As former Florida prosecutors, we’ve tried hundreds of cases and bring a rare insider’s perspective to every defense. We understand how cases are built on both sides, which helps us negotiate more effectively, positioning each case for the strongest possible outcome.
Facing a cocaine-related charge can be one of the most intimidating experiences of your life. A single arrest may put your reputation, career, and future at risk, especially since prosecutors pursue drug crimes with intensity in Seminole County. A Sanford cocaine lawyer from The Umansky Law Firm could protect your rights, evaluate the evidence against you, and guide you through each step of the criminal justice process.
With decades of criminal defense experience, our drug crime attorneys understand how to challenge unlawful searches, question the validity of evidence, and work toward minimizing or dismissing charges whenever possible.
Possession is the most frequently charged cocaine offense. Under Florida law, possession means knowingly holding or controlling a substance containing cocaine. When less than twenty-eight grams are involved, the crime is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, $5,000 in fines, and a suspension of your driver’s license.
In many cases, law enforcement alleges constructive possession, where the drug is not found directly on you but within your reach or control. These accusations can be weak when multiple individuals have access to the same space.
Evidence suppression is also a key defense strategy. If the search that uncovered the cocaine was conducted without a valid warrant or probable cause, the evidence may be excluded from trial. Our Sanford cocaine attorneys routinely file motions to suppress based on improper searches, illegal detentions, or the use of uncertified drug-sniffing dogs.
Cocaine distribution and trafficking charges are far more serious than simple possession. They are often filed when law enforcement claims there was intent to sell, transfer, or distribute cocaine to others. Indicators such as packaging materials, scales, cash, or digital messages can lead to charges of possession with intent to distribute, even when the total weight of cocaine is small. A conviction may lead to up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Trafficking charges, on the other hand, are based primarily on the weight of the drug. Possessing 28 grams or more of cocaine can trigger Florida’s mandatory minimum sentences, which are as follows:
These cases are typically handled by the Seminole County state attorney’s office, and the penalties are mandatory unless the defense can negotiate otherwise. Our Sanford cocaine attorneys analyze every detail of the state’s evidence to identify any errors that could undermine the prosecution’s case. We also look for opportunities to reduce trafficking charges to lesser felonies or qualify clients for alternative sentencing programs, such as drug court.
Regardless of the type of cocaine charge, early intervention by a skilled defense team is crucial. Our process begins by examining every detail of your arrest, including how police obtained the cocaine, how they tested it, and how they treated you throughout the investigation. If officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights through an unlawful search or seizure, we could request the court to exclude that evidence entirely. In other cases, we negotiate directly with prosecutors for reduced charges or diversion programs designed to preserve your record.
Our goal is not only to defend you in court but to protect your long-term future. A conviction for a cocaine offense can affect employment, education, housing, and professional licensing. With decades of collective experience handling cocaine cases, our criminal defense attorneys understand the courts, judges, and local procedures that can influence the outcome of your case.
A Sanford cocaine lawyer from The Umansky Law Firm could provide the guidance, advocacy, and representation you need during one of the most difficult times in your life. We approach every case with compassion and determination, drawing on years of courtroom experience to fight for your rights.
If you have been accused of possession, distribution, or trafficking of cocaine, do not face these charges alone. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation and let our team help you move forward with the strongest possible defense.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
