Tampa Drug Crimes Updates

What happens when a suspect throws down drugs and the cops later find them? Where drug crime defendants / suspects throw drugs under their vehicles while being removed from the vehicle after a valid traffic stop, a court can rule that the suspect has “voluntarily abandoned” the drugs. A Florida Court has just ruled there…

Here is the text of the proposed city of Orlando marijuana ordinance. It appears that Orlando will be joining Tampa and St. Petersburg in the drive to decriminalize marijuana in Florida. The Orlando marijuana law makes a third offense have a mandatory court appearance. “Violations are a civil infraction, rather than a crime, and are…

Pinellas County Marijuana Defense Attorneys may soon be out of work. St Petersburg, Florida reviewed the current status of Pinellas County efforts to move towards a diversion program as opposed to an ordinance and recommended the proposed Marijuana Civil Citation Program Ordinance move to a First Reading after review and discussion. Meanwhile, Pinellas County Commissioners…

Drugs (Oxycodone) suppressed when officer detained driver to wait for drug dog on seatbelt ticket. Appellant Dravien Jones appeals the denial of his motion to suppress evidence found in his vehicle during a traffic stop. Consistent with the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Rodriguez v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 1609 (2015), we agree with…

What happens in a typical Constructive of Possession of Cocaine Case in Florida? Here are excerpts from what a constructive possession appeals court court just did in Tampa Bay, Florida: In March 2014, Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a motel in Bradentonto investigate a possible robbery. When they arrived, they encountered the victim…

What Happens When Police Make a Warrantless Entry of a Home for Medical Emergency? Treasure Island, Florida has become a hotbed of the methamphetamine world. So while on patrol, a cop saw an open door with mail on the floor near the mail slot. The decision was made to enter the home and make sure…

Trafficking in Cannabis over 25 pounds is a First Degree Felony punishable by at least three (3) years in the Florida State Prison. This offense is also charged in growhouse cases when there are more that three-hundred (300) plants seized by law enforcement. Forfeiture of assets is a frequent flyer by law enforcement in these…

A Hillsborough County business has challenged the issuance of medical marijuana nursery licenses in Florida. Plants of Ruskin claims it “provided sufficient information in its Application demonstrating entitlement to the requested license pursuant to Chapter 64, FAC.” The grower claims “arbitrary scoring of applications” was the cause of its demise. The grower claims that if…

With a possible legalization of medical marijuana on deck in Florida, many are wondering how can a lawyer advise using the drug or operating a marijuana dispensary without running afoul of the Bar? Now we know the Florida Bar’s position. “Yes [counsel can advise], according to the Bar Board of Governors, which adopted a policy…

The Florida Supreme Court has given the go-ahead for the Medical Marijuana issue to be placed on the ballot in 2016. The opinion concluded: “We therefore approve the proposed amendment and Financial Impact Statement for placement on the ballot.” Who will be eligible for Medical Marijuana? Those who have a ““Debilitating Medical Condition” [that] means…