Central Florida Drug Crime Defense
Possession - Sale/Delivery - Paraphernalia - Trafficking
| Florida Drug Penalties | Florida Drug Crime FAQs |
Drug possession is still a serious crime in Florida. Despite efforts to legalize certain drugs no criminal laws have been repealed. The possession and transfer of drugs, whether sold or freely given, are very serious offenses. Depending on the type of drug, the penalties for possession and transfer varies.
It's not about drugs - it is about controlled substances
The federal government criminalizes specific acts involving substances it has labeled as "controlled." A controlled substance is a substance that has an addictive effect when used. They are broken down into five different schedules. Depending on which "schedule" a drug falls under will determine the severity of the penalty for the prohibited act.
There is no such thing as legal or illegal drugs
As described above, substances are controlled or not controlled. If they are controlled they will be listed in a drug "schedule" that the federal government determines. The states, including Florida, adopt the "schedules" of substances that are to be controlled. If a drug is listed on a schedule of controlled substances a person will need a prescription to legally possess it. This is how marijuana in California is being legally possessed.
Federal or State Crime?
A person charged with a drug crime can be prosecuted either in federal court or state court. Federal offenses usually involve very large quantities or complex trafficking rings. The federal hammer is heavy when it hits. State offenses usually involve more mundane charges such as possession. But do not think state penalties for drug offenses are light. They are not.
To Retain Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Eric J Dirga
Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney, Eric J. Dirga, represents people charged with drug possession, drug sale and delivery, drug trafficking, purchase of controlled substances, fraudulent drug prescriptions, and Florida drug and alcohol testing relating to probation violations. Every person has a Right to due process and drug cases are no exception. Florida drug possession cases are unique because often times people are charged when the drugs are near them but not on them. Everyone facing drug possession charges needs to talk with a criminal defense attorney that is experienced defending drug cases. Questions? Contact us. Our consultations are always free.
...a note about cannabis and cocaine...
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, offenses are particularly damaging because of the consequences that result when it attaches to your criminal record. Many people use marijuana and cocaine despite the war on drugs. Most people cannot afford a criminal record to affect their jobs. The cannabis culture rationalizes that a plant that can grow natural all around us cannot be that harmful. That may be true, however the penalties for possessing marijuana or cocaine are harmful and it includes a 2-year drivers license suspension even if you were caught no where near a car.
