Traffic Ticket Team

There is a popular push by people in several states to make the use of marijuana legal as a treatment for certain chronic and/or terminal conditions. Not quite as popular, but still present, is a push to legalize it completely for over the counter sale. At present, a few states have passed laws allowing doctors to prescribe for specific conditions and its sale under tight controls. Florida is not on this list. Therefore, before entering the state with pot, one should know the cannabis laws in Florida.

Marijuana related charges are progressive in severity and punitive sentencing. At the lowest level, possession of 20 grams or less is a misdemeanor. Possession of paraphernalia, such as pipes, bongs, etc. Is also a misdemeanor and can be added to the drug charge. Each carries a sentence of up to a year in jail and/or a thousand dollar fine. Delivery of less than 20 grams without receiving payment falls into this class as well.

Delivering more than 20 grams but less than 25 plants (pounds), selling any amount up to 25 plants (pounds), and possession of 20 grams to 25 plants (pounds) are all felonies. Each can be punished by a 5 year prison sentence and/or a 5000 dollar fine.

Growing or selling any amount of cannabis in close proximity to schools, parks, daycare centers, and other places where children are likely to gather can, and usually does, result in 15 years in prison and a 10,000 dollar fine. Possession of more than 24 plants (pounds) of marijuana carries the same penalty. Judges almost always hand out maximum sentences when schools and children are endangered.

One is considered to be trafficking in illegal substances if he/she grows or sells more than 25 pounds (plants). The state has established minimum mandatory sentences for any trafficking conviction. This means that judges have no latitude whatsoever in setting sentences. Even offenders who ultimately help authorities catch large traffickers will face the minimum sentences.

The minimum sentence for 25 plants up to 2000 plants (pounds)is 3 years in prison and up to a 25,000 dollar fine. 2000 to 10,000 plants (pounds) is punishable by not less than 7 years in prison and a 50,000 dollar fine. The minimum sentence possible for amounts of marijuana in excess of 10,000 plants (pounds) is 15 years in prison and a 200,000 dollar fine.

One will lose his/her driver’s license to suspension for a period of not less than 6 months nor more than 2 years if convicted of any drug related charge. This includes misdemeanor possession as well as the various felonies. This is in addition to any other punishments handed out by the court system for the various charges.

One can now obtain a prescription from a doctor for marijuana to treat certain conditions in a few states. Florida is not one of these states. Knowing the cannabis laws in Florida is is important to anyone considering carrying the drug into the state or growing it there. Anyone convicted of trafficking in pot will face certain minimum mandatory prison sentences and monetary fines. Judges have no leeway in sentencing these offenders. Jason@TrafficTicketTeam.com, www.TrafficTicketTeam.com, 954-967-9888

Many states are seeing a growth in the number of citizens who would like to see cannabis (marijuana)made available as a prescription treatment for certain chronic conditions. These can include cancer, glaucoma, and certain types of chronic pain. Nationwide, there is a small percentage of people actively seeking legalization of this drug completely. While some states have begun to allow the use of medical marijuana under tightly controlled conditions, Florida is not one of them. Therefore, anyone considering taking this drug into or growing it in that state should know how cannabis laws in Florida are defined.

There are different levels of criminal charges associated with possession, delivery, sale, and cultivation of cannabis in Florida. What level the charges will be depends on the amount of the drug involved. For example, possession of or delivery of twenty grams or less is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or one thousand dollars in fines. Possessing paraphernalia carries the same penalties and can be charged in addition to the charges pertaining to the pot.

Delivering over twenty grams, even without compensation, or selling any amount up to twenty five pounds can land one in prison for up to five years and a fine for up to five thousand dollars. Possession of between twenty grams and twenty five pounds (plants) carries the same penalties. Both are considered felonies.

Being in possession of twenty five or more pounds (plants) can mean a ticket to prison for up to fifteen years and ten thousand dollars in fines. This is also the penalty for growing or selling any quantity of the drug near schools, daycare centers, parks, or other places where children are likely to be congregated. Most judges dispense the maximum sentence for this latter crime.

If one is caught growing or selling more than twenty five pounds of pot, he/she will be charged with drug trafficking. If found guilty, there will be a minimum mandatory jail sentence as well as fines. Judges are forced to dispense not less than these minimum sentences. What those minimums are depends on the amount of drug in question.

