First Time Offense Marijuana Possession in Florida

[lawfacts]

A 19-year-old college student has been charged with possession of marijuana. What is likely to happen in court, and can the student avoid a criminal record?

[Mr. Knowitall]

The student should speak with a criminal defense lawyer about the possibility of obtaining a deferred sentence. Florida does not appear to have a statute directly addressing deferral of a first time misdemeanor drug possession charge, but many counties appear to routinely offer deferred sentences for first offenders. The consequences of conviction are significant, including fines, possible jail time (highly unlikely for a first offense) and a driver's license suspension.