From possession of a few grams of marijuana to trafficking hundreds of pounds of cocaine, drug crimes are some of the most frequently prosecuted charges in Florida. They are also frequently misunderstood.
There may be a valid reason why you were charged with a drug offense. You might struggle with substance abuse or got involved with a drug operation out of financial desperation. Maybe you did nothing wrong and were falsely accused.
Regardless of how your drug charges arose, you will need an aggressive and compassionate drug offense lawyer to protect you from the damage of a serious conviction.
Drug Crime Charges in Florida
Florida has numerous statutes involving drug crimes, and lists five different drug categories through their controlled substance schedules. The exact charges you face for a drug offense depend on the schedule of drug, the amount of drug, and the type of offense.
Attorney Erika Valcarcel has extensive experience defending a variety of Florida drug charges, including:
Possession of Narcotics or a Controlled Substance
Drug possession is a felony offense in Florida, with penalties that increase depending on the schedule of drug and the amount involved. Depending on the amount and type of drug you are accused of possessing, you could be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison. Even first-time drug possession charges can have lifelong consequences.
Marijuana Charges
Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail. However, every other marijuana offense in Florida is a felony crime that can result in years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
Prescription Drug Charges
Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem both in Florida and nationwide. Florida has adopted strict laws involving prescription drug abuse and trafficking. You face harsh penalties if convicted of illegally possessing or trafficking prescription drugs.
Carfentanil Charges
Carfentanil is a deadly synthetic opioid. If you’re caught with any amount of Carfentanil, you face serious statutory and collateral penalties.
Fentanyl Charges
Fentanyl crimes can have a great effect on your life if you’re found guilty of an offense that involves the substance. To avoid the harsh statutory and collateral consequences of a conviction, call a Sarasota drug lawyer today.
Heroin Charges
Heroin-related crimes are taken very seriously in Florida. They are often prosecuted harshly, so it’s best to have an experienced Sarasota drug attorney on your side if you’re facing offenses related to this substance.
Sale of a Controlled Substance
Selling drugs is a serious felony offense in Florida. Possible penalties increase depending on the type of drug, the amount involved, and where the sale occurred. The penalties are more serious if the sale occurred near a school, daycare, church, park, or convenience store.
Drug Trafficking
Florida treats drug trafficking as a very serious felony crime. If you’re convicted, you face a mandatory sentence of anywhere from 3 years to life in prison, depending on the type of drug and the amount involved.