Drug Attorney Near Me in Palm Beach County FL
Drug offenses in Florida can carry severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can have lasting consequences. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Florida, it’s important to understand your rights and your legal options.
Drug offenses in Florida are classified based on the type and amount of drug involved, as well as other factors such as intent to distribute or sell. Some common drug offenses in Florida include:
- Possession of a controlled substance: This is one of the most common drug offenses in Florida. Possession of a controlled substance, such as marijuana, cocaine, or prescription drugs, can result in criminal charges.
- Drug trafficking: Drug trafficking involves the sale, manufacture, or transportation of illegal drugs, and can carry severe penalties. The penalties for drug trafficking in Florida are determined by the type and amount of drug involved.
- Prescription drug fraud: Prescription drug fraud involves obtaining or distributing prescription drugs without a valid prescription. This can include doctor shopping, forging prescriptions, or stealing prescription pads.
- Possession with intent to sell: Possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or distribute is a more serious offense than simple possession, and can result in harsher penalties.
- Manufacturing or cultivating drugs: This offense involves the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine or marijuana.
The penalties for drug offenses in Florida can range from fines to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the severity of the offense and other factors such as prior criminal history. In addition to the legal penalties, drug offenses can also have other consequences, such as loss of employment, damage to personal relationships, and difficulty obtaining housing or financial aid.
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Florida, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal options, protect your rights, and work to minimize the potential consequences of your charges. Possible defenses include challenging the legality of the search or seizure of evidence, disputing the amount or intent to sell, and arguing that the drugs did not belong to you.
Penalties
- Second degree Misdemeanor – Maximum is 60 days in jail or 6 months probation and up to a $500 fine.
- First Degree Misdemeanor – Maximum is 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Third Degree Felony – Maximum is 5 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
- Second Degree Felony – Maximum is 15 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
- First Degree Felony – Maximum is 30 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Possible Defenses
Possible defenses include challenging the legality of the search or seizure of evidence, disputing the amount or intent to sell, and arguing that the drugs did not belong to you.
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Florida, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal options, protect your rights, and work to minimize the potential consequences of your charges.
Former prosecutor Andrew Simko has experience working in the criminal justice system, and has a deep understanding of how prosecutors and law enforcement officers build their cases. This knowledge can be valuable in crafting a strong defense strategy. He has a thorough understanding of the legal system and the rules of evidence, which can be critical in building a strong defense. Contact Andrew today to discuss your case learn more about how we can help you.