Longwood Drug Crime Lawyer

Longwood Drug Crime Attorney

Facing drug charges can be devastating. Whether you are caught with marijuana at Reiter Park or stopped on the I-4 expressway with paraphernalia in your car, you may see your life flash before your eyes. It is important to protect yourself from wrongful conviction and harsh penalties by consulting a Longwood drug crime lawyer.

Robert B. Fisher has built his career upon advocating for people’s rights. As a former prosecutor, he is well-versed in how drug cases work in Seminole County. As an aggressive litigator, he will work tirelessly to make sure you are defended against this terrifying charge and help safeguard your future.

Drug Laws in Florida

Florida is known as being tough on drugs. The type and quantity of the drug involved determine penalties. In 2023, drug crime made up over one-third of all crime in Florida, with cocaine being the most common drug involved.

The state classifies drugs into five different schedules based on their accepted medical use and potential for abuse. Cocaine is considered a Schedule II controlled substance because of its potential for abuse and dependency. Schedule I drugs are drugs with no currently accepted medical use in the United States and high potential for abuse. Heroin and ecstasy are examples of Schedule I drugs in Florida.

Many drug crimes are considered felonies and have severe consequences if convicted, but can also be a first-degree misdemeanor for simple possession. Some of the most common drug crimes in Florida are:

• Drug trafficking
• Drug possession
• Manufacturing
• Possession with intent to sell

Drug trafficking is a first-degree felony in Florida and can carry a life sentence or life imprisonment, and in some cases, result in a person’s death. If you are facing charges for drug crimes, it is important to hire a drug crime lawyer right away to help with your case.

Former Prosecutor

Call 407-389-4529 or contact the office online to schedule your initial consultation.

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Defense Against Drug Charges in Longwood

When you hire a drug crime lawyer in Longwood, they can help with communications with law enforcement and make sure that your rights are protected when law enforcement questions you or performs searches.

A lawyer will review the charges being brought up against you and investigate the arrest and all the evidence law enforcement has against you. They will craft a defense based on the specifics of your case and let you know what a realistic outcome will be. Some of the common defenses used against drug crimes are:

• Lack of knowledge. It is often difficult for the prosecutor to prove that the offender had knowledge of the substance and that the substance was a drug. It can be difficult for the prosecution to convince jurors that the defendant knew about the drug, as it is difficult to prove how someone thinks.
• Incorrect weight. Since charges for drugs in Florida are partially based on the weight of the drug found on the offender, it is important that the weight is accurate. A skilled attorney will look at the weight to see if it has been exaggerated by the arresting officer or if the lab made an error when weighing. This defense will not dismiss charges, but it can lead to a reduction in the number of charges and penalties.
• Violation of rights. There are certain protected rights you have when arrested on drug charges, such as the right to remain silent or having a warrant to perform a search. An officer must have probable cause or a warrant to perform a search and seizure; without one, evidence obtained is inadmissible in court.

Having a drug crime lawyer on your side gives you access to their knowledge and understanding of how the court system handles these cases. With over 45 years of experience assisting clients in Longwood, Robert B. Fisher knows the judges and has seen the juror pools in the area, and offers knowledgeable insight on how to approach your case.

FAQs

What Are the Mandatory Minimum Drug Sentences in Florida?

Florida is known for having strict drug laws, including mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking. These sentences are based on the weight of the substance and range from three years to life imprisonment. Trafficking is when a person knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings drugs into the state. The mandatory minimum sentence for trafficking is three years’ imprisonment.

• 25 to 2,000 pounds of cannabis
• 28 to 200 grams of cocaine
• 4 to 14 grams of heroin.

What Happens if You Get Caught With Drugs in Florida?

Getting caught with drugs in Florida can have severe penalties and consequences. Penalties range from a first-degree misdemeanor for small amounts of marijuana to third-degree felonies for heroin. Penalties are up to five years in prison, fines up to $5,000, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record that may impact your ability to find employment, housing, or apply for certain government benefits. First-time or non-violent offenders may qualify for drug diversion programs that, upon completion, can dismiss their charges.

What Is the Most Used Illegal Drug in Florida?

Marijuana is the most common and popular illicit drug of abuse in Florida. It is the top illegal drug that people enter treatment for, and the most frequently seized by law enforcement in Florida. Marijuana use is most popular among younger age groups, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 34.4% of 12th graders have tried marijuana in their lifetime.

How Many Grams of Drugs Is Considered a Felony in Florida?

In Florida, the amount of grams of a controlled substance and the kind of drug determine whether you will face felony charges. Possessing over 20 grams of marijuana or any amount of cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl is charged as a third-degree felony. Certain drugs trigger trafficking charges if they are over a certain amount in weight. If you are facing drug charges in Florida, it is important to consult a Longwood drug crime lawyer.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

No one should face drug charges alone. Florida laws regarding drug crimes can be incredibly complex and nuanced. Contact Robert B Fisher, P.A., to schedule a consultation and determine what actions should be taken against these charges.