria that a prosecution must meet in order for a defendant to be found guilty, and one of them is whether or not the defendant had possession, whether actual or constructive, of… Read More »
New Ruling May Affect Cannabis Cases
In late September 2025, Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeals reversed a long-standing state law, holding that the mere smell of cannabis is not sufficient grounds to stop and search a vehicle. In addition, the court certified the question to the state Supreme Court, essentially providing the grounds on which it could decide the… Read More »
Explaining Chain Of Custody In Florida Drug Cases
In a criminal case, evidence is handled in a way so as to preserve its integrity and ensure it is not tampered with or altered. This is known as the chain of custody, and it is crucial to most criminal prosecutions, particularly drug cases – after all, a defendant should not be convicted based… Read More »
What Are Drug “Schedules”?
The average person does not tend to think about just how many substances they may use in their lifetime, even if they never choose to use drugs recreationally. Because science is continually inventing and refining drugs, both legal and illegal, the U.S. legal system has adopted what are known as ‘schedules’ to classify and… Read More »
Florida ’Grow House’ Law
A grow house is loosely defined as any indoor property used to grow controlled substances (most often, cannabis plants). Florida has historically ranked highly in terms of the number of grow houses in action at any point, with the 2010s seeing significant numbers of raids each year. If you have been accused of operating… Read More »
Driving On Drugs Is A Crime
Cannabis is a drug that has a dedicated base of users, with many claiming it is safer than drinking alcohol. While the proverbial jury may still be out on that score, it is important for drug users in general to understand that driving a car while under the influence of drugs, cannabis included, is… Read More »
What Are Florida Inchoate Offenses?
Because Florida takes drug offenses very seriously, you may have either been charged with, or have heard of someone else charged with, conspiracy to buy, sell, or traffic drugs. Conspiracy is one of three offenses recognized in Florida as what are called ‘inchoate’ offenses; that is, actions that are criminal even if they fail… Read More »
Can Law Enforcement Take My Property After A Drug Arrest?
In late August 2025, a press conference in Polk County to discuss the aftermath of a drug bust included Sheriff Grady Judd donning a large gold chain and bracelet, ostensibly to make a point about the dangers of selling or trafficking drugs. The sheriff tried to draw a line between the “drip” and the… Read More »
Key Defenses To Drug Possession Charges In Florida
Florida’s attitude toward drug-related offenses is harsh, arguably among the harshest in the country. Even a charge of simple possession, with no intent to traffic or sell a controlled substance, can still result in a felony charge in some cases. That said, there are several defenses available to someone in this position, and the… Read More »
New Cannabis Law May Cause Unexpected Harm To Disabled Defendants
One of the last bills signed during the 2025 legislative session was a measure known as SB 2514. Among other measures, this bill, which became law on July 1, 2025, adds a serious, long-term consequence to being convicted of a Florida drug crime. Under this bill, people who are convicted of certain drug offenses… Read More »