Florida Drug Charges Defense Attorney

Being accused of drug possession, trafficking, or other crimes can be terrifying. Even if you are not sure you did anything wrong, it is critical to recognize the risks that often come from these criminal charges.

All types of drug crime allegations from law enforcement should be taken seriously. With the guidance of a criminal defense attorney, you gain the insight you need to know what your rights are, what defense strategies may help you, and what to do right now. Our Florida drug charges defense attorney at Darling Law can discuss your case with you.

What Constitutes a Drug Crime in Florida?

In Florida, drug crimes are those involving controlled substances. The crime itself is dependent on the weight, amount, and type of controlled substances, including possession, selling, trafficking, manufacturing, and other claims. Penalties for drug convictions are also dependent on the type of drug as well as the activities engaged in. Florida drug crime laws specifically levy charges that could lead to jail time, fines, and other consequences.

A Florida Drug Charges Defense Attorney At Darling Law Can Help Reduce Your Sentence

A Florida drug charges defense attorney from Darling Law can negotiate a plea deal for you in most situations. If you are accused of a crime, contact our attorney immediately. We aim to minimize the risk of a drug crime conviction in every situation. Once you establish a client relationship with us and you are facing charges, we will go to work in several key ways:

• Determine what your charges are
• Determine if there were any indications where Florida statute rules were missed
• Determine if there is insufficient evidence to prove your case
• Consider any procedural errors
• First-time offense considerations

Defense Strategies for a Florida Drug Charge

Our legal team will look at every possible drug possession case detail to determine what defense strategy may apply to you. You need a strong defense if you face possession, manufacturing charges, or others. Some examples may include:

• Illegal search and seizure: This indicates that the law enforcement officer did not have the right to search you. An unlawful search could eliminate evidence found.
• Procedural errors: This could include any steps taken by the police that broke your constitutional rights
• Lack of evidence: A common case if we can show there is illegal seizure
• Entrapment: Strategies that show that the police officer put you in a place where you were trapped or otherwise made to be a victim
• Challenging unfair tactics: Our legal advice may include strategies to help demonstrate the treatment was unfair
• Drug court: Including strategies that could help you to avoid the worst drug crime case charges due to use
• Pretrial diversion: Steps that could help you avoid a prison sentence if you seek help, especially if you were engaged in a DUI or possession of drugs due to substance use disorder.

Why Choose Darling Law as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome. To this end, we use our experience and dedication to your rights to help you avoid the worst possible outcome in your case. Our commitment to our clients is extraordinary.

Testimonials

“Darling Law is top notch! Andrew Darling immediately got to work on my case from the minute I contacted him. He and Ashley from his firm were extremely professional and kept in constant contact with me which made me feel extremely comfortable with the process. They got my case dismissed in very timely manner and cause very little disturbance to my everyday life. I would definitely recommend Darling Law to anyone looking for an attorney!”– Julius F.

“The nonprofit I work for connected me with Andrew Darling to help with my case, I couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out today. The entire situation was handled with ease and extensive knowledge that took a huge amount of anxiety off my shoulders. One of my cases were amended, and the other was dismissed. Because of Andrew’s preparation, in all I spent less than 5 minutes standing before the judge! I would also like to note that Andrew has a reputation in the Central Florida activism community as being very invested in the wellbeing of organizers and marginalized populations and ensuring that they know their rights and leave any situation knowledgeable and well equipped to handle future legal situations. I would highly recommend requesting Andrew’s services!”– Chris V.

“Attorney Andrew Darling helped us handle our case and I cannot tell you how confident we felt having him on our side! He was professional, knowledgeable and invested in our Outcome. Thank you so much for all of your help!”– Yaya D.

Common Drug Offenses Involve

• Manufacturing controlled substances
• Delivering controlled substances
• Possession of controlled substances
• Possession of controlled substances with intent to sell
• Trafficking controlled substances
• Falsely obtaining a controlled substance
• Falsely prescribing a controlled substance

Penalties for Drug Charges in Florida

Penalties for drug charges and convictions in Florida vary widely and depend on the type of drug, the scale of the criminal violation, and the intent of those involved.

