If you are charged with the possession of illegal drugs with intent in Bradenton, FL., then you could be facing serious consequences. The State of Florida takes drug crimes very seriously and imposes harsh penalties and punishments on individuals that are convicted of drug crimes.
At The Law Place, we have a team of criminal defense attorneys with over 75 years of collective experience in handling drug-related cases and defending the accused. Our adept lawyers have the necessary skill and expertise to handle your case efficiently and ensure you receive the best possible outcome, which may see your charges reduced or even dropped.
Our law firm offers a free case evaluation to all our customers, where we will assess the legitimacy of your case. At this free consultation, our criminal defense lawyers will also offer valuable legal advice and explain the legal process step by step, should you wish to proceed with your case. Our Bradenton phone lines are open around the clock, so you can call us at a time that suits you best, and an adept attorney will be on hand to help. Call us today at (941) 444-4444 and get started with your case.
How Can the Possession of Illegal Drugs With Intent Be Defined?
Florida Statute 893.13 outlines the law on possession of illegal drugs with intent to sell and notes that those that commit such offenses will face serious consequences. Additionally, a charge of being in possession of illegal drugs with the intent to sell has much more severe punishments than a charge of just being in possession of illegal drugs. There are also a number of factors to consider that will likely increase your chances of being charged with possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell. Such factors include:
- If large amounts of illegal drugs were found in your possession at the time of the arrest.
- If the materials for packaging controlled substances or drug paraphernalia were found in your presence at the time of the arrest.
- How the controlled substances were packaged.
- If there are large quantities of cash in your presence at the time of the arrest.
- If there are weapons in your possession at the time of the arrest.
No matter the drug crime, if you have been accused or charged with drug possession in Bradenton, FL., then it is strongly recommended to seek the representation of a criminal defense lawyer. At The Law Place, we have a team of adept attorneys who can guide you through the legal process and support you every step of the way. Call us today to receive a free consultation.
Types of Drug Charges in Bradenton, FL.
In the State of Florida, drug crimes can fall under a number of categories, including:
- Possession – This charge depends on the amount of drugs that are found in your possession, as well as how dangerous the illegal drug is considered to be in the State of Florida.
- Distribution or selling of illegal drugs – This charge relates to the sale of or intent to sell illegal drugs or controlled substances.
- Manufacturing of illegal drugs – This charge relates to the production of controlled substances. If drug paraphernalia or the materials used to manufacture illegal drugs are found in your presence, then you will be convicted of this crime.
- Trafficking of illegal drugs – This crime refers to the intent to sell, manufacture, purchase, deliver, possess or transport illegal drugs around the State of Florida.
- Prescription fraud – This crime refers to using fake or forged prescriptions with the intent to obtain prescription medication illegally.
Schedule of Controlled Substances
As highlighted in Florida Statute 893.03, Florida divides illegal drugs and controlled substances into five different schedules. The schedules relate to how dangerous and addictive the substances are considered to be.
- Schedule I – The substances that fall into this category are considered to be the most dangerous, addictive, and abusive of all drugs. Schedule I drugs include meth, crack, heroin, and LSD.
- Schedule II – Drugs in this category still have a high risk of addiction but also have some medical uses and, in some cases, can be prescribed. Drugs in this schedule include oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Adderall, methamphetamine, Dexedrine, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin), cocaine, methadone, meperidine (Demerol), morphine, and Ritalin.
- Schedule III – These drugs generally have a lower risk of abuse and addiction and include drugs such as ketamine, steroids, or products that contain less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit.
- Schedule IV – This schedule includes drugs such as Soma, Talwin, Ambien, Darvon, Xanax, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Tramadol that have a relatively low risk of abuse and addiction.
- Schedule V – These drugs carry the least risk of abuse and addiction and include cough syrups with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters, Motofen, Lyrica, Lomotil, and Parepectolin.
No matter the type of drug that you may have been arrested for being in possession of, at The Law Place, we will be here to guide and support you through the legal process every step of the way. We will ensure you receive the best possible outcome, which may see your charges reduced or even eliminated. Call our Bradenton, FL., offices today to arrange a free case evaluation.
Possible Penalties for the Possession of Illegal Drugs With Intent to Sell
The penalties and punishments that you may face for committing a drug crime will ultimately depend on the schedule of the controlled substance, as well as the amount that was found in your possession at the time of the arrest.
If you are convicted for being in possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance with the intent to sell, then it is likely that you will be charged with a second-degree felony. Punishments for a second-degree felony can include a fine of up to $10,000 as well as up to 15 years behind bars.
If you are charged for drug possession with intent to sell a Schedule III or IV controlled substance, then you will likely face a third-degree felony charge. Punishments for this charge can include a prison sentence of up to 5 years, as well as a fine of up to $5,000.
If you are convicted of being in possession of a Schedule V controlled substance with intent to sell, then you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. Penalties for a first-degree misdemeanor can include spending up to one year in prison, as well as receiving a fine of up to $1,000.
Factors That May Reduce a Possession of Illegal Drugs With Intent to Sell Conviction in Bradenton, FL.
In order to successfully convict you of a drug crime, the prosecution must prove to the jury a number of factors beyond a reasonable doubt. Such factors include:
- You were in possession of large quantities of the controlled substance at the time of the arrest.
- You were in possession of drug paraphernalia or any type of packaging materials that indicate that you were planning to sell the illegal drugs.
Call The Law Place Today!
No matter the drug crime you may be facing criminal charges for, at The Law Place, our highly skilled criminal defense lawyers are here to help. Our team of attorneys has an abundance of experience in defending the accused and handling cases relating to drug crimes, so you can rest assured that your case will be in knowledgeable and competent hands.
At The Law Place in Bradenton, we offer all our customers a free consultation where we will evaluate the legitimacy of your case and the best way to proceed if you wish to do so. Our criminal defense lawyers will also offer comprehensive legal advice on the best steps to take, and all at no obligation. Many of our criminal defense lawyers are AVVO rated 10.0, which is the highest possible rating. Ratings are awarded based on trial skills, length of service, and awards, as well as client reviews and testimonials.
Our Bradenton phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can contact us at a time most convenient for you, and a knowledgeable defense lawyer will be happy to help. What are you waiting for? Call today at (941) 444-4444 and schedule a free consultation with a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer.