Pumphrey Law Blog

October 25, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges Social Share

Marijuana and hemp have similar characteristics but are ultimately considered two different substances with different effects. These differences are what caused both Federal and State law to update the legislation regarding hemp. In short, you can be prosecuted for illegal cannabis but not hemp. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 first removed hemp from the Federal Controlled Substance Act. Also …

September 4, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements Social Share

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis first announced his plan for cracking down on fentanyl-related cases at the January 2023 Miami Police Benevolent Association. Since then, Florida lawmakers have been working on amending various drug statutes to help fight the growing issue of fentanyl overdoses. As of May 1, 2023, Gov. DeSantis signed HB 1359 into law, amending the current penalties for …

August 28, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements Social Share

A federal court in New Orleans just ruled that restricting marijuana users from possessing a firearm is unconstitutional. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously found the 1968 law conflicts with a citizen’s right to carry a firearm. More specifically, prohibiting a person from purchasing or possessing a firearm when declared an “unlawful user” of …

August 28, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements Social Share

The legal confusion and misconceptions surrounding medical marijuana continues to puzzle Floridians. In one recent case, a Department of Corrections officer is taking matters to the Florida Supreme Court after getting fired for his prescribed use of medical marijuana for PTSD. The case brings up the ongoing issue of whether Floridians should be allowed to possess a firearm while they …

July 26, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements Social Share

A new agreement signed by the NBA Players Association and NBA league officials has removed cannabis from its list of banned substances. While random drug screenings may still occur for players, there will be limits to the specific punishments. The agreement comes after both the NFL and MLB have adopted similar agreements to become more lenient on marijuana use. This …

July 17, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges Social Share

Florida takes the possession of controlled substances extremely seriously, with specific laws and penalties in place for those who are caught with unlawful substances in their possession. However, understanding the legal nuances between the differing drug charges can make a difference in determining the severity of penalties a defendant may face. While a simple possession charge refers to having illicit …

July 17, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements Social Share

Florida takes a harsh stance against controlled substances. Those involved in the sale or distribution of unlawful substances may face prosecution in both State and Federal court for drug trafficking. The following lists two recent drug busts in Tallahassee along with relative information on drug trafficking in Florida. Case Details Operation Agua Azul – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has …

May 29, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges Social Share

The misuse and illicit sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use has become alarming in the last few years. Nitrous oxide, an anesthetic agent found in medical and dental procedures, has recently been abused at music festivals and other realms for partygoers. What is misleading about the substance is that it is legal to purchase it in Florida. However, there …

May 24, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges Social Share

Music festivals have been around for decades, and thousands of people of all ages attend festivals around the U.S. each year. One common issue that arises at music festivals is the possession and distribution of controlled substances. Law enforcement is known to go undercover at music festivals to try and target those who attempt to sell drugs or other unlawful …