Twenty five pounds (plants) up to one ton (2000 plants) requires not less than three years in prison and twenty five thousand dollars in fines. Between one and five tons (2000 to 10000 plants) the minimum is seven years in prison and fifty thousand dollars in fines. The minimum sentence for any amount over this is fifteen years and two hundred thousand dollars in fines.

Regardless of the level of crime of which one is convicted, felony or misdemeanor, any conviction means that his/her driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of six months up to a maximum of two years.

While medical marijuana has become legal in some states, Florida continues to deem this a strictly illegal substance. Knowing and understanding how cannabis laws in Florida are defined can help save one some time and money. Traffickers in this drug face mandatory minimum sentencing that ties a judge’s hands, even if one helps the authorities in the long run.  Jason@TrafficTicketTeam.com, www.TrafficTicketTeam.com, 954-967-9888



There is a growing movement in many states to legalize cannabis (marijuana) for prescription use to treat chronic pain and certain diseases such as cancer and glaucoma. There is a somewhat smaller movement to legalize its use as a recreational drug, equivalent to alcohol or tobacco. However, only a few states have gone so far as to allow its use by prescription only. Florida is not one of these states. It is, therefore, necessary for one to understand cannabis laws in Florida before taking any across the state line.

This state uses a progressive chart when determining the charge and the severity of the charge in both possession and sale or cultivation. Possession or delivery of less than twenty grams is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to 1000 USD and/or 1 year in jail. This assumes that one delivers a small quantity and does not get paid for it. Possession of paraphernalia (pipes, bongs, etc) is also a misdemeanor with the same penalties. This can be added the charges associated with the drug itself.

Any delivery of over twenty grams or sale of marijuana up to twenty five pounds is a felony. Possession of the substance in a quantity between twenty grams and twenty five pounds is a felony. At this level, the punishment goes up to 5 years in prison and/or up 5000 USD in fines.

Possession of greater than twenty four plants or any sale or cultivation of the plant within one thousand feet of a school, park, daycare, etc. Is punishable by fines up to 10,000 USD and a prison term up to 15 years. Judges tend to hand out the maximum sentence for operating near these locations.

Whenever one gets into growing or selling amounts over twenty five pounds, he/she is considered to be trafficking in an illegal substance. Any trafficking conviction will carry a minimum mandatory sentence, meaning that judges are given no leeway to be lenient.

From twenty five to two thousand pounds (or plants) is punishable by a minimum mandatory sentence of 3 years in prison and a fine up to 25,000 USD. The minimum sentence for two thousand to ten thousand pounds (or plants) is 7 years and a fine up to 50,000 USD. Anything over this carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a fine up to 200,000 USD.

Any conviction of any charge relating to marijuana or drugs carries an automatic suspension of one’s driving privileges for a period of not less than 6 months nor over 2 years. This applies whether one is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

Several states have passed legislation that allows doctors to prescribe cannabis as treatment for certain chronic and/or terminal conditions. However, Florida is not on this list. Developing an understanding of cannabis laws in Florida means learning that this plant is still illegal and trafficking in it carries very stiff penalties. Those who are convicted of any trafficking related offense will face mandatory minimum sentences that do not provide judges with any leeway for leniency, even if the defendant cooperates with authorities. Jason@TrafficTicketTeam.com, www.TrafficTicketTeam.com, 954-967-9888

Almost every driver has experienced the dreaded traffic ticket at some point or another. No sooner do you accelerate on the highway than you see the flashing lights and siren behind you indicating a wrong-doing. A momentary lapse of good judgment should not, however, tarnish your clean driving record. Knowing how to fight a traffic ticket will ensure that you don’t pay excess fines or get your license taken away.

It is extremely important to remember to always respect the law; never get angry with the officer or start arguing with them, as this will only get you further into trouble. Be sure to directly answer all of the officer’s questions in a courteous and polite manner. Do not exit your vehicle unless they ask you to.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should not openly admit your guilt or try and come up with unbelievable stories or excuses. Let the officer explain your infraction and if they ask if you know what you did, answer with a simple, “No, I don’t.” For a speeding offense, be sure that they inform you of what speed you were going and what the limit is in the area.

The name and badge number of the officer will be listed on the ticket, but it can sometimes be unreadable, especially if they have bad handwriting. Be sure to ask them for this information and write it down for yourself, as you will need it for when you go to court. You will also need to ask them detailed and specific questions about the device they used to determine your speed or other infraction and where they were located. For speeding, check for clearly marked signs; if there are none then be sure to take videos or pictures to further prove your case in court.

