Navigating the Legal Maze with Our Drug Crime Attorneys at Your Side

Being charged with a drug crime is a frightening experience. What will happen next? Will you be found guilty? How will these accusations impact your life? These questions may be racing through your mind in the days, weeks, and months after being charged. Don’t answer these questions—or face your charges—alone. Turn to the skilled drug crimes attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett for help. Our team has over 125 years of combined legal experience, so we have the legal resources and knowledge that is needed to beat your charges. Let us stand in your corner and aggressively fight for your freedom. Take the first step toward seeking justice by calling today to schedule a free consultation with our team of drug crime attorneys in Bradenton today.

Attorneys at Carlson Meissner Law Firm on Criminal Defense

Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett

What Are Drug Crimes in Bradenton?

The drug laws in the state of Florida are complex. The authorities in this state aggressively prosecute a number of different drug offenses, including:

  • Possession of controlled substances
  • Sale of controlled substances
  • Manufacture of controlled substances
  • Possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

The exact charges that you will face will depend on several factors, including the type and amount of controlled substance involved in the crime.

Many drug charges in Bradenton involve marijuana, heroin, cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamine, but these are just a few of the many types of controlled substances that could be involved in drug crimes.

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What Penalties Can I Expect For A Drug Crime Conviction in Bradenton?

Every drug crime case is unique, so the penalties can vary from case-to-case. If you are accused of committing a drug crime, the penalties you could potentially face will depend on several factors, including the nature of your crime, and whether or not you are a repeat offender.

But in general, all drug crimes carry serious penalties, including:

  • Imprisonment
  • Substantial fines
  • Probation
  • Completion of substance abuse education program
  • Community service

If you are convicted of certain drug offenses in Bradenton, you can also face the temporary suspension of your driver’s license.

Do not make the mistake of taking a drug charge lightly. The most serious drug crimes, such as cocaine trafficking, can lead to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

What is the Manatee County Drug Court?

If you are charged with a drug crime, you may be eligible to participate in the Manatee County Drug Court program. This program, which lasts between 18 to 24 months, focuses on treatment rather than incarceration of drug offenders with substance abuse problems. If you are a part of this program, you will need to comply with certain terms, including:

  • Attend group or individual counseling sessions
  • Appear in court to discuss your progress with the judge
  • Submit to random drug tests
  • Attend support groups

If you comply with the terms of the Manatee County drug court, the judge will dismiss your drug charges once you have successfully completed the program.

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FAQ

What are the consequences of being charged with possession?

Is possession of drugs a felony in Florida?

Are there stricter punishments for different types of drug offenses?

What is drug possession?

What is drug manufacturing?

What is drug trafficking?

Are there additional drug charges?

What are the consequences of being charged with possession?

Florida Statute 893.13 governs the possession of narcotics and dictates penalties for each circumstance. The severity of a drug possession charge depends in part on the amount of the substance you have and how it’s packaged and could take into consideration where you are when arrested.

Is possession of drugs a felony in Florida?

Drug possession in Florida is illegal and ranges from a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail to a first-degree felony carrying a minimum mandatory prison term.

Are there stricter punishments for different types of drug offenses?

Penalties for drug-related charges are determined by the substance, the amount of the substance in question, the activity the person was engaged in, and any prior encounters with law enforcement. Repeatedly committing serious crimes with large amounts of dangerous drugs is more likely to receive harsher penalties.

What is drug possession?

In Florida, simple possession is an offense by someone who did not manufacture, distribute, sell, or deal a controlled substance but kept it for personal or recreational use. Possession may be charged as a first, second, or third-degree felony or misdemeanor, based on the schedule and amount of the substance possessed.

What is drug manufacturing?

According to Florida law, manufacturing of controlled substances involves producing, compounding, preparing, converting, or processing any drug categorized as a controlled substance. This can be through direct or indirect extraction from natural sources or by combining extraction and chemical synthesis. Punishment for the crime includes felony charges with much higher penalties and a possession charge, meaning you may accrue two or more separate felony charges with stacked penalties. Penalties for drug manufacturing depend on the classification of the substance, the amount, and where the manufacturing occurred.

What is drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking is the intentional sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, possession, or transportation into the State of Florida of a “trafficking amount” of drugs. Florida law imposes a minimum threshold to support a trafficking charge, which differs for different substances. These statutory amounts represent the minimum amounts needed to charge; as the amount increases, so does the mandatory minimum sentence that will apply. Penalties will differ based on the substance and the quantity.

Are there additional drug charges?

Paraphernalia includes possessing or advertising materials primarily for growing, storing, packaging, or using controlled substances. Charges can lead to fines and, in some cases, jail time. Driving while intoxicated refers to operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, including prescribed medications. Charges can result in jail time, fines, and driver’s license revocation.

Why Should I Hire A Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Bradenton?

The drug crimes lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett will work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your case by:

  • Helping you understand your criminal charges, legal options, and the penalties that you could face if you are convicted.
  • Protecting your constitutional rights.
  • Filing motions to get evidence dismissed from your case.
  • Calling the reliability of witnesses into question.
  • Negotiating the terms of a plea bargain with the prosecutor.
  • Helping you receive alternative sentencing, such as enrollment in the Pinellas County Drug Court program.
  • Providing you with the strongest and most effective defense possible.

Our team of drug crime lawyers in Bradenton has represented the accused for decades. We are passionate about helping each of our clients secure their freedom and their future by reaching the best possible outcome in their case.

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Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Drug Crime Defense Law Firm in Bradenton

Don’t try to beat your drug charges without an experienced criminal defense attorney from Carlson Meissner & Hayslett by your side. We have skilled litigators, former state prosecutors, a former FBI special agent, and two board-certified criminal specialists on our team.

Together, this team works tirelessly to help our clients fight for their freedom. You are more than just a client to us—we care about the outcome of your case. Let us prove it to you. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, contact us today.

Free Case Evaluation Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate your legal concerns.

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