Florida Drug Crimes
Having a reputable and experienced criminal defense attorney after you have been arrested for a drug-related crime in Miami, Florida is the best chance to avoid the most severe penalties. According to the 2022 Florida Department of Corrections annual report, this southernmost state intakes approximately 70,000 new incarcerated individuals each year. Florida reported 68,564 drug-related arrests in the year 2020. State and local municipalities take drug crimes seriously. They do not hold back on punishment, so you will need an effective drug crime lawyer in Miami to be your voice while you navigate the criminal justice system.
Types of Drug Crimes
Federal categorization of controlled substances is what regulates state penalties for drug crime convictions. These are determined based on several factors, including how likely those are to be abused and, therefore, menacing to society as a whole. Controlled substances are specified in Schedules I-V of Florida Statute 893.03. Crime charges related to these drugs generally fall under the following categories:
- Paraphernalia
- Possession
- Possession with Intent to Sell
- Trafficking and Distribution
- Cultivation and Manufacturing
- Driving While Intoxicated
Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia is any item, accessory, or equipment intended or used in the process of consuming, manufacturing, or distributing drugs. Conviction of drug paraphernalia possession is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Possession and Possession with Intent to Sell
All it takes is a small amount of illegal drugs proven to be in your possession to result in a serious conviction. Even possession of prescription drugs is illegal if you do not have a valid medical prescription. Furthermore, if a court of law determines that your possession of any illegal drug was done with your intent to sell or otherwise distribute said drug, punishment in Florida can be significant and long-lasting.
Trafficking and Distribution
Any person who is involved in the process of delivering, transporting, or otherwise distributing drugs in any way can be charged with trafficking or possibly distributing illegal substances. Trafficking is one of the most serious drug-related crimes and carries heavy penalties upon conviction.
Cultivation and Manufacturing
An example of cultivation is illegal labs created for the purpose of growing marijuana, often referred to as grow houses. Even a landlord simply aware of their tenant running a grow house can be convicted of a felony if they allow continued renting or lease of their property to these persons. Similarly, laws and punishment for the manufacture and alteration of illegal designer synthetic drugs carry heavy weight in Florida. If you have been charged with any such crime, an attorney needs to examine the details of your case to ensure no options for defense are overlooked.
Driving While Intoxicated
While DUI is not often the first thing you might think of as a drug-related crime, the reality is alcohol is not the only substance that is illegal to drive while under its influence. If you are caught operating a motor vehicle while impaired by any drug, you are at risk of significant penalties and need a criminal defense lawyer to represent your rights.
Drug Crime Penalties
The life-changing consequences of drug crime convictions vary widely in scope depending on many details of each unique case. If you find yourself or a loved one facing such penalties, you need to consult with a reputable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Having a skilled and experienced legal team on your side will significantly increase your chances of serving a lesser sentence or even the possibility of case dismissal.