Florida Marijuana Grow House Law
On July 1, 2008, a new Florida law was enacted that increased the penalties for individuals who own, live in, or operate a grow house. It also lowered the number of plants that an individual must have to be arrested for operating a grow house. Prior to the new law, an individual had to own 300 or more plants to be charged with grow house operation. A person with less than 300 plants was typically arrested for the less severe charge of marijuana possession. Now, however, anyone possessing 25 or more plants may be arrested for being involved in a grow house operation.
Criminal Charges
The charges and penalties for being associated with a grow house are severe. The newly adjusted crimes listed under the new law, and the associated charges, include:
- Owning a grow house: 3rd degree felony. A landlord who owns property that he or she knows is being used as a grow house for the manufacture, trafficking, or sale of marijuana may be charged.
- Growing 25 or more plants: 2nd degree felony. Any property with 25 or more cannabis plants is classified as a grow house. Residents and visitors who live in the grow house, and know that the property is being used as such, may be charged with being a resident of a grow house.
- Residing in a grow house with minors present: 1st degree felony. Growing 25 or more plants in a residence in which any children are present, whether they live at the grow house or not, could result in the adult resident(s) being charged with a 1st degree felony.
Penalties
The penalties for being convicted of any involvement with a grow house are severe. All of the charges associated with criminal grow house activity are now classified as felony offenses. The punishments for being convicted of the above charges are as follows:
- 3rd degree felony: Up to 5 years in prison
- 2nd degree felony: Up to 15 years in prison
- 1st degree felony: Up to 30 years in prison
If you have been arrested for suspected involvement with a cannabis grow house, consider contacting a criminal defense attorney immediately. You have the right to experienced legal defense to help you protect your interests and rights during trial.
Contact Us
For sound legal advice and assistance regarding your grow house arrest, please contact the experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
