Drug Possession Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
Drug charges can be serious, especially when the case includes large amounts or dangerous substances. You could face hefty fines and even prison time if you are convicted. Before you plead guilty and put your fate in the hands of the court, consult with our experienced team at The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A. Our Fort Lauderdale drug possession lawyer is intimately familiar with state and local drug legislation and can help you build a strong case for your defense.
Whether you have made a serious error in judgment or whether the charges against you are false, you have rights. Effective defense strategies are available.
Common Types of Drugs That Come With Possession Charges
Many people think that drug possession charges apply only to illicit street drugs. These include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, etc. In reality, you could be charged for a wide array of substances. These can include:
- Prescription medication such as oxycontin and codeine
- Drug paraphernalia
- Chemicals and other substances used to make drugs
- Drug-manufacturing equipment
Schedule a free consultation with our Fort Lauderdale drug possession lawyer today, so that you may discuss your legal options and begin mounting a strong defense strategy.
Drug Possession: A Felony Charge
In Florida, it is a felony to possess a controlled substance unless it is a doctor-prescribed medication. The list of possible controlled substances for which you could be charged is vast. They are divided into five categories known as “schedules.” Substances with a high potential of abuse and no currently accepted medical use fall under the Schedule I category.
Drug possession charges can be filed even if you have a valid prescription. Possession alone might not be sufficient in these situations, but operating a motor vehicle while suffering the intoxicating effects of a medically-prescribed drug is undoubtedly prohibited. Florida law states that you cannot drive under the influence of a controlled substance, whether it is a narcotic or a regulated drug.
Penalties For Drug Possession
If you possess more than 10 grams of heroin, LSD, etc., you will receive a first-degree felony charge. If the court convicts you, you could face up to 30 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. It is a third-degree felony to have more than 10 grams of cocaine, opium, morphine, or anabolic steroids. With this charge, the maximum penalties are five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Having up to 20 grams of marijuana is a lesser charge: a first-degree misdemeanor. Still, it carries a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum one-year sentence. If you’re carrying over 20 grams, it is considered a third-degree felony, which, once again, carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
If you face these charges, you need to speak with a Fort Lauderdale drug possession attorney. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss the details of your case with an experienced lawyer.
Search And Seizure Of Controlled Substances
Your Fort Lauderdale drug possession lawyer will examine the legal validity of your arrest. Specific laws and regulations determine how search and seizure procedures work. If law enforcement officers did not follow these steps properly, your lawyer might argue that your Constitutional rights were violated, and your case may be dismissed. Other possible outcomes include throwing out certain evidence or reducing your sentence. Your attorney will carefully review the circumstances of your case to identify any mistakes, particularly in the search and seizure process.
Lesser Charges For Possession
If your Fort Lauderdale drug possession attorney cannot successfully argue for a judge to dismiss your case, a reduction in penalties is still possible. Rather than serve prison time and pay high fines, you may only have to serve probation and complete a predetermined amount of community service hours. In some cases, the penalty can be reduced to court-mandated drug counseling and treatment as well as random drug testing. You may also receive a two-year suspension of your driver’s license. Talk to a drug possession attorney today about how to approach your case and work toward the best outcome possible. Call us for a free consultation.