The officer may come to the conclusion that because you are being so thorough with your questions, that the case may get dismissed, and it is not worth the effort of showing up in court. They do not get paid for court dates and hearings, and many of them would rather be spending time with loved ones or friends anyway. If they do not appear, your case is automatically dismissed.

Your case can still be won, though, even if the officer does show up. The judge may consider all of your evidence and dismiss the case altogether or lessen the fine that you must pay. For more serious offenses, it may be worthwhile hiring an attorney. There are also companies that are comprised of former police officers that give you advice and tips on how to proceed in court. You will have to decide for yourself if spending money on this type of assistance is needed.

Knowledge is power, and gathering every detail possible is paramount to proving your case, whether or not you hire anyone to help you. Immediately after receiving your ticket, file a motion of discovery. This will let you know exactly what you are being charged with, and what type of evidence will be used against you.

Volunteering for traffic school may also be a way for you to get your offense lessened or dismissed completely. Not all areas offer this, so be sure to check with your local jurisdiction. There is a great benefit to receiving a refresher course and can help to prevent future tickets and fines. Knowing how to fight a traffic ticket could be as simple as preventing one in the first place. If you get a traffic ticket in Florida, call the Traffic Ticket Team at 954-9679888 www.TrafficTicketTeam.com

Every driver has dealt with the unpleasantness of receiving a traffic ticket at least once. One moment you are cruising down the highway and the next moment you see those dreaded flashing lights behind you telling you to pull over. One small infraction shouldn’t taint your driving record or hike up your insurance rates. If you learn how to fight a traffic ticket, you can keep your driving record clean and keep your hard earned money where it belongs – in your pocket.

When you get pulled over, always remember to be respectful and courteous to the officer. Sarcastic remarks or arguing will not be received well and may actually get you into even more trouble. Be sure to answer the officer’s questions directly, and don’t elaborate on them. Never get out of your car unless the officer asks you to, as this could be seen as a sign of aggression.

Do not openly admit your guilt or try to think of outlandish stories or excuses for your behavior. Reply with a simple, “No, Sir” or “No, Ma’am” when the officer asks if you know why they pulled you over. It is their responsibility to explain what the offense is, and they should do it in as much detail as possible. If you were speeding, make sure they let you know how fast you were going, and how much above the speed limit that is.

If you are going to court, you will need to know the name of the officer and their badge number. This is written on the ticket but is sometimes illegible, so be sure to ask. For a speeding infraction, ask the officer about the device that was used and where they were located when they determined that you were going too fast. Check that area for clearly marked speed limit signs. If there are none, take pictures so that you have further evidence for your court hearing.

When you ask very specific questions, it can sometimes lead the officer to believe that it’s not worth the effort of showing up to the court date. If they think that you will gather enough evidence they may conclude that your ticket will get thrown out or the charge will be lessened anyway. Officers have to appear in court on their day off, and many would rather be with their family or out on the driving range. Your case will be automatically dismissed if the officer does not appear.

You can still win, however, even if the officer does make an appearance, especially if it is your first offense, or it is deemed as a minor one. You can get the charge completely thrown out, or the fine may be reduced. If it is a more serious infraction, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. Companies such as X-Coppers are run by former police officers and can help give you tips and strategies on how to win your case. You will have to determine whether or not it is worth spending the extra money on this kind of help.

You will need to be prepared for your court case, whether you hire a lawyer or not. Prepare your statement to the judge well in advance and gather as much information as possible. A motion of discovery should be filed as soon as your ticket is received, as this is your right to know exactly what you are being charged with and what kind of evidence will be presented. Knowledge beforehand is key in order to defend yourself effectively.

