Drug Possession Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

The United States has recently faced a major uptick in drug use and possession. With opioid usage on the rise and recreational marijuana use becoming more and more socially acceptable, it’s no wonder that people are getting arrested for drug possession at an alarming rate. If you or someone you know has been arrested for drug possession, it is important to reach out to a qualified Fort Lauderdale drug possession lawyer as soon as possible. George Reres Law, P.A. is dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused and will ensure that you receive the best possible defense.

Drug possession charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the type and quantity of drug in question. In Florida, even first-time offenders can face serious consequences if convicted, including jail time, probation, and large fines. With so much at stake, it is crucial that you have an experienced attorney on your side who can protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Attorney George Reres has handled thousands of criminal cases throughout his career. He knows what it takes to build a strong defense and will work tirelessly to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed altogether. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today to schedule a free consultation.

What is Drug Possession in Florida?

Drug possession is defined as having control over a controlled substance without a valid prescription. In Florida, this can be a felony or misdemeanor offense, depending on the type and amount of drug possessed. If you are caught with illegal drugs, you will likely face criminal charges. The penalties for drug possession depend on the type of drug involved and the amount possessed.

There are three main categories of drugs in Florida:

• Schedule I drugs – These are considered the most harmful and have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Examples of schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and marijuana.
• Schedule II drugs – These drugs have a high potential for abuse but also have some accepted medical uses. Schedule II drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
• Schedule III drugs – These drugs have a lower potential for abuse than schedule I or II drugs and have some accepted medical uses. Schedule III drugs include codeine and anabolic steroids and other prescription drugs.

While possessing any amount of these drugs is a crime, the penalties vary depending on the amount possessed. For example, possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The type of drug possession charge you face will also depend on the circumstances under which you were caught with the drugs. If you were caught with drugs in your home or car, this is considered “constructive possession.” This means that even though you may not have had the drugs on your person, you were still in control of them. Constructive possession is a third-degree felony in Florida.

If you are caught selling drugs, this is considered drug trafficking. Drug trafficking is a first-degree felony in Florida and carries much harsher penalties than simple drug possession. For example, selling more than 25 grams of cocaine is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

If you have been charged with drug possession in Fort Lauderdale, it is in your best interest to have an experienced criminal defense attorney look at your drug crime case as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and what options may be available to you moving forward.

What are the Legal Penalties for Drug Possessions?

Possession of a controlled substance is a serious crime in most jurisdictions. The penalties for drug possession can range from a fine and probation to a lengthy prison sentence. The severity of the punishment is usually dependent on the type and amount of drug involved, as well as the offender’s prior criminal history.

For first-time offenders, many states have programs in place that allow for probation or drug treatment instead of jail time. These options are often available for those charged with possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use. However, even first-time offenders can face stiff penalties if they are caught with large amounts of drugs or if they are deemed to be selling or distributing drugs.

Repeat offenders or those charged with more serious offenses such as drug trafficking will typically face harsher punishments. These can include mandatory minimum prison sentences, which leave little to no discretion for the judge.

The legal penalties for drug possession can be severe, and it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with this crime. A skilled Fort Lauderdale drug possession attorney can help you understand the specific laws in Florida and advise you of your best options for defending against the charges.

How Can a Controlled Substances Lawyer Defend Me?

There are a number of defenses that can be used in drug possession cases. One is that the drugs were not actually in the defendant’s possession. This can be proved by showing that the drugs were found in another person’s car or home, for example. The defendant may argue that they had no knowledge that the drugs were in their possession. This can be proved by showing that the drugs were hidden in an unusual place, such as inside a toy or in someone’s underwear. Another defense is that the defendant did not know that the substance was a drug. This can be proved by showing that the drugs were mislabeled or that the defendant thought they were purchasing a legal substance.

Finally, the defendant may argue that they were entrapped by law enforcement. This means that the police induced the defendant to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. The defense may also argue that the search and seizure of the drugs were illegal. This can be proved by showing that the police did not have a warrant or probable cause to search the defendant’s home or car. If any of these defenses are successful, then the charges against the defendant can be dropped or reduced. If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to speak with our criminal defense lawyer, George Reres, today.

Contact George Reres Law, P.A. Today For Strong and Compassionate Service

Not all drug possession cases are the same. If you have been arrested for possessing a controlled substance, it is important to understand the severity of the offense and what you are facing. The consequences of a drug possession charge can be significant. Whether you were charged with marijuana possession with intent to sell or a misdemeanor drug possession charge, we can help.

At George Reres Law, P.A., we have extensive experience handling all types of drug crimes, from first-time offenders to repeat offenders. We understand the serious nature of these charges and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today at 954-543-1186 to get the criminal defense attorney you need for your case.