Largo Drug Possession Lawyer
Florida prohibits the possession of hundreds of substances. Some of these substances are common street drugs, including cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Other drugs are legal to have with a prescription, including codeine and oxycontin. If you are caught with an illegal substance, you can face time in jail and other penalties.
Call Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff today to meet with our Largo drug possession lawyer. We can discuss whether you have a strong defense or what might constitute a favorable resolution to your case. Not every defendant will end up in prison for a possession charge, but you should do everything possible to defend yourself.
What Drugs are Controlled?
Florida lists controlled substances on various schedules according to the risk they pose:
- Schedule I: These are the most dangerous drugs with a high potential of abuse. The list includes heroin and LSD.
- Schedule II: This schedule includes fentanyl and cocaine, among others.
- Schedule III: These drugs have some potential for abuse and include anabolic steroids and codeine.
- Schedule IV: The drugs on Schedule IV include alprazolam and diazepam.
- Schedule V: These drugs have the least potential for abuse but are nonetheless controlled. Cough medicines containing codeine are on this schedule.
Penalties for Drug Possession
Florida’s drug possession laws are complicated, and the penalties you face will depend on the scheduled drug in your possession, as well as the amount.
Lower-level drug crimes are typically second-degree misdemeanors or third-degree felonies. You can face up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine for a third-degree felony conviction. If you are caught with more than 10 grams of some drugs, you can face a trafficking charge. This is a first-degree felony, with a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison.
Contact our firm so we can review the charges. You can face stiffer penalties if you sell to a minor or sell on school grounds. We can determine the strength of the evidence.
A conviction depends on proving you had possession of the drug, as well as your knowledge. You shouldn’t face a conviction if you borrowed your cousin’s car and there’s marijuana or cocaine in the trunk or glove compartment. The facts don’t automatically mean you knew the drugs were in your possession.
The police also need to follow the constitution when searching your home or vehicle. Generally, they require either consent or a search warrant. Some officers simply barge in and look around, which means we could ask a judge to suppress the evidence.
Speak with Our Largo Drug Possession Attorneys Today
Possession charges can quickly spiral out of control. A simple mistake could send you to prison for years, so it’s time to hire a seasoned defense lawyer to review the charges. Florida has made it easier for defendants to seek diversion or participate in drug court, which could result in dismissed charges if you complete all the requirements. These are attractive options for some defendants.
Speak with a Largo drug possession lawyer to learn about all your legal options.
