Drug charges in Florida can range from a misdemeanor for simple marijuana possession to felony drug trafficking charges for dealing in drugs like heroin or cocaine. Some charges come with mandatory minimum prison sentences and there are enhanced penalties in certain situations. For example, the sale and delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school or having prior felony convictions can mean a harsher sentence.
Drug charges in Florida, including possession, sale, manufacture, or transportation of controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and methamphetamine, can lead to a sentence in state prison along with heavy fines. Federal drug charges can be even tougher.
What is the average jail time for drug charges in Florida? The question should be what is the average prison sentence for drug charges in Florida? In general, county jails are for prisoners serving a year or less. (Currently, many inmates in Florida jails were charged with methamphetamine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.) Longer stretches are served in a state prison or federal prison. The average prison sentence for drug charges in Florida is a little over three years.
Drug Charges in Florida Defense
All criminal defendants have rights. Courts have held that governmental misconduct violates the constitutional due process rights of a defendant. That means police have to follow certain rules during an arrest. Prosecutors must be open and honest about the evidence they have. They must be able to show that any evidence against you was collected legally. Maybe the cops didn’t have probable cause, or maybe it was an illegal traffic stop or illegal search and seizure.
Perhaps the state’s crime lab didn’t follow protocols in analyzing the substance involved. The state has to prove that the substance in question is the illegal drug they claim it is; cocaine and not a headache or caffeine powder for example, or actual marijuana and not hemp.
If the arrest was clean and the prosecutors have a good case, an aggressive attorney with experience in fighting Florida drug possession charges will fight for the most favorable outcome in your situation.
An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer can Help
You should reach out to an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney who knows the system as well as – or even better than – the prosecutors. Whether you’re facing first-offensedrug possession charges or drug trafficking charges in Florida, you’ll want an advocate who knows the rules and knows how to protect your rights. You need a lawyer who will fight for your freedom harder than the prosecutor wants to take it away. If you’ve been in trouble before, a lawyer who knows the system knows how to minimize the consequences for repeat drug offenders. Drug charges in Florida can be serious. Don’t wait to talk with an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney.
You want to talk with a lawyer who knows the courthouse and knows how to make it work for you. Consider the Orlando drug lawyers at the Rivas Law Firm, agressive and experienced lawyers with exceptional skills and a passion for justice. Talk to us. Call 407-644-2466. Get help with your legal troubles so you can get on with your life.
