Drug laws across the United States are harsh, and Florida is no exception. If you were accused of a drug crime, you may benefit from speaking with a Jupiter drug lawyer about your legal rights and options.
Depending on the amount and kind of drugs alleged to be in your possession, you could face Misdemeanor or Felony charges. For example, if you were found to possess a large quantity of drugs, you could face severe drug trafficking charges. Do not put your future at risk. An Attorney at the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert could assess your situation and determine a strategy for the best possible outcome for your specific circumstances.
How Does the Law Classify Controlled Substances in Jupiter?
Florida law is in accordance with the Federal schedules established for different types of drugs, based on their degree of harm, the potential for misuse, and acceptable medicinal use. The schedule in which a drug is classified, along with its quantity largely determines the penalties that someone may face for a controlled substance offense.
However, other factors might result in more severe charges. For instance, selling controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a school, college, or church could cause more serious penalties, such as a mandatory minimum prison sentence. On the other hand, if the substance is marijuana, it may carry less serious penalties. As the penalties for drug violations can often be complicated, getting legal advice from a drug lawyer in Jupiter could help you understand the nuances of the law and the severity of any charges.
What are the Common Drug Offenses?
Under Florida Statute § 893.13, you may not possess a controlled substance unless you have legally obtained it from a medical practitioner or through a prescription. Violation of this section could result in third-degree Felony charges, which might lead to a prison sentence of up to five years, along with a $5,000 fine. The personal and financial consequences of a Felony conviction could be quite serious, so contacting a drug attorney in Jupiter could prove beneficial.
Pursuant to FLA. STAT. § 893.13, it is illegal to sell, manufacture, or deliver controlled substances, or to possess controlled substances with the intent to take any of those actions. Violating this section with Schedule I and some Schedule II drugs is a second-degree Felony, with the potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. However, possession of ten grams or more of some Schedule I drugs can result in enhanced charges.
If the offense involves the remaining Schedule I and II drugs, as well as those classified as Schedule III or IV drugs, it can result in third-degree Felony charges. A lesser charge would be if Schedule V drugs were implicated in this offense. If this were the case, you may face first-degree Misdemeanor charges instead of a Felony.
Trafficking in controlled substances primarily involves the sale, distribution, or manufacture of large quantities of a drug or drugs. The severity of the penalties is largely dependent on the quantity of the drugs involved, as well as the weight of the substance. A knowledgeable lawyer in Jupiter may help to assess the specifics of your case to determine how to best proceed.
Set Up a Consultation with a Jupiter Drug Attorney Today
From Misdemeanors to serious Felonies, drug charges can have wide-ranging and severe consequences, including prison sentences and fines. If you were accused of a crime involving controlled or illicit substances, you could benefit from the legal counsel of an experienced Attorney at the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert.
Aside from the strong penalties that you could receive from a drug conviction, the collateral repercussions may be severe. You could lose some civil rights, such as the right to possess guns, and may have difficulty passing background checks with potential employers. A Jupiter drug lawyer could be a valuable ally in your fight for freedom. For a free consultation and case review, reach out today.
