Drug Possession Lawyers in Hollywood, FL
Helping Clients Avoid Maximum Sentencing
Florida law strictly prohibits possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription. This includes actual possession of illegal drugs and drug trafficking. As in many states, the more drugs you are in possession of, the more serious the penalties. Possession of illegal drugs and possession with intent to sell can lead to years in prison and felony charges that may haunt you for the rest of your life.
If you are facing charges for a drug crime, including illegal possession of prescription drugs, possession of illicit drugs, or intent to sell, you need excellent drug crimes attorneys to help you defeat your charges. A drug possession lawyer can identify ways your rights were violated during the investigation to get your charges lowered or dismissed. They can also work with you to develop a strong defense that prevents you from facing the maximum sentencing.
When you need criminal defense attorneys to fight drug charges, look no further than Magilligan Law. Our team of skilled attorneys has helped clients defeat criminal charges for years, including those involving drug possession and trafficking. We are dedicated to finding positive solutions for our clients no matter what challenges may arise during the case.
Contact us at 954-833-1454 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation with our compassionate legal team.
What Does it Mean to be Charged with Drug Possession in Florida?
Florida drug charges range from misdemeanors to first-degree felony charges. Your unique case may vary depending on the type of drug you were caught with, whether you had drug paraphernalia, and how much of the drug you possessed. Further aggravating factors that could increase your sentencing include driving under the influence, drug dealing, or using drugs in a drug-free zone.
Drug Classifications in Florida
Florida law divides drug types into five categories as follows:
- Schedule I drugs: these include some of the most addictive and dangerous substances, such as heroin, LSD, and methaqualone.
- Schedule II drugs: these substances are also highly addictive and include cocaine, opium, morphine, oxycodone, and amphetamines.
- Schedule III drugs: include a large number of medicinally acceptable drugs that are still considered controlled substances. These include ketamine, morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone.
- Schedule IV drugs: include diazepam, lorazepam, and phenobarbital.
- Schedule V drugs: in Florida include drugs prepared with small amounts of drugs like codeine and opium.
Please remember that just because you are charged with drug possession, it does not mean you will be convicted. Law enforcement officials should respect your constitutional rights and consider you innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Hiring our Florida drug possession lawyers can help ensure your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of a positive outcome in your case.
What Are the Penalties for a Drug Possession Conviction?
A drug trafficking or possession conviction can result in significant penalties that may greatly impact your life for years to come. The sentencing will depend largely on your charges and may include jail time, fines, and mandatory rehabilitation. For example, buying, selling, or possessing Schedule V drugs may result in a first-degree misdemeanor with minimal sentencing of one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Drug Crime Felonies
On the other hand, many drug crimes are considered felonies, including:
- Third-degree felony penalties, such as up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines for possession of Schedule I, II, III, and IV drugs
- First-degree felony possession of more than 10 grams of Schedule I and II drugs, could result in up to 30 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- First,- second-, and third-degree felony charges for drug sale and purchase, depending on the type and amount of drug.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Defend Myself Against Drug Possession Charges?
Florida prosecutors usually take an aggressive stance against those accused of illegal drug use. This includes possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Although it is understandable to crack down on drug use and trafficking, many innocent people fall victim to today’s legal system, walking away with a sentence they don’t deserve. A criminal defense attorney is an excellent line of defense against illegal practices such as unlawful search or other violations of your rights.
When you hire a trusted legal representative like the attorneys on our team, you will have counsel you can rely on during the investigation, pre-trial, and trial procedures. Your lawyer can help you understand how Florida drug laws affect your case and construct a defense that minimizes the possible penalties you face for your drug charge. A lawyer can also help you avoid having a conviction on your criminal record, which would make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a job and keep custody of your children.
Should You Hire Our Drug Possession Attorneys?
At Magilligan Law, our Hollywood criminal defense attorneys are committed to providing a strong defense for clients facing drug possession charges. We understand how a drug charge involving controlled substances can disrupt lives and lead to serious consequences, including potential jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. We work closely with each client to explore all available legal options and build a defense designed to protect their rights. Here’s how we can help:
- Evaluate the Evidence: We carefully examine the evidence against you to identify any weaknesses, procedural mistakes, or violations of your rights. This includes challenging unlawful searches and seizures.
- Determine Defense Strategies: Our team tailors defense strategies based on your case’s specific details, considering factors like whether the drugs were for personal use or if other circumstances led to your arrest.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: In some cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce drug possession charges to a lesser offense or seek alternatives, such as diversion programs, to minimize penalties.
- Provide Representation in Court: Should your case proceed to trial, our attorneys are ready to advocate on your behalf, presenting a strong defense against allegations of drug trafficking or possession of controlled substances.
At Magilligan Law, we stand by our clients, working diligently to achieve outcomes that protect their futures and uphold their rights in the face of serious drug possession charges. Our drug possession lawyers understand how frustrating and frightening it can be to face criminal charges for drug crimes in Florida. We can help you avoid the maximum penalty by providing evidence that you don’t deserve such strict penalties. We will stand by your side as strong allies no matter what arguments the prosecution brings.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Whether your charges involve possession with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, or trafficking cocaine or other hard drugs, we can help. We will treat you as a valued individual rather than just looking at the crimes you’ve been charged with. Our compassionate legal team will listen to your side of the story and help you overcome this challenge so you can move on and enjoy your life.
With the stringent laws against drug possession in Florida, you have too much at stake to risk defending yourself without a talented legal team backing you up.
Call 954-833-1454 today to speak with our skilled criminal defense attorneys and learn more about how we can help in a free consultation.