If you have been charged with a drug-related crime, you require the assistance of a criminal defense attorney who can aptly fight the charges against you. If convicted, drug possession charges can impact a person’s ability to do a number of things, such as finding employment and applying for a loan. What’s more, convictions for drug crimes can be difficult to seal or expunge, due to the severity of drug-related crimes in the State of Florida.
Contact us to speak with a criminal defense attorney if you've been charged with the possession of any type of regulated drug, including the following.
- Schedule I drugs (heroin, psilocybin, mescaline)
- Schedule II drugs (cocaine, opium, Oxycodone, methamphetamine)
- Schedule III (ex. anabolic steroids, Ketamine)
- Schedule IV drugs (Xanax)
Drug Possession Charges: Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs have rapidly surpassed many illegal drugs in both illicit use and criminal consequence. These drugs are particularly dangerous because they are easily accessible, extremely potent powerful, and carry significant penalties when used illegally — including mandatory minimum prison sentences for possession of even small quantities. Our criminal defense lawyers have found that many defendants charged with trafficking drugs are often addicted to these drugs. All charges related to prescription drugs are serious; most possession charges are third-degree felonies.
Many charges for possession of drugs carry a mandatory prison sentence that ranges from three years to 25 years. There are some defenses to a prescription drug charge depending on the facts of your case. For example, possessing prescription drugs prescribed to you is legal. Further, even if you have no legal defense to the criminal charge, you may qualify for a diversionary program such as drug court or a pre-trial intervention. If you are accused or charged with a criminal offense related to prescription drugs, contact a qualified Gainesville attorney immediately.
Drug Arrests For Marijuana
While Florida moves toward legalization of medical marijuana, the Florida legislature continues to enforce strict consequences for individuals in illegal possession of the drug as well as any drug paraphernalia. In the State of Florida, possession of any amount of marijuana, even the small amount marijuana called “shake," or marijuana residue typically left at the bottom of the container in which the marijuana was stored, can lead to a conviction. Further, possession of marijuana over 20 grams can lead to felony charges.
While most citizens believe possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use is acceptable, law enforcement and the Office of The State Attorney actively prosecute these cases. Possession of even a tiny amount of marijuana can subject someone to the possibility of a year in jail. If you are charged with possession of marijuana, you should take the charge very seriously. Contact our Gainesville criminal law attorneys today to discuss your case.
