Winter Park Drug Possession Lawyer

Florida is known for its harsh drug penalties. Most drug possession charges are felonies, and if convicted, you could face serious penalties. A criminal record could follow you for the remainder of your life, no matter the quantity of drugs involved. The possession of illegal substances or drug paraphernalia can result in expensive fines, jail time, and a criminal conviction that could impact your housing, employment, and personal relationships. It is crucial to work with an experienced Winter Park drug possession lawyer when you are charged with a drug crime.

When facing drug charges in Florida, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. State and federal prosecutors take drug possession seriously and will not hesitate to enforce the law to the fullest extent. Our attorneys work with you to build a strong defense depending on the facts of your case.

What Drugs Could Get Someone Charged With Possession?

The possession of a controlled substance is a felony in Winter Park. This includes street drugs and prescription drugs without a valid prescription. It is illegal to possess, grow, sell, manufacture, deliver, distribute, or traffic any controlled substances. Some common controlled substances under Florida law include:

  • Cocaine
  • MDMA
  • Heroin
  • Fentanyl
  • LSD
  • Methamphetamine

Unlawfully obtained prescription drugs are also considered controlled substances, such as OxyContin, Xanax, Opioid, Adderall, and Valium.

The penalties for drug possession in this state are determined by a number of factors including the schedule of the substance. The schedules are based on what the drug’s medical use is compared to their addictive qualities. Under the Controlled Substances Act, the drug schedules are as follows:

  • Schedule I: Associated with the highest risk of abuse or addiction. Not used in a medical setting. Includes LSD, heroin, and ecstasy.
  • Schedule II: Less of a risk of abuse or addiction than Schedule I, used in treating some physical or mental disorders. Examples include cocaine, fentanyl, oxycodone, methamphetamine.
  • Schedule III: Moderate to low potential for abuse.
  • Schedule IV: Low risk of chemical dependency. Examples: Xanax, Ambien, Ativan, Valium.
  • Schedule V: Very low level of abuse or addiction, but still a controlled substance.

A person should contact a Winter Park drug possession lawyer to discuss the potential penalties associated with the drug in question.

Defenses to Drug Charges

While it might seem clear cut that someone is guilty of drug possession, there are many procedural and constitutional reasons these charges could be dropped or dismissed. A good Winter Park attorney could work with the defendant to determine what potential defenses are available for drug possession. For example, illegal search and seizure is a common argument for the suppression of drug evidence. When police search a person’s home or vehicle, there are certain constitutional guidelines they must follow. An unlawful search or seizure could be grounds for suppression. It may also be possible to argue that the defendant did not realize the drugs were in their possession or they were planted there.

Retain a Winter Park Drug Possession Attorney

If you were charged with drug possession, you need the trusted legal representation of The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, they could apply their knowledge of the law and skills to craft a defense. Depending on what happened, you could advocate for the suppression of evidence or to have charged reduced or dropped.

Our Winter Park drug possession attorneys are here to help. For questions about the potential penalties associated with drug crimes, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Get In Touch With Us Today

    Winter Park Drug Possession Lawyer
    19804
    18.117.165.66