VALDOSTA, FL (March 18, 2020) According to an online news report provided by ValdostaDailyTimes.com, Lowndes County Sheriff´s deputies pulled over a speeding vehicle this past Thursday. According to the sheriff´s office, the stop turned into a drug bust, and two men were arrested on drug charges. The sheriff´s office stated that the car was pulled over for driving at 89 miles per hour on Interstate 75. During the stop, the sheriff´s deputy approached the vehicle and smelled Marijuana, according to a sheriff´s office statement. Also, a Lowndes County sheriff´s K-9 dog was used to search for drugs. The K-9 alerted the deputy sheriff officers of potential drugs inside the car. Upon searching the motor vehicle, the deputy sheriff officers discovered nearly three pounds of Marijuana.
According to the sheriff’s office statement, the driver of the motor vehicle is a 40-year-old man from New Port Richey, Florida. He is charged with possession of Marijuana with the intent to distribute, and speeding. The passenger is a 59-year-old man from Tampa, Florida. He is charged with possession of drug-related objects and possession of Marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession.
The men are were booked, processed, and are at the Lowndes County Jail. No other details have been provided at this time.
Florida Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute
According to Florida Statute Section 893.13(1)(a), it is a crime, in the State of Florida, for an individual to possess a controlled substance with the intention of selling, manufacturing, or delivering” that controlled substance. Whether the charges are a third-degree felony or a second-degree felony will depend on the type of controlled substance the suspect has in their possession at the type of the arrest.
In the State of Florida, it is a third-degree felony for the crime of selling or delivering Cannabis. The punishments are up to (5) five years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and up to (5) five years in prison.
Under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code, the crime of selling or delivering Marijuana is a Level 3 offense. The criminal justice judge is able to sentence a guilty party to only probation. In some cases, a criminal justice judge can sentence a guilty party to up to (5) five years in jail.
Delivery of Cannabis without Consideration
The crime of Delivery of Cannabis without Consideration is a charge that is not a felony charge. The crime Delivery of Cannabis without Consideration is a First-Degree Misdemeanor in the State of Florida. Delivery of Cannabis without Consideration is punishable by one (1) year of probation, up to one (1) year in jail, and a $1,000 fine.
The criminal justice judge may sentence a person who is convicted of the Delivery of Cannabis without Consideration to receive only probation. However, the judge may impose a prison sentence of up to one year in jail.
Florida Statute 322.055 - Driver License Suspension
Under Florida Statute 322.055, any individual who is convicted of Sale or Delivery of Cannabis loses their driver’s license or driving privileges for (6) six months.
Florida Statute 893.11 - Professional License Suspension
According to Florida Statute 893.11, a Professional License holder who is convicted of the Sale of Cannabis will be subject to the emergency suspension of any professional license that was issued by the State of Florida.