Depending on the nature of the drug offense, you can be prosecuted at the federal and state levels. At Carlson Meissner & Hayslett, our proven drug crimes attorneys in Florida have the skills, experience, and resources to create a solid defense strategy to get your charges dropped or reduced.

Types of Drug Crimes in Florida

Depending on the drug crime you are accused of, the penalty can be classified as felony or misdemeanor, with varying degrees of severity. These are a few common drug crimes in Florida:

  • Delivering a controlled substance
  • Falsely prescribing a controlled substance
  • Possessing a controlled substance
  • Manufacturing a controlled substance
  • Selling a controlled substance
  • Falsely obtaining a controlled substance
  • Trafficking a controlled substance

Other drug crimes are categorized based on where they occur. For instance, stricter penalties exist for crimes near childcare facilities or schools. Hefty fines and steep prison sentences are common in drug crime convictions.

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Penalties in Florida Drug Crimes

Under Florida Statutes Section 893.13(1)(a), “a person may not sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, a controlled substance.” This includes cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and others.

When you possess or distribute controlled substances, the charges you may face depend on the type of substance involved. For example, if you possess cannabis intending to sell, manufacture, or deliver, you could be charged with a third-degree felony. However, if you possess cocaine with the same intent, you could be charged with a second-degree felony.

If you are convicted of a third-degree felony, you could face up to five years in prison, while those convicted of second-degree felonies may face up to fifteen years behind bars. This makes it essential not to delay consulting with a capable criminal defense attorney in Florida.

You Need a Top Drug Crime Defense Lawyer on Your Side

Whether you are looking at a felony or a misdemeanor, most drug crimes get prosecuted at both state and federal levels. The right criminal attorney can protect your future with an aggressive defense. The skilled defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett will give your case the individual attention it requires from the prefiling stages to the jury verdict.

Our attorneys will review the police actions that prompted the search, seizure, and arrest. If those actions were not legal, we would argue to have the evidence excluded through Motions to Suppress. We will also analyze the strength of the evidence and file a Motion to Dismiss if we find that the state has based the case primarily on inferences rather than solid facts.

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Our Capable and Resourceful Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers are Ready to Fight for You

The Tampa drug crimes lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett have helped numerous people charged with drug crimes, such as marijuana and cocaine possession, to avoid harsh punishment and penalty. Our formidable and reputable drug crime defense lawyers are dedicated to obtaining the best possible outcome for our clients. You will be treated with respect and receive the individual attention you deserve when working with us.

To schedule your free consultation, call us at (727) 306-0273 or fill out our online contact form.

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