St. Petersburg Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing Lawyers

Defending Against Charges of Cultivation & Manufacturing of Drugs in Florida

The cultivation and manufacturing of illegal drugs are serious criminal offenses in Florida. These charges are often accompanied by other charges such as possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking, or sale of drugs.

If you have been accused of either of these offenses, you need an experienced and aggressive St. Petersburg drug cultivation and manufacturing lawyer on your side. Attorney Thomas Kilfin has handled hundreds of criminal cases in his more than 20 years of experience as a former prosecutor.

Your defense starts here. Reach out to our drug cultivation and manufacturing Lawyers for a free consultation in St. Petersburg. Call us at (888) 258-8049 or connect online to discuss your case today!

Understanding Drug Crimes in Florida

What Is Drug Cultivation?

Cultivation of a controlled substance is an act of growing, producing, or manufacturing a controlled substance. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case.

This crime can be charged even if the drugs were not actually on your property. For example, if the drugs were in the process of being grown in your house, you could still be charged with cultivation.

If you are convicted of drug cultivation, you could face harsh penalties such as probation, jail time, fines, or community service. You could also face a driver's license suspension.

What Is Drug Manufacturing?

Drug manufacturing is a more serious charge than drug cultivation. Drug manufacturing is the process of making a controlled substance. 

In Florida, drug manufacturing can be charged even if the drugs were not made in Florida. For example, if you ordered drugs from a website in another state and had them delivered to your home, you could still be charged with drug manufacturing.

If you are convicted of drug manufacturing, you could face harsher penalties such as prison time, probation, fines, and community service. You could also face a driver's license suspension.

Potential Penalties for Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing in Florida

In Florida, penalties for drug cultivation and manufacturing vary significantly based on the type and quantity of the substance involved.

For example, for marijuana cultivation, possessing 20 grams or less is typically a misdemeanor, resulting in up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Cultivating more than 20 grams is a felony; for fewer than 25 plants, it’s a third-degree felony with penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. If you cultivate 25 plants or more, it escalates to a second-degree felony, leading to up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

For drug manufacturing, the consequences are equally severe. Manufacturing a controlled substance, such as methamphetamine or synthetic drugs, is classified as a felony. If convicted, you could face a third-degree felony charge for smaller quantities, resulting in up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. However, manufacturing larger amounts or more dangerous drugs can elevate the charge to a first-degree felony, which carries up to 30 years in prison and fines exceeding $10,000.

The following aggravating factors can significantly increase the severity of penalties:

• Larger quantity of drugs.
• Proximity to protected locations such as schools, daycare centers, or parks.
• Use of dangerous chemicals, especially in manufacturing drugs like methamphetamine.
• Having prior criminal record.
• Involvement of minors in the drug activities.
• Intent to distribute.

These factors can complicate legal situations and often require experienced legal representation to navigate effectively. Our drug manufacturing attorneys in St. Petersburg are ready to help.

Common Defenses Against Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Charges

There are several defenses that we may employ in cases of drug cultivation and manufacturing. These defenses can vary based on the specifics of each case, but some common strategies include:

• Lack of Knowledge: If you did not know about the cultivation or manufacturing of drugs taking place, this can be a strong defense. 
• Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement obtained evidence against you through illegal means, such as without a warrant or probable cause, we could argue for the exclusion of that evidence.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are gaps or inconsistencies in the evidence, your St. Petersburg attorney can challenge the validity of the charges.
• Medical Use: In some cases, individuals may cultivate marijuana for legitimate medical purposes. Demonstrating that you were complying with state medical marijuana laws can serve as a defense.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise engaged in, an entrapment defense may apply.

A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate the details of your case and determine the most effective defense strategy.

The Role of Mitigating Factors

Mitigating factors can also play a role in the outcome of your case. These are circumstances that may lead to reduced charges or lighter sentences. Factors may include:

• Lack of Prior Criminal History: If you have no previous offenses, this may be taken into consideration during sentencing.
• Compliance with Law Enforcement: Demonstrating that you cooperated with authorities during their investigation can be viewed favorably by the court.
• Personal Circumstances: Factors such as your role as a caregiver, employment status, or community involvement can influence the court’s perception and lead to more lenient treatment.

Working with an attorney from our firm who can effectively present these mitigating factors is essential for achieving a favorable outcome. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, our St. Petersburg drug cultivation and manufacturing lawyers are here to support you every step of the way.

Call Our St. Petersburg Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing Lawyers Today

If you find yourself facing allegations of drug cultivation or manufacturing, it's essential to seek the guidance of a seasoned and tenacious attorney specializing in these matters. With over two decades of experience, including a distinguished career as a former prosecutor, Thomas Kilfin has successfully navigated hundreds of criminal cases. 

Mr. Kilfin possesses an intimate understanding of the prosecution's strategies in constructing their case and is well-equipped to assist you in constructing a robust defense.

Contact The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C.  for a free case evaluation. Call our a St. Petersburg drug cultivation and manufacturing lawyer today at (888) 258-8049