Committing a drug offense on campus may often lead to severe penalties. Whether you are a student or a campus visitor, you could be facing years in prison and significant fines. Knowing how to protect your rights when dealing with drug-related charges is key to avoiding unfair punishment.
If you have been accused of drug possession or trafficking while on campus, you need a student defense Attorney. An experienced Palm Beach Gardens campus drug offense Lawyer from Leifert & Leifert can guide you through the case and maximize the chances of a fair outcome.
Common Campus Drug Offenses
When you are charged with a drug-related crime, you need to have a full understanding of the offense and what it may entail. The most common campus drug crimes an Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens defends against include drug possession, paraphernalia possession, and drug trafficking or distributing.
Drug Possession
Drug possession is the illegal act of having controlled substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, or prescription drugs, without proper authorization, such as a prescription. In most cases, possession can be categorized as actual or constructive:
- Actual possession: Drugs are physically on someone, such as in their pockets or bag
- Constructive possession: Control over drugs that are not on the person, but in an area of their dominion and control
Penalties for possession vary based on the type and amount of the substance. However, when the crime is committed within 1,000 feet of the campus, the minimum mandatory sentence can be three years in prison. The maximum incarceration time is 15 years. In either scenario, those charged could also face a fine of up to $10,000.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking involves illegal production, distribution, sale, or transport of large quantities of controlled substances. It is considered a much more serious offense than possession. The severity of the charge depends on factors such as the quantity of drugs and the type of substance.
Regardless of the amount, selling drugs within 1,000 feet of campus is penalized by three to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
How to Build a Strong Defense for a Campus Drug Charge
If someone is charged with possessing or selling drugs on campus, it does not automatically mean they will go to prison. At Leifert & Leifert, we always explore multiple possibilities of defense, many of which can help drop or reduce charges.
Some of the strongest defense tactics our campus drug offense Lawyers in Palm Beach Gardens implement are:
- Unlawful search and seizure: Arguing that a law enforcement officer conducted an illegal search without a proper warrant or probable cause. This could result in the exclusion of evidence.
- Lack of knowledge or possession: Claiming the accused was unaware of the presence of the illegal drugs or that the drugs did not belong to them (e.g. in a shared dorm room or vehicle).
- Entrapment: Asserting the accused was induced or coerced by law enforcement representatives into committing the crime, especially in undercover operations aimed at drug trafficking.
A local Attorney with experience in similar cases could work out a seamless strategy and protect your rights.
Consult a Skilled Palm Beach Gardens Campus Drug Offense Attorney
A conviction on a drug offense case on campus could lead to serious penalties. Without legal assistance, it is easy to make mistakes, get expelled, and even end up in prison.
At Leifert & Leifert, we are passionate about fighting for people who are facing unfair punishment in drug crime cases. To schedule a consultation with a Palm Beach Gardens campus drug offense lawyer, please contact us at any time.