Possessing and Attempting to Sell Drugs in Florida

If you are convicted of this offense, you could face a third-degree felony charge, which could include imprisonment for up to 5 years for Schedule 1 substances. With the intent to distribute, manufacture, or deliver.

Drug trafficking charges in Florida

Drug trafficking convictions in Florida could lead to long-term jail time, depending on the substances involved. Consider the following applications:

• Cannabis: 25 pounds or 300 plants: Minimum of 3 years in prison and $25,000 fine.
• Cocaine: 28 grams: Minimum of 3 years in prison and $50,000 fine.
• Fentanyl: 4 grams: Up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
• Heroin: 4 grams: A minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
• Hydrocodone: 14 grams: A minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
• LSD: 1 gram: Minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
• MDMA: 10 grams: Minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
• Methamphetamine: 14 grams: Minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Drug Manufacturing Charges in Florida

Drug manufacturing charges in Florida could include numerous felony charges, depending on the situation. This could consist of as much as 5 years in prison and fines of $5,000 or more.

Prescription Drug Charges in Florida

Those who are delivering, manufacturing, or possessing prescription drugs that are not their own or legally obtained could face 5 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.

Conspiracy Charges in Florida

Drug trafficking that involves the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of these substances could fall into conspiracy charges. The state has minimum sentences of 3 years in jail and $25,000 in penalties, but this can increase to 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.

Possessing and/or Attempting to Sell Controlled Substances

A controlled substance is any type of substance in which there is no safe, accepted medical use for the drug or there are restrictions on its access and use. There are many such drugs, including heroin and cannabis.

Possession refers to situations in which a person knowingly obtains, possesses, or uses a controlled substance. Consider the potential consequences for convictions of possession under Florida law.

Possession of Marijuana in Florida

Those who possess non-medical marijuana in the state of Florida are facing a first-degree misdemeanor charge. If they have more than 20 grams of it, this could lead to a felony charge. A misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 punishment. Those with more than this could face 5 years of jail time and a $5,000 fine.

Possession of Cocaine in Florida

Cocaine possession is a third-degree felony charge, and it may lead to up to 5 years in jail, a 2-year driver’s license suspension, a fine of $5,000, and probation terms.

Possession of Opioids in Florida

Possession of opioids could lead to both a jail sentence and fines, dependent on various factors. For a first-degree misdemeanor, a person could face a sentence of 12 months in jail and $1,000 in fines. In situations of a felony, such as with a high amount of fentanyl on hand, it could lead to a mandatory 7 years in prison.

Statute of Limitations for Drug Charges in Florida

The statute of limitations in Florida for drug charges depends on the specific charge type. However, it is typically three years. If criminal charges are not filed within that period, the prosecutor may be unable to bring them to court.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Drug Crime in Florida?

If you are charged with any violation of drug laws, seek out a law firm to provide you with hands-on support immediately. Possession of a controlled substance carries significant implications for your future, creating a criminal record for you and impacting your ability to hold various jobs.

• Exercise your right to remain silent if you are accused of any type of drug crime. These are your constitutional rights.
• You have the right to seek legal support. Call our drug crime lawyer immediately for guidance.
• A drug crime attorney should be present during any questioning. If they are not, do not answer questions.

Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Florida?

Prison time is a factor in all instances of drug charges. However, the mandatory minimum and whether or not it is required is dependent on several factors, including:

• The type of drugs
• The amount of drugs
• Whether you are facing a first-degree felony or a misdemeanor charge
• Your criminal record beyond this
• What you planned to do with the drugs
• What County you were arrested in

If you have a criminal history or there are other factors contributing to your case’s extensive severity, a first offense could lead to jail time. However, minor offenses do not always lead to jail sentencing. Speak to your drug crime attorney to learn more about your rights.

Can You Get Drug Charges Dropped in Florida?

Yes, drug charges can be dropped in Florida under certain circumstances, such as insufficient evidence, illegal searches, or lack of knowledge about the drugs.

Your Defense Starts Here

At Darling Law, we know how important it is for you to have the legal representation you need. Call (407) 329-8260 to schedule a free case evaluation, or fill out our contact form now.