Articles Posted in Drug Crime Defense

Facing Marijuana THC Possession Charges in Florida? Here’s What You Need to Know A simple mistake regarding marijuana THC possession can have serious consequences in Florida. Many people believe marijuana is decriminalized. However, the law treats different forms of cannabis drastically differently. Understanding these distinctions is crucial. They can mean the difference between a misdemeanor…

On March 26, 2025, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal issued a pivotal decision in Pryce M. Campbell, III v. State of Florida (2D2023-0651), overturning a major cannabis trafficking conviction from Hillsborough County. This ruling highlights the powerful impact of hemp legalization—and how a defendant’s own testimony can change the course of a criminal case…

When people hear the term “drug trafficking,” they often imagine large-scale international smuggling—bricks of cocaine hidden on a plane or massive shipments arriving by boat. However, in Florida, trafficking charges do not necessarily require transportation or distribution. Simply possessing a specific amount of a controlled substance can lead to a trafficking charge, even if there’s…

Many people assume that because medical marijuana is legal in Florida, they cannot be charged with a DUI while driving after using it. However, Florida Statute, 316.193 makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, a controlled substance, or a chemical substance that affects normal faculties. Medical Marijuana and DUI in Florida…

As Florida continues to refine its medical marijuana laws, patients in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and Pasco County must understand the nuances of paraphernalia possession and transportation. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we clarify the legal requirements surrounding marijuana smoking devices, other paraphernalia, and the transportation of medical cannabis under Florida Statute §…

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, and a confidential informant (CI) is involved in your case, understanding the role that informants play and how their information is used can be crucial to your defense. A The rules surrounding confidential informants are complex, but as a criminal defendant, it’s important to know when…

If you’ve been arrested for possession of a controlled substance in Tampa due to a canine drug dog sniff, there might be some good news based on a recent case, Ford v. State. The Fifth District Court of Appeal ruled that the undifferentiated alert of a police drug-sniffing dog is not enough to provide the…