Can You Go to Jail If You’re Caught Shipping Edibles?

Can You Go to Jail If You’re Caught Shipping Edibles?

Shipping Edibles, Marijuana, or THC Oil: The rules explained by South Florida drug defense attorney

Caught shipping edibles?

If you’ve ever vacationed in states like California or Colorado (and many others, now), you may notice that there are differences between their Marijuana and weed possession laws and Florida’s. One major change between these states: the legalization of marijuana.

Marijuana was legalized for a multitude of reasons in certain states, including to create more jobs, decrease crime rates, and promote consumer safety, to name a few. Because Florida has not legalized marijuana, however, its use is still considered a crime to possess it, buy it, sell it and ship it.

Having marijuana legalized in only a few states means that it must stay there, no matter where you are from. For example – if you live in Florida, but vacation in Colorado – it’s OK to possess and use weed in Colorado; but you cannot bring back anything containing weed when you travel back into Florida.

Because of the Constitution’s inclusion of state immunities and privileges, people visiting a state get the same benefits as the citizens of that state. This accounts for people from Florida being able to smoke while on vacation in Colorado or California. The one catch is that you are not allowed to bring marijuana back from states where it is legal to states where it is illegal, like Florida.

If you buy marijuana in Colorado (which is perfectly legal), it cannot be brought back to Florida (making the transaction illegal). No matter to who or where the marijuana is shipped — to work, to a friend, maybe to a local business — the police are able to track who has sent and received the package. Because all marijuana use is illegal in Florida, you can get arrested for possessing it throughout the State, including Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach, and may find yourself in need of a drug defense attorney and possibly even a federal attorney if you were found to have crossed into the state of Florida with Marijuana.

 

Is Possession of THC Oil a Felony or Misdemeanor?

Possessing THC oil is considered a felony. The police measure the amount of oil as a whole, rather than per individual product. This means that trace amounts of THC oil in a pen, no matter if it is almost empty, would still result in a felony charge.  This is because THC oil is classified as a schedule 1 drug, meaning it has the same harsh penalties as cocaine, heroin, and LSD.  

 

How do USPS, UPS and FedEx find marijuana in packages shipped to Florida?

If you're caught shipping edibles or marijuana in Florida, you could face criminal charges

Shipping companies, such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx, reserve the right to search any packages that they flag as suspicious. These companies have drug dogs that are trained to smell for marijuana. If your package is flagged, USPS, UPS, and FedEx have the ability to search it and call the police. In fact, in 2016, the USPS seized over 36,000 pounds of marijuana from packages.

 

How the Rossen Law Firm defends cases on illegally shipping marijuana in Florida:

When we are defending a case in which a person has shipped marijuana or THC oil,  there are many questions that we can ask to determine their innocence. 

 

The first idea we look at is whether or not you have actually shipped the package. Sometimes people may send you packages as a joke, but you were unaware of what was happening before you received it in the mail. This helps us to prove whether or not you had knowledge of the transaction, further proving your innocence. 

 

We also look at if you had possession of the package once it was mailed. Even if you take the package inside, you can be arrested, no matter if you knew what it contained. However, if you never actually open the package and just let it sit, we are able to prove that you had no knowledge of what was inside. 

 

The most important defense, however, is to hire a trained criminal defense attorney like us to represent your case. Because we have first-hand experience with how to handle these situations and what to look out for, we are able to help you better than anyone else can.

 

Police show up at client’s office threatening to arrest him for shipping Marijuana – Case Dismissed with No Arrest

 

Take our client Roberto, for example, who I represented for his marijuana-related case. Roberto is the manager of a warehouse, and had marijuana sent to his job. One day when Roberto was at home, the police came into his work and asked to speak with him. This jeopardized not only his career but also his entire life. He was not only embarrassed but scared he would be arrested for a serious felony and his career and life would be ruined.  Once Roberto heard that the police went to his job, he called me freaking out. Since Roberto was not at the warehouse when the police showed up, he was able to avoid speaking to them. After working with Roberto, I was able to make sure the police had no evidence to arrest him. Because of Roberto’s quick action to call us immediately, he does not have a mugshot, there was no arrest, and, most importantly, no criminal charges.

 

Man who gets caught shipping weed to his friend’s house threatened with a felony arrest – Reduced to a Misdemeanor

 

Similarly, I represented our client Jeffrey for his marijuana charges. Jeffrey has chronic pain, so while on vacation, he mailed marijuana back to his friend’s house for medicinal purposes. The U.S. Postal Service flagged this package and notified the police, leading to his friend getting a call and visit from the cops. The police threatened to arrest his friend for the marijuana, so he called Jeffrey to have him straighten out the situation. After Jeffrey talked to the police, he freaked out and hired me to help. When analyzing the case, I found many evidentiary loopholes, including that the cops were never able to authenticate Jeffrey’s voice from the phone. I was able to negotiate the charge to time served for misdemeanor drug paraphernalia. John never served a day in jail and does not have a mug shot because he made a smart decision and hired us right away.  There is always a big difference between what you know happened and what the police can prove happened and an experienced criminal defense lawyer can be the difference between a clean record and a visit to the county jail.  

 

How to respond to a police officer when questioned about illegally shipping marijuana or THC Oil:

As with most situations, cops will lie to scare a suspect into confessing to a crime. Police officers can show you a subpoena saying that they will show up at your house or work, scaring your family and coworkers. 

 

First Rule Do not say or admit anything to the cops, no matter what they say. This is commonly called invoking your right against self-incrimination under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  Some people call it “pleading the 5th,” and they are also commonly called Miranda Rights. However you say it, the most important thing is to shut up and protect yourself. The police are not your friends. You have the right to remain silent, and you have the right to an attorney.  

 

Second Rule Immediately call a criminal defense lawyer, as they will be the best to guide you through this intimidating situation and help overcome your charges. Once you have hired an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can rest assured all your legal rights will be protected.

Were You Caught Shipping Edibles, or Are You Facing Charges for Other Drug or Marijuana-Related Crimes?

Call today to schedule an appointment for your free consultation:

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In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!
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I had an unfortunate situation with a family member that lead to my arrest and being charged with DV Battery. This was the first time I had ever been arrested so I was very nervous and afraid of what was going to happen to me. After talking with Adam I decided to retain him and let me tell you this was the BEST decision I could have ever made. Adam made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything will turn out the best in my favor. He is professional, ethical and supportive. He was always available too answer any questions or concerns.Not to mention, his team at the office is awesome they are so friendly and welcoming. Anytime I had a question when I called the office they were able to guide me in the rightdirection. They always were in contact with me with any information or updates regarding my case. Adams team is GREAT!Adam delivered, my case was DISMISSED. So if you want an attorney the is gonna fight for you and get the job done retain the BEST there is Adam Rossen!!!
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I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.
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My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.
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