7 Common Drug Crime Arrests

Florida has some of the most stringent drug laws in the nation. This extremely low tolerance for the possession of even small amounts of drugs means that you could be harshly punished for a something seemingly minor. Those an arrested also face legal seizure of personal properties and cash if believed to be proceeds from drug crimes.

The most common drug crime arrests in Florida include:

You can be arrested in Florida for knowingly being in possession of a controlled substance. You will usually be charged with drug possession if you did not manufacture, sell, or distribute the substance and law enforcement believes you possessed the substance for personal use. The quantity of the controlled substance is not the only thing law enforcement considers regarding personal use and other evidence contemplated may include packaging, or whether paraphernalia such as scales were also found. In such a situation, the charges can increase significantly.

While drug possession is a serious charge, drug trafficking can carry more life-altering consequences. Unlike the common depiction in the media, serious drug trafficking charges in Florida are not reserved for armed drug dealers, criminal masterminds, or career criminals. In Florida, you do not have to sell drugs to face serious charges for violating drug trafficking laws. Instead, many trafficking charges focus on the quantity of drugs found by law enforcement and the presumption that possession of larger quantities means that the drugs were not for personal use. Penalties vary depending on the type and total weight of the drug, but it is important to note that regardless of the trafficking charge, every trafficking charge carries a mandatory prison sentence.

Section 893.13(1)(a) of the Florida Statutes states that it is illegal to sell, manufacture, or even possess drugs with intent to deliver or distribute. Violating this law can be classified as a second or third-degree felony. Therefore, depending on your case, you may be facing up to fifteen years in prison.

The Florida Statutes section 893.13(7)(a) states it is illegal to acquire controlled substances by deception, forgery, subterfuge, misrepresentation, or fraud. In Florida, this type of crime is often referred to as doctor shopping or prescription fraud. If you have been arrested for such crimes, you could be facing steep penalties such as high fines and prison time.

If you are alleged to have illegally distributed or sold controlled substances in Florida, you are facing serious felony charges that carry stiff penalties. The penalties may include years in prison or harsh probation terms. Many cases involve police using confidential informants or undercover officers. This evidence can be difficult to overcome without a skilled attorney to assist you. If you are charged with a distribution or sale of controlled substances case, you should contact an attorney immediately.

There is a great deal of confusion about the severity of charges for cultivating marijuana. Simply put, the risks grow depending on the number of marijuana plants involved. If you have been charged with marijuana cultivation, you may be at risk of greater charges, such as trafficking or intent to traffic. Even if you were only arrested for a single plant, you might face serious penalties, and you need a skilled criminal defense attorney in your corner.

Being convicted for drug crimes in Florida can leave you facing several devastating consequences. Legal repercussions will depend on the type of drug, the quantity of the substance, and your criminal history. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, the penalties could include:

• Fine(s)
• Probation period
• Prison or jail time
• Revocation of your drivers’ license
• Revocation of your professional license
• Loss of employment
• Financial problems
• Deportation

If you’re facing any drug-related charges, it’s important that you seek legal assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney. With an attorney on your side, you increase your odds of successfully fighting the drug offense. At Shrader Law, PLLC, our knowledgeable attorneys will provide you with sound legal advice and aggressively defend you. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation.