Being arrested on drug charges is an overwhelming experience. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction could put a misdemeanor or felony on your permanent record and result in severe penalties.
While an arrest for any drug offense is serious, some charges carry harsher punishments than others. When you find yourself in this situation, a hard-working Winter Garden drug lawyer could provide sound legal guidance throughout legal proceedings and fight for your future. Reach out now to get connected with a local criminal defense attorney.
Specific drug offenses and their potential associated penalties depend on the background and details of the arrest. Common drug charges include:
The state prosecutor considers many factors when determining the severity of penalties, such as the amount of drugs, the individual’s criminal history, and whether there are other aggravating factors. Aggravating factors in drug cases may include prior convictions, location, and whether the individual had weapons on them at the time of arrest.
Penalties for drug possession in Florida could range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. Depending on which charges a person faces, they could spend 29 days in the county jail to 30 years with a mandatory minimum sentence.
A Winter Garden drug attorney could analyze the state’s evidence in-depth to help determine the best defense strategy. A drug conviction, whether a misdemeanor or felony, could cause problems obtaining new housing and employment and cause the loss of certain freedoms and Constitutional rights. The state will also persecute second and subsequent offenses more harshly.
The Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act exists to combat the sale of illegal substances. According to the act, it is unlawful for any person to possess, sell, manufacture, or deliver drugs or illegal controlled substances in Florida. The legislation classifies drugs into five different schedules according to the likelihood of abuse and medical purposes.
Schedule I drugs have the most significant potential for abuse, so a conviction for crimes involving the first category carries the most severe penalties. During a consultation, a drug attorney in Winter Garden could review the evidence and cause of arrest to answer specific questions.
When you are under investigation or facing conviction for drug charges, you should take the case seriously and begin preparing your defense as soon as possible. Potential penalties vary significantly, but all convictions for drug offenses will remain on your permanent record, creating problems in the future.
The more time you have to strategize and prepare a strong defense, the better your chances of reaching a favorable outcome. Call a seasoned Winter Garden drug lawyer to schedule a consultation and discuss your case today.