A conviction for a drug crime in the State of Florida can lead to prison sentences, hefty fines, and—if the crime is felonious in nature—even lose constitutional rights such as the right to bear arms and the right to vote. However, a drug crime charge is not the same as a conviction—you have a chance to defend yourself and your rights.
Being charged with a drug-related crime can be frightening, stressful, and confusing, especially since there are so many kinds of drug charges with so many variations of penalties. Once you retain a Lake Park drug Lawyer from Leifert & Leifert, however, you can rest assured knowing you will be represented by seasoned defense attorneys who are well-versed in Florida laws surrounding drug crimes and drug-related offenses.
Types of Drug Crimes
There are many drug-related acts codified as criminal offenses in Florida, which vary in both nature and degree of severity. For example, possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana could lead to a first-degree Misdemeanor charge, up to a $1,000 fine, and the possibility of one year in jail. Conversely, possessing 10 grams or more of heroin is a first-degree Felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 in value.
Actions that can be charged as drug crimes in the State of Florida may include:
- Delivery
- Possession
- Possession with the intent to sell, manufacture, or distribute
- Trafficking
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Manufacturing
- Cultivation
- Falsely obtaining a controlled substance
- Falsely prescribing a controlled substance
The severity of the charges and potential penalties hinge not only upon the nature of the crime, but also the type of drug involved. You can be charged for involvement with marijuana, crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, prescription medications such as Adderall or Xanax not prescribed to you or used in illicit quantities, LSD, morphine, and PCP.
Furthermore, the severity of an offense may be exacerbated if it allegedly took place near a school or a childcare facility. A Lake Park drug defense Attorney could work with you to examine all the elements of your case and determine how to pursue a positive outcome.
Constructive Versus Actual Possession
If you are charged with drug possession, it may be important to understand that there are two different types of possession in this respect. Constructive possession occurs when the drugs belong to the defendant but were not discovered on them when found by investigators. Actual possession takes place when the drugs in question are found on the defendant’s person.
Constructive possession is typically more difficult for Prosecutors to demonstrate in court. In the case of actual possession, you could potentially question the legitimacy of the police search that took place to locate the drugs. Regardless of what drug you are accused of involvement with, where the crime allegedly took place, or the nature of the alleged defense, Lake Park drug Lawyers could work with you to get your life back on track as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
Contact a Lake Park Drug Attorney Today
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges and the potentially life-altering consequences of a guilty verdict, reach out to a Lake Park drug Lawyer as soon as possible. Following a free consultation and review of your case, the drug crime defense attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could investigate the specifics of your case, ascertain if there was any wrongdoing on the part of the police or prosecutors, and build a strong defense in pursuit of the best possible outcome.