Some jurisdictions offer traffic school as an option, instead of being convicted with an offense. Check your local area to see if this is a viable choice. It is always a good plan to voluntarily sign up for a refresher course and will help to prevent further tickets and fines. Not getting a ticket in the first place is the best strategy in learning how to fight a traffic ticket. Fight your next Traffic Ticket at www.TrafficTicketTeam.com 954-967-9888

Traffic Ticket Team

Intermittent outages of the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles mainframe servers have led to system crashes at driver’s license offices across the state, making already long waits even longer for frustrated customers. ”All I’m doing is sitting here waiting,” said Jeff Gilman, who arrived at the DMV office on Military Trail at about noon Friday and was still waiting to be served four hours later, along with about 60 other people.  The system has been unstable since Nov. 3 and it has been declared it a critical situation, said Courtney Heidelberg, DMV’s deputy communications director. The problem has not been fixed yet, she said. Customers at DMV offices were already facing long waits because of tougher ID requirements for obtaining licenses since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Although Gilman said officials offered to let people make appointments to come back another day because of the sporadic outages, he said he was concerned he’d just run into the same problems again. The lengthy wait times were exacerbated at the Deerfield office because its two bathrooms were out of order most of the afternoon.  ”The bathroom backed up and the sewage came up out of the floor,” said Uranius Cruz, of Deerfield Beach, who arrived at the office at 11:30 a.m. and wasn’t finished until 3:45 p.m. Scott Vincent, of Margate, came to the Deerfield DMV office Friday after stopping by the Margate office first. ”The line was even longer in Coral Springs,” said Vincent, who arrived at 2:30 p.m. and planned to stay as late as necessary. Officials said anyone in line as of 5 p.m. would be seen. The Traffic Ticket Team is aware of the problem and trying to help people in a similar situation. If you get a traffic ticket, call the www.trafficticketteam.com, Jason Diamond, Diamond, Kistner & Diamond, 954-967-9888. Let us Fight your Traffic Ticket. Do not pay that traffic ticket, fight back.

Traffic Ticket Team www.TrafficTicketTeam.com

A visit to the driver’s license office has always been a little slice of hell.  Now it’s gotten even worse.  Florida’s strict new identity requirements for license renewal are steering drivers to new heights of confusion, costing them time from work, sending them on laborious paper chases and forcing return trips to the dreaded DMV. ”It’s very frustrating,” said Harmony Hoot, of Lake Worth who, along with her fiancé recently was on her third attempt in a day to renew his license. “I’ll admit I was yelling. There were some profanities.”  The source of Hoot’s woe: A new state law that went into effect Jan. 1 requiring drivers to provide more documentation before renewing a license. Where formerly you needed only to produce your old license to get a new one, you must now cough up more solid identification such as a birth certificate or passport.  Further proof is required in the form of a Social Security card. If the flimsy card has disintegrated in your wallet over the past decades, a W-2 tax form or paycheck bearing the nine magic numbers will do. But that’s not all. The state demands not one, but two proofs of residency bearing your address, which can be a utility bill, mortgage statement or vehicle registration or title. Parents can accompany minor drivers and attest to their residency as long as the parent has the required proof of address.  Married women using their husband’s name will need to produce a marriage certificate. ”I was not told I need a marriage certificate just to renew my license,” said a disheartened Lucy Garcia, of Tamarac, who for a second time was turned away from the license office in Lauderhill. “Who knows how much longer I’m going to be coming here?”  But at least the Lauderhill office had staffers out front to cull from the herd people who lacked sufficient documentation, sparing them a wait in line.  The documentation requirements are part of the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. The hijackers used false identification, including Florida driver’s licenses. A majority of states has refused to comply with the act, and federal authorities have postponed until mid-2011 a deadline for it to take effect. Gary Biller, director of the National Motorists Association, a driver’s advocacy group, said the new requirements are too extreme. However, if you get caught speeding, you should call the Traffic Ticket Team, www.trafficticketteam.com, to fight your Florida Traffic Ticket. Call us anytime to fight your traffic ticket at 954-967-9888, Law Offices of Jason A. Diamond, P.A. and Diamond, Kistner & Diamond.

