St. Pete Drug Crimes Lawyers Fighting For Your Freedom
Drug crimes are taken very seriously in the state of Florida. Prosecutors often ask the court to impose severe penalties on drug offenders. For this reason—and many others—it’s in your best interest to fight back with the help of an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett.
Our criminal defense attorneys understand how a drug crime conviction can impact your life. We genuinely care about helping our clients avoid the consequences of a conviction, which is why we will work tirelessly to help you reach the best possible outcome in your case. Call 877-728-9653 or fill out the form on this website to schedule a free consultation with our team today.
What Are Common Drug Offenses in St. Pete?
There are a number of different types of drug offenses in the state of Florida. Some of the most common drug crimes include:
- 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 term “controlled substance” can refer to many different types of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, MDMA, methamphetamines, opioids, and more. Some states have legalized recreational cannabis, but Florida is not one of them. As a result, you can still face criminal charges for possessing marijuana unless you have a valid medicinal marijuana license.
Are Drug Crimes Considered Misdemeanors or Felonies in St. Pete?
The way that a drug offense is classified will depend on the nature of the crime, including the type and amount of controlled substance involved.
For example, the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana is a first degree misdemeanor, however if you have more than 20 grams of marijuana in your possession, you can face felony charges.
Although several offenses are misdemeanors, most drug crimes are classified as felonies in Florida.
What Are the Consequences of A Drug Crime Conviction?
If you are convicted of a drug offense in St. Pete, the penalties you will face will vary depending on the nature of your crime and your prior criminal record. The penalties may include imprisonment, fines, and probation. In addition to these penalties, the court will also suspend your driver’s license for one year if you are convicted of or plead guilty to a drug offense. Many people are not aware of this penalty, so they are surprised to find out that they have lost their driving privileges as a result of a drug crime conviction.
Certain non-violent offenders may qualify for drug court, which focuses on education and treatment over incarceration. If you comply with the terms and complete this program, the court will dismiss your charges.
How Can Our Drug Defense Attorneys Fight Your Charges?
A drug crime conviction can cost you thousands of dollars, your driving privileges, and most importantly, your freedom. That’s why it’s so important to fight drug charges with help from the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett.
Our attorneys will aggressively protect your rights and work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your drug crime case by:
- Investigating your case to look for errors or opportunities to weaken the state’s case.
- Proving that authorities conducted an illegal traffic stop, search, or seizure of your property.
- Negotiating the terms of a plea deal with the prosecutor.
- Helping you gain access to drug court, if eligible
- Questioning the reliability of witnesses
- Getting your charges reduced or dismissed
These are some of the many ways that our attorneys can help you fight your drug charges. Each case is unique, so the approach that we take will vary on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about your legal options by calling our law firm to discuss your case today.
Arrange Your Free Consultation With Our Drug Defense Lawyers in St. Petersburg
Have you been charged with a drug crime in St. Petersburg? If so, there’s no time to waste. Reach out to the skilled drug crime attorneys at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett as soon as you can. With over 125 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have helped countless clients successfully beat their drug charges and secure their freedom. Now, let us help you. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, call our law firm at 877-728-9653 or submit your information using the form on this website.