Pinellas Park Drug Possession Lawyer
Florida continues to wage a war on drugs, and thousands of people get caught in the process. At The Reep Law Firm, our lawyers can defend anyone arrested for possession of an illegal substance. Contrary to popular belief, the Sunshine State is not on the verge of decriminalizing drugs, and defendants can face years in prison if convicted. Call us to find out more about how we can help. A Pinellas Park drug possession lawyer can answer all your questions.
Major Penalties if Convicted
The criminal charge you face will depend on the drug you are caught with and other factors. However, defendants can face time behind bars:
- Second-degree misdemeanor. A defendant faces up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine if caught with a Schedule V drug, such as those with low amounts of codeine.
- Third-degree felony. A defendant faces up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine if caught with a Schedule I, II, III, or IV drug. Some common drugs include LSD, cocaine, oxycodone, anabolic steroids, and phenobarbital.
- First-degree felony. A defendant faces up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if caught with more than 10 grams of certain narcotics and opioids.
Certain factors can result in enhanced penalties, such as selling to a minor or in a school zone. Call our law firm to discuss the charges. The drug laws are complicated, and you should understand what penalties you face before deciding how to mount the strongest defense.
How to Avoid Prison
Many people caught with drugs made a simple mistake. They are terrified of ending up in prison for decades for what amounted to an unforced error. Is it possible to avoid jail or prison?
Let’s review your options. Some people will qualify for pretrial diversion if this is their first offense. Other defendants might qualify for drug court, where a defendant can receive supervised treatment to finally address a substance abuse problem. At the end of the process, a judge can dismiss the charges.
In other situations, we might be able to attack the evidence directly and seek a dismissal of your charges or even an acquittal. For example, the police might have broken the constitution when searching your home or car, so we can ask a judge to exclude the evidence. This might be the only option for someone ineligible for diversion or drug court.
Contact Our Pinellas Park Drug Possession/Possession of Controlled Substance Lawyers Today
All criminal defendants deserve a quality defense. The state has a high burden of proof they must meet before they can lock you away. Defendants owe it to themselves and their future to pursue all avenues for getting these charges dismissed. Call The Reep Law Firm today. We can discuss what is the best possible result. For some, diversion or drug court are realistic options, while others should fight all the way to a jury trial. Contact us to speak with a Pinellas Park drug possession lawyer at our firm.
