Synthetic Drug Laws in Florida

There are new drugs being created all the time and it has been hard for law enforcement to keep up with the different kinds of synthetic drugs that have come on the market. However, a law passed this year will apply to many different kinds of synthetic drugs and even drugs that have not been created yet. Since synthetic drug laws can apply to so many different substances, it is important to understand these laws and when they are relevant. If you are arrested for synthetic or any other kind of drugs, you should contact a skilled drug crimes attorney to defend you against the charges.

Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs such as Flakka, K2, Spice, Bath Salts, and others have gained popularity in Florida over the past few years. In just the first three months of 2016, there were 56 cases in Florida of overdoses from synthetic marijuana that were called into poison control centers. As different drugs come on to the market it can sometimes be difficult for law enforcement to keep up with them. Typically, states will outlaw specific synthetic drugs, and then dealers will slightly alter the formula to get around the law. It also means that the law will not apply to the next synthetic drug comes on the market. Instead of always trying to play catch up with the law to address the new drugs, a law went into effect in Florida earlier this year that addresses the problem of synthetic drugs as a whole.

Synthetic Drug Law

Florida’s new synthetic drug law went into effect July 1 of this year. Now, dealers and manufacturers are not able to just make small changes to the drug to get around drug laws. The new law uses the molecular structure of a drug to define which drugs are illegal and outlaws not only the drug itself, but any other drug that is “substantially similar” to drugs that are already illegal. However, prosecutors will still need to prove that the effects of the new drug are also similar to the effects of the outlawed drug.

Penalties for Possession of Synthetic Drugs

The penalties for possession of synthetic drugs depend on the amount of the drug that the person is in possession of. If someone is proven to be in possession of less than three grams of synthetic drugs, then they may be found guilty of a first degree misdemeanor. First degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year of probation, one year in jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of more than three grams of synthetic drugs is a third degree felony and punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Let Us Assist You with Your Case

If you are charged with a drug crime, you should contact a knowledgeable drug crimes defense attorney as soon as possible to defend you in court. Our experienced drug crimes attorneys at The Skier Law Firm in West Palm Beach, Florida can help to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

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