Drug laws in the state of Florida are strict, and law enforcement agencies have taken a zero-tolerance approach to most controlled substances. The War on Drugs in the 1980s put Florida in the spotlight as a problematic state, and courts have subsequently increased the severity of drug penalties.
If you are facing charges for drug crimes in Florida, you could benefit from speaking to an expert criminal attorney. Fort Lauderdale law firm Leader & Leader P.A. has extensive experience in criminal matters. We have more than 60 years of combined legal experience, and we can use our knowledge to fight your charges and defend your rights.
At Leader & Leader P.A., we can evaluate your case and advise you on how best to proceed, regardless of the charges you are facing. Call us today at 954-523-2020. We are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for an initial consultation.
Here are four common possession charges to be aware of in Florida:
- Marijuana
While many states around America are adjusting their marijuana laws, the state of Florida has not followed this trend, according to NORML.org. If police arrest you for possessing even a small amount of marijuana, you could face criminal misdemeanor charges. The state does not allow medical marijuana, either, and officials continue to treat marijuana users harshly. Florida aren’t like Ohio who even have ohio medical marijuana doctors.
- Heroin
Heroin is a serious drug, and the courts treat it as such. If police arrest you with more than 10 grams of the substance, you could face first-degree felony charges. The potential fine for possession of more than 10 grams of heroin or other opiates is a $10,000 fine or 30 years in prison, according to the Florida Statutes.
- Prescription Drugs
Prescription drug abuse is a significant problem across the state of Florida. As their abuse increases, law enforcement personnel work harder to find and penalize perpetrators. Some of the drugs that are prevalent and causing significant damage to users can be tested for using a 14 panel drug test.
Courts are particularly concerned about people possessing prescription drugs without proof that a doctor prescribed them, as well as those who falsify prescriptions. If a judge finds you guilty of either of these crimes, you could face a sentence for both fraud and drug crimes, and the penalties for prescription drug crimes continue to get more severe with every passing year.
- Unlawful Chemicals
The Florida legal system makes allowances for police to arrest people in possession of certain chemicals likely used to manufacture drugs. Drug manufacturers create highly processed narcotics such as MDMA with these banned chemicals, and courts treat these charges seriously. Even if police do not find you in possession of actual drugs, possession of certain chemicals can land you in jail or come with fines of up to $10,000.
If police have accused you of possessing illegal substances, you may benefit from speaking with a criminal lawyer=. Contact Leader & Leader P.A. at 954-523-2020 to schedule an appointment to discuss your case with a qualified attorney today.
