How To Beat Felony Drug Charges in Florida
Being charged with a felony drug offense in Florida can be life-changing. Florida enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the country, and a conviction could mean lengthy prison time, hefty fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life. However, facing a felony drug charge doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be convicted of the crime. With a strong defense strategy, you may be able to fight the charges and protect your future.
What Counts as a Felony Drug Charge in Florida?
Drug-related offenses often vary, with some being considered misdemeanors while others rise to the level of felonies. Felony drug charges are more serious and usually involve more significant amounts of controlled substances or evidence involving distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking. When law enforcement determines whether to charge you with a felony or misdemeanor, the type of drug, amount in possession, and the arrest circumstances are typically considered.
For instance, simple possession of marijuana may be a misdemeanor, but possessing a large quantity with the intent to sell or distribute can turn it into a felony. Some of the most common felony drug offenses in Florida include:
- Possession of more than 10 grams of a controlled substance
- Manufacturing or growing controlled substances
- Selling or distributing illegal drugs
- Transporting drugs across state or county lines
- Purchasing controlled substances in large amounts
Consequences of a Felony Drug Conviction
A felony drug conviction can have lasting consequences, including the following:
- Lengthy prison times ranging from years to life in prison
- Substantial fines
- Loss of civil rights, meaning you could lose your right to vote, own firearms, and hold specific professional licenses
- Difficulty securing employment or housing because many employers and landlords often conduct background checks, and having a felony conviction can limit your options
- Difficulty getting your record sealed or expunged, meaning the conviction may permanently remain in your record.
How To Beat a Felony Drug Charge
If you’ve been charged with a felony drug offense, you should get skilled criminal defense legal help immediately. A qualified criminal defense lawyer can develop a solid strategy that can make a significant difference in your case. Here are some of the strategies your lawyer may employ.
- Unlawful Search or Seizure
Law enforcement must follow legal procedures when conducting searches and seizures. If your rights were violated, such as if the police searched your vehicle or home without a warrant, any evidence obtained may be thrown out, weakening the prosecution’s case.
- Lack of Probable Cause
Police officers often need more than mere suspicion to arrest someone for a felony drug charge. If the police didn’t have valid probable cause during the arrest, your attorney could challenge the legality of the charges, potentially resulting in a dismissal.
- Prescription Defense
If the drugs you were found with were prescribed to you legally, this could serve as a strong defense. If you’re armed with medical records and testimony from a healthcare provider, you can use these to support your claim for having a valid reason for possessing the drugs.
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
Not everyone caught with drugs is guilty of knowingly possessing or distributing them. If you were unaware of the drugs in your possession or were misled or coerced into involvement, your attorney can use this argument in your defense.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you or a loved one is facing felony drug charges in Florida, contact our experienced Orlando drug crime lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, PA, as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0893/Sections/0893.13.html
