When you are charged with a serious crime involving illegal drugs, getting swift and responsive legal counsel from the start could have a significant effect on your defense and case outcome.
Instead of going up against the full force of the government on your own or with a public defender, consider the advantages of having a reliable drug defense attorney who could provide targeted and confidential advice.
By working with an Orange County drug possession lawyer, you could get a trusted confidante to listen to your side, recognize your concerns, and help strategize the next steps in the legal process. Our decisive advocates at The Umansky Law Firm understand the worries you may harbor as you seek to defend yourself against these heavy charges.
Florida Statutes § 893.13 prohibits possession of illegal substances with the intention of selling, manufacturing, or delivering. What counts as possession and is punishable under the law depends on the type of drug the person has in their ownership, the amount of it they have, and the alleged intent.
For example, under Fla. Stat. § 893.03, someone found with any amount of benzyl fentanyl may be charged with a second-degree felony. However, if the accused had 200 milligrams or less of codeine per 100 milliliters or grams, they might face a first-degree misdemeanor. The exact sentence a person receives for a drug arrest depends on a number of factors, including their criminal background and the amount and type of the substance found in their possession.
When you face charges for drug possession in Orange County, a knowledgeable attorney could comb the record to find key evidence that reduces the charges and minimize the consequences on your life.
Getting saddled with a possession charge for illegal substances can have an enormous impact on your livelihood, especially if you have a past criminal record. If the judge or jury finds you guilty of the crimes as charged—e.g., of illegally possessing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver—you may be looking at moderate to severe penalties, including:
The exact punishment you receive will depend on a host of variables, such as what kind of substances you had, how much was in your possession, and whether this is your first time being caught with an illicit drug.
Similarly, the degree (first, second, or third) and type (felony versus misdemeanor) of the charge influence the final sentencing decision. For example, under Fla. Stat. § 775.082, a second-degree felony conviction may mean you have to serve up to 30 years in prison and pay fines of up to $10,000. As detailed in Fla. Stat. § 775.084, the court may upgrade your sentence if you have qualifying prior felonies on your record, such as ones involving violent offenses.
Because a conviction of this caliber can profoundly impact the opportunities available to you in the future, you may benefit from working with a seasoned Orange County drug possession attorney. In contrast with a public defender, a criminal defense lawyer could have much more time and resources to defend you and help advocate for your constitutional rights throughout the trial.
Being accused of having illegal substances in your possession can have rippling effects on every area of your life. A drug conviction can make you ineligible to work, vote, or even drive. Cases dealing with heavier penalties can place you in the Orange County Jail, awaiting trial or sentencing.
Partnering with knowledgeable legal counsel could bring peace of mind as you work through your case with a team that has had successful results with past clients dealing with similar charges.
Contact The Umansky Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation with a trustworthy Orange County drug possession lawyer. Our steadfast team of attorneys welcomes the opportunity to discuss your concerns and identify every avenue where we could help.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
