Florida has some of the harshest drug laws in the country. Drug offense convictions can result in severe punishments which are often combined. The consequences can include driver’s license suspension, mandatory treatment, steep fined, lengthy prison sentences, and even mandatory sentencing. An experienced Miami criminal defense attorney knows how to best defend clients’ rights and protect them from such unforgiving penalties.
Drug offenses are charged as either misdemeanors or felonies and the classification applied significantly affects the severity of the punishment imposed. There are three common types of drug offenses that are defined by Florida law.
- Drug Possession — includes the possession of illegal controlled substances and the unlawful possession of legal drugs like prescription medication.
- Drug Dealing — the distribution and sale of illegal drugs or the unlawful sale of prescription drugs.
- Drug Trafficking — defined as the distribution as well as the possession of relatively large quantities of controlled substances.
With the exception of medical marijuana legally obtained through a doctor’s recommendation, possession of controlled substances specified by Florida law can lead to misdemeanor and felony charges. The charge will depend on multiple factors, including the amount of drugs the defendant was found with.
Of the two drug distribution offenses, drug trafficking is considered the most serious and is persecuted as a first-degree felony. Convictions of drug trafficking can result in sentences of up to 30 years in jail, mandatory minimum sentences, and enhanced sentences for defendants with prior felony convictions.
In Florida, facing criminal drug charges is very serious situation. If you or someone you know has been charged with a drug offense, don’t hesitate to call an experienced Miami criminal defense attorney.