Being charged with drug possession can have major ramifications on your future. It can affect your ability to secure employment, it can affect school applications, whether you can rent an apartment, etc. Some people may not realize that a misdemeanor drug possession conviction can mean you lose your driver’s license for one year. Along with potentially losing driving privileges, you will have a criminal record that is publicly accessible and could be discoverable through a simple internet search.
How to Fight a Drug Possession Charge
First and foremost, speak to an experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer. You should not try to take on a state prosecutor pro se. Hire an experienced, aggressive advocate to protect your rights. If you retain a drug possession defense lawyer, they can file a motion to suppress the evidence if the facts indicate that police did not have the right to search you, your home, or your car.
Florida Drug Courts
Florida is unique in that drug charges can be handled by specific drug courts established solely to handle alleged drug offenses. You lawyer can advocate for putting you in a treatment programs in exchange for a reduced sentence and even possibly avoiding prison time altogether.
Understanding Florida Drug Penalties
The penalty associated with a drug charge depends largely on the type of drug you allegedly had in your possession and the quantity. For example, possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana in Florida is a first degree misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of one thousand dollars. If you have over 20 grams of marijuana, you could be convicted of a third degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a hefty five thousand dollar fine.
If you convicted of being in possession of a controlled substance like heroin or cocaine, you are looking at a third degree felony, which carries the aforementioned multi-year prison sentence and multi-thousand dollar fine.
If you are convicted of being in illegal possession of prescription drugs (e.g., Oxycontin, Adderall, etc.) you could be looking at a third degree felony. Though, the exact penalty depends on the prescription drug you have.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
As you can see, the ramifications of a drug possession conviction can be quite severe. You could be required to spend years in jail and pay thousands of dollars in fines. And, as mentioned earlier, you will have the proverbial scarlet letter of a criminal record which could have major negative repercussions on your future. As West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys, it is our job to protect your Constitutional rights. Our team of experienced attorneys present you with your best legal options and offer you the best legal advice available. Contact the Skier Law Firm, P.A. today. We are here to help and serve Florida residents in Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Lee County, Broward County Dade County, and throughout the state of Florida.