Wellington Police and Prosecutors have been cracking down on drug crimes. Under state law, every drug crime is a serious offense. Those facing convictions encounter severe penalties, even if they have no prior record.
If you are facing a drug-related crime in Wellington, you may need to call a drug defense lawyer today. The state’s ever-changing drug laws make these cases complicated. In some cases, people legally in possession of medical marijuana or prescription opiates may face wrongful charges. In other cases, prosecutors may over-charge someone.
Regardless of your situation, an experienced Wellington drug lawyer may be able to help. Call an experienced defense lawyer today to learn how. En Español.
What Drug Charges Do People Face in Wellington?
A vast section of the state statutes defines drug crimes in Wellington, Florida. Thanks to the state’s complex criminal code, there are a multitude of drug crimes under these laws. Some common drug charges seen in Wellington include:
- Simple possession
- Possession with Intent to Deliver
- Cultivation of marijuana
- Conspiracy to sell or traffic controlled substances
- Drug trafficking
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Prescription fraud
The type and amount of drugs involved in a criminal case will determine whether the accused faces a misdemeanor or a felony charge. For example, those in possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana may face a misdemeanor charge, while those found with over 20 grams could face more serious charges.
What Are Drug DUIs?
When most people think of drug-related criminal charges, they tend to think about the charges listed above. However, many unrelated crimes become drug-related when someone commits them while under the influence.
For example, drivers under the influence of a controlled substance could face a DUI for drug-impaired driving. The law does not provide an exception for drivers impaired by prescription medications such as painkillers, even if it is a legal prescription.
Wellington does not have a specific drug-DUI charge. Instead, the state charges drivers operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any drug with DUI, like those driving while intoxicated.
The penalties for a first-time DUI can include up to six months in jail, fines up to $500, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory completion of a driver education course. However, drivers under the influence of drugs often face other charges such as possession if police find drugs in their vehicle.
What Happens After a Drug Conviction?
The classification of a drug crime as either a misdemeanor or a felony determines the penalties someone could face upon conviction. Each drug crime has an associated penalty. Often, penalties can increase depending on whether the individual has any prior convictions.
In general, those coping with a misdemeanor may face up to one year in jail, while those facing a felony could face more than one year in prison. However, penalties vary widely depending on the exact charge. A Wellington drug lawyer could mitigate the drug penalties that an individual may face.
Consulting a Wellington Drug Attorney
If you are facing a drug-related charge, call a drug attorney today. The State’s Attorneys in Wellington aggressively prosecute drug cases, so you may need someone who could aggressively defend you in court.
Call now to speak with an experienced Wellington drug lawyer about your case.
