Law Firms

Hollander & Hanuka: Marijuana Defense in Florida

Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law is a Florida-based criminal defense firm that represents individuals facing serious state and federal charges, including marijuana-related offenses. With offices serving Southwest Florida, the firm has built a reputation for handling complex criminal matters while guiding clients through Florida’s often rigid drug laws. Their work in cannabis-related cases reflects a practical understanding of how marijuana laws are enforced across the state, even as public attitudes and medical marijuana access continue to evolve.

The firm was established in 2000 and focuses exclusively on criminal defense. Its attorneys represent clients in Collier County, Lee County, and surrounding jurisdictions, providing counsel in both misdemeanor and felony cases. One of the firm’s distinguishing characteristics is its emphasis on individualized defense strategies, recognizing that no two marijuana cases are the same. Factors such as quantity, intent, prior history, location of arrest, and law enforcement conduct can significantly affect how a case proceeds.

When it comes to marijuana and the law in Florida, Hollander & Hanuka handles a wide range of charges. These include simple marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell, cultivation-related allegations, and trafficking offenses. While small-scale possession is still treated as a criminal offense under Florida law, penalties can escalate quickly when weight thresholds or aggravating circumstances are involved. The firm routinely assists clients who may be unfamiliar with how quickly a marijuana charge can turn into a long-term legal and personal burden.

A key part of the firm’s marijuana defense services involves examining the legality of traffic stops, searches, and seizures. Florida marijuana cases often hinge on whether law enforcement officers had lawful grounds to stop a vehicle, search a person, or enter a residence. Hollander & Hanuka evaluates whether constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment were violated and whether evidence was obtained improperly. When procedural errors are identified, attorneys may seek suppression of evidence, which can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.

The firm also represents individuals facing marijuana trafficking charges, which carry some of the most severe penalties in Florida’s drug statutes. Trafficking is defined not just by distribution but also by possession over specific weight thresholds. These cases often involve mandatory minimum prison sentences and substantial fines, limiting judicial discretion. Hollander & Hanuka focuses on challenging the state’s proof of weight, possession, knowledge, and intent, as well as scrutinizing laboratory testing and chain-of-custody procedures.

In addition to defending criminal charges, the firm advises clients on the broader consequences of marijuana-related arrests. These may include driver’s license suspensions, probation violations, loss of professional licenses, and immigration complications for non-citizens. Understanding these collateral impacts is an important part of developing a comprehensive defense strategy, particularly for professionals, students, or individuals with prior records.

Hollander & Hanuka also assists eligible clients with post-case relief options, such as record sealing or expungement, when permitted under Florida law. While not all marijuana charges qualify, pursuing record relief can be critical for clients seeking to move forward without the ongoing stigma of a criminal record.

Overall, Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law provides marijuana-related legal services rooted in aggressive defense, detailed case analysis, and client advocacy. As Florida continues to balance strict criminal statutes with expanding medical marijuana access, the firm remains focused on protecting the rights of individuals navigating the legal system and minimizing the long-term consequences of cannabis-related charges.