Stuart Drug Crimes Lawyers

Providing You with Strong Representation

Florida law is particularly strict when dealing with drug crimes, for which the penalties are often severe and far-reaching. Common drug crimes in this state include simple possession, trafficking, paraphernalia, as well as possession with intent to sell, deliver, or distribute.

Even a minor offense, such as the possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor with possible punishments of a $1,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail. If you are caught with over 20 grams of marijuana, it is a felony with penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and 5 years in jail.

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, you need effective and personalized representation right away. At ADL Law, P.A., our Stuart drug crimes attorneys have years of experience defending the rights of his clients and fighting for their best interests. As a result, we are thoroughly familiar with this complex area of law and can get you the help you need. Regardless of the nature or severity of your alleged offense, we have the skills necessary to help you resolve your legal problem quickly and efficiently.

Let’s get started on fighting your drug charges. Please call us today at (772) 280-5052 or contact us online.

Drug Possession Charges in Florida

Possession of a controlled substance in Florida is often categorized as a felony, which can result in jail time and heavy fines. If you’re lucky enough to be caught with 20 grams or less, you will still face misdemeanor charges, which could result in one year of jail time and a $1000 fine. Only recently has marijuana (with a doctor’s recommendation) been deemed legal for personal possession.

If you are arrested for drug possession, here is a general breakdown of charges and penalties:

• 20 grams or less: Misdemeanor charge with 1-year jail time and $1,000 fine
• 20 grams or more: Felony charge with 5 years jail time and $5,000 fine
• More than 25 but less than 2000 lbs.: Felony charge with 3-15 years of jail time and $25,000 fine
• 2,000 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.: Felony charge with 7-30 years of jail time and $50,000 fine
• 10,000 lbs. or more: Felony charge with 15-30 years jail time and $200,000 fine

To be convicted of possession charges, the prosecutor must prove:

1. The drug material seized is an illegal controlled substance
2. The defendant knew that the drug was on their person and that the drug was illegal
3. The defendant had control of the location and presence of the drug

Drug Manufacturing & Cultivation Charges

In Florida, it is illegal to manufacture or create controlled substances, including marijuana plants. If the drug manufacturing and cultivation activities were conducted within 1,000ft of a school, park, or community center, the penalties are increased even higher to first or second-degree felony.

The penalties for drug manufacturing and cultivation depend on the type and quantity of the drug. Marijuana cultivation carries the least punishment but still can result in jail time of up to five years and a fine of $5,000. The manufacturing of other types of controlled substances is often categorized as a second-degree felony, with jail time increasing to 15 years and fines up to $10,000.

The best defense against drug manufacturing charges is to prove that the police or prosecutor committed an unlawful search or violated your rights in order to obtain evidence against you.