Traffic Ticket Team www.trafficticketteam.com

A popular phone app could help you avoid a pricey speeding ticket. Sounds like the kind of program police wouldn’t embrace, but that’s not necessarily the case. When Art Acevedo took over as Austin police chief, one of his first orders of business was to eliminate the daily news releases about where APD was running radar. However, the Travis County Sheriff’s office is embracing new technology and the concept that the more information the public has, the safer the roads will be.  It’s not uncommon to see law enforcement officers armed with radar guns aimed at oncoming drivers. Now with a simple check of the app on a 3-G phone or by going on line, Central Texas drivers can know in advance where deputies with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office will be running radar. ”It’s simply a way for us to communicate with the public the areas where they need to slow down and comply with the speed laws. The added benefit is notifying people if there is some change in the road conditions that affects their safe driving,” said Roger Wade, the public information officer for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.  The Trapster App also alerts drivers to flooded roadways or accidents that could delay their trip, but the main focus is on radar detection.  ”The bottom line is we want to make the roads safer for Travis County and this is another tool that will do that,” said Wade. The question seems to be whether it’s better to let the public know where radar is being run or not.  Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo prefers not to give advance notice. ”It kind of defeats the purpose of being out there,” said Acevedo. “We want people to know that we were working it but telling them the specific roadways was a little counterproductive for us.”  Drivers we spoke to were split.  ”Yeah I think it is a good idea and I probably would use it,” said John Egan. ”If you know we are running late for work or if I am in a hurry, we would want to know there is going to be a cop around the corner. I will slow down,” said Sean Munoz. ”Some people are going to have radar detectors anyway and they are going to find out if they want to find out,” said Diane from Austin. “But most people are not going to take the time to look into something.”  Drivers can add data to Trapster, just like the Travis County Sheriff’s office does — but if it’s inaccurate, it can be taken down.  By the way, Roger Wade tells us his office doesn’t make any money off Trapster. The app is free of charge.  However, if you get caught speeding, you should call the Traffic Ticket Team, www.trafficticketteam.com, to fight your Florida Traffic Ticket. Call us anytime to fight your traffic ticket at 954-967-9888, Law Offices of Jason A. Diamond, P.A. and Diamond, Kistner & Diamond.

We all remember when we got our driver’s license. It’s one of life’s great moments, a giant step toward adulthood. Decades later comes a related rite of passage that generates considerably less enthusiasm: the day you stop driving. Most older drivers are aware when that time is approaching. They recognize their diminishing skills; maybe they have a close call or sometimes can’t find the way home. Most relinquish their keys or make concessions to age and adjust their driving patterns. But others, no matter how many times they get lost, blow stop signs or get honked at by fellow motorists, want to keep that grip on the wheel. ”I think most people understand the point when it’s unsafe for them to drive,” says Moraine Byrne, senior vice president for Covenant Retirement Communities, a nonprofit organization. ”They’re more often afraid they might hurt someone else. They make the decision on their own or cut way back.” Giving up driving can be difficult. People fear a loss of independence and the ability to participate in longtime activities. They worry about being able to do their shopping, visit friends or keep doctor appointments. All good points, all needing to be addressed during any family discussion. ”Unless there’s a real emergency, I recommend the family plan to start the conversation slowly,” Byrne suggests. “Ask questions, [don't] come in with a set plan in mind, but come in with an open mind so the parent doesn’t feel they’re being attacked. You really need to have several conversations, unless there is an emergency situation. You have to have respect for a parent’s position.” When the evidence is in, the family may realize that stopping cold turkey isn’t warranted. If a person’s skills are only starting to erode, there are alternatives.  Curtail higher-risk driving situations, for example. Recent research from the MIT AgeLab and The Hartford found that 69 percent of drivers older than 75 and 58 percent of those 65 to 74 self-regulate their driving. That means avoiding driving at night or rush hour, taking only familiar routes, limiting trips to a certain distance, and keeping off expressways and highways. Then there are classes where older drivers can brush up on their skills. AARP (aarp.com) offers a classroom and online course aimed at older drivers.  ”I’ve known several people who have taken it who said it helped them remain focused and helped them to think differently,” Byrne says. “I’ve looked at the course work, and it looks like a tremendous program.” Stress fitness. Research by the National Institute on Aging, published in 2008 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, suggests that physical conditioning helps maintain the performance of older drivers, decreasing errors by more than a third.  The test subjects participated in an exercise program to improve flexibility, coordination and speed of movement relevant to driving. Even with those efforts, a driver’s deterioration is sometimes unmistakable. Pop cruises the expressway at 25 miles an hour, or pulls into the garage without bothering to open the garage door first.  Problems can also be less obvious. Has pop’s insurance rate increased? Has he received recent traffic tickets? Inspect the car; are there fresh and/or unexplained dents? Does driving leave him exhausted or frazzled? Does he take medication that might affect his driving? If Mom, Dad or a Grandparent gets a ticket and you still want her or him to drive, please feel free to call the Traffic Ticket Team,www.trafficticketteam.com, at 954-967-9888 for a free consultation.