Tampa Drug Crime Defense Attorney

In the State of Florida, possessing, selling, or trafficking drugs are major crimes that carry serious penalties. You could be facing a long time in jail, probation, drivers’ license suspension, and hefty fines. This is why you shouldn’t take drug charges lightly. There may be a way you can get your charges dropped or sentence reduced. Hiring the right attorney can get you the best possible outcome.

At Shrader Law, PLLC, we know how serious drug charges can be and have helped many clients like you to fight their drug crime charges. Our attorneys have worked with prosecutors across the state, and they have experience and insight on how the prosecution will approach your drug case. They will use this knowledge to develop an effective defense that puts your needs and protecting your rights at the forefront of your case.

If you are facing drug charges, the penalties you face will depend mainly on some factors, including the type of drug, the quantity, and what your intentions were. For example, if you are arrested for selling drugs, you will often face harsher penalties than a person who was caught just in possession of a particular substance.

Florida drug crimes can be either misdemeanors or felonies. However, most drug crimes except possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia are felonies.

Misdemeanors of the first degree, such as possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana, can carry a fine of up to $1,000, probation, drivers’ license suspension, and up to a year in jail.

Felony drug crimes have harsher penalties including a possible prison sentence, probation, and fines.

Whether you have been arrested for simply possessing drugs or alleged to have an intent to distribute or sell drugs, you will be facing serious charges. The first and most important step you should take is to consult a Shrader Law, PLLC criminal defense attorney. Your attorney will know possible defenses to fight these charges.

Violation of your Fourth Amendment rights: If law enforcement found drugs through an unlawful search and seizure, the drugs may be inadmissible in court, and your case might be dismissed.

Possession issues: If the prosecutor cannot connect the drugs to your actual person, they may not be able to prove that you had the intention to possess the drugs. For example, if the drugs were in a common area of a car occupied by multiple people, the prosecutor may not be able to establish your ownership of the drugs unless you admit to possessing the drugs.

Compromise: If your lawyer cannot get the charges against you dropped, they can strike a plea bargain deal on your behalf. This is where you plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a reduced sentence, possibly not requiring a conviction. Depending on your individual situation, a plea bargain could include probation, a reduced jail time, or a drug treatment program.

Being convicted of a drug crime can affect your future in many ways. A background check can alert future educational institutions, landlords, employers, and professional licensing agencies of your criminal conviction. To preserve your freedom and future, contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys today.