In the State of Florida, drug crimes are seen as a very serious offense, especially the sale and supply of controlled substances. Depending on the type of substance and how large the quantity of it is, you could be facing a third, second, or even first-degree felony, all of which can result in severe and long-lasting consequences.
If convicted of drug trafficking, you may face up to 30 years in prison. Because of how harsh the penalties can be when facing a drug charge, it’s essential that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight relentlessly on your behalf. With their unmatched knowledge of Florida drug laws, you will be much more likely to receive a favorable outcome.
Here at The Law Place, our team of criminal defense lawyers has over 75 years of combined experience dealing with the Florida legal system and helping clients charged with drug crimes just like you. You can trust that our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, find evidence, and work to build a strong, solid defense to use against the prosecution’s argument. We will offer you support and legal advice and fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome based on the circumstances surrounding your case, whether that be getting the charges dropped or reduced.
So if you’ve been charged with the sale of illegal drugs over 10 grams in Bradenton, FL., then call us today. The phone lines at The Law Place are opened 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t wait for help! Contact us at (941) 444-4444.
Florida’s Drug Laws
According to Florida Statute 893.13, “a person may not sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, a controlled substance.”
If you are caught breaking this law, you could be charged with offenses ranging from first-degree misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, which is the most serious type of crime you could be charged with in the United States. This category is determined based on the type of drugs you were caught with and how much there was.
If you have been charged with intending to sell or distribute drugs, then you must seek help from an experienced lawyer. The penalties you face could impact the rest of your life, and the conviction will forever be on your criminal record. So call The Law Place today to schedule a free consultation with a Bradenton-based drug crime lawyer.
What Are the Different Charges That You Could Face in Bradenton, FL.
There are a range of drug charges that you could be accused of if caught with drugs in your possession in Bradenton, as listed below:
- Possession of a controlled substance.
- Selling a controlled substance.
- Trafficking a controlled substance.
- Manufacturing a controlled substance.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (any item that’s designed for storing, producing, selling, concealing, or transporting a controlled substance).
For more information, contact The Law Place today.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. Different Schedules of Controlled Substances
Bradenton is governed by Florida Statute 893.03, which divides controlled substances into five categories, called schedules. These relate to how addictive they are and what potential they have to cause harm, with Schedule One containing the drugs that are considered most harmful andSchedule Five the least.
- Schedule I – The most dangerous drugs with the highest potential for abuse with no approved use in the medical field. You could face a first-degree felony if you are caught involved in the sale of one of these drugs and would face severe penalties. Examples include meth, heroin, and LSD.
- Schedule II – These drugs also have a high risk of addiction but do have medical uses and can sometimes be prescribed. Examples include Adderall and oxycodone (OxyContin).
- Schedule III – These have a lower potential for abuse and addiction but are still dangerous. Examples include ketamine and steroids.
- Schedule IV – These have a low risk of abuse and dependence. Examples include Xanax and valium.
- Schedule V – These are drugs that have the lowest risk of abuse. Examples include cough syrup and Motofen.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience Elements for a Charge of Sale of Illegal Drugs Over 10 Grams
When someone is charged with intent to sell or distribute controlled substances, there are two elements that the prosecution must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, or else the case will fall apart. It will be the job of your criminal defense lawyers to prevent the prosecution from doing this successfully.
Below are the elements:
- The defendant had knowledge of the presence of the substance.
- The defendant sold or delivered the substance.
- The substance was a specific controlled substance, as defined and listed in Florida Statute 893.03.
When it comes to drug crimes, the Florida legal system can be very complex. Because of this, it is critical that you contact The Law Place. Every drug crime lawyer on our team has experience with successfully representing clients against drug charges and will ensure that you understand the process and the best options that are available to you. They will also ensure that you are treated fairly and have none of your rights violated at any time. So call us today to schedule a free case evaluation and talk to a skilled lawyer about your case specifics in detail.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. What Penalties Could You Receive for Sale of Illegal Drugs Over 10 Grams?
In Bradenton, the penalties for drug crimes differ dramatically depending on the specific circumstances that surround your case. If you’re convicted, the penalties you face could be impacted by some of the factors listed below:
- The type of substance that you were found to be in possession of and/or selling.
- The amount of the substance that you had in your possession and/or was sold.
- Where you were when you were caught by law enforcement with the substance in your possession and/or selling it.
The penalties that you are sentenced to will also affect whether you are charged with a first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree felony or a first-degree misdemeanor. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors, and the higher the felony, the harsher the penalties will be.
Florida Statute 893.13 lists the penalties that you could face:
- First-degree misdemeanor – A $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail and/or one year of probation.
- Third-degree felony – A fine reaching $5,000 and up to 5 years in prison.
- Second-degree felony – A fine as high as $10,000 and around 15 years in prison.
- First-degree felony – A fine up to $10,000 and around 30 years in prison.
For more specific information, call The Law Place to book a free consultation and speak to a highly qualified drug crime lawyer.
If you are convicted of any kind of drug crime, you will have to endure serious, long-term impacts. The charges and convictions will be permanently on your criminal record, which could lead to you being unable to successfully apply for employment, housing, loans and financial aid, higher education, and more. Because of the extreme and unfair effect that the conviction will have, it’s crucial that you contact our criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible. The sooner you do so, the more time we’ll have to work on and perfect your defense, so call today.
Possible Defenses for Drug Trafficking Charges in Bradenton, FL.
Every case is unique, and so every defense used against the prosecution must be tailored specifically to the details of that case. Your attorney will be able to come up with the best criminal defense for you and will be able to professionally and eloquently present it in court.
Some of the most common defenses used for drug crimes, such as drug possession and drug trafficking, include:
- You were not correctly identified.
- The substances were not yours.
- You did not intend to sell the drugs.
- The way the drugs in your possession were identified was flawed.
- The substance in your possession was less than 10 grams.
- The police didn’t have a warrant to search or seize.
- The law enforcement that arrested and charged you was guilty of entrapment.
- The police obtained some evidence illegally.
What Can The Law Place Do for You?
Our lawyers at The Law Place understand how severe a conviction for drug crimes, especially drug trafficking, can be. Not only could you be served with a large and unmanageable fine and a jail sentence of 30 years, but you could also be feeling the impact for the rest of your life.
We know that you don’t deserve this for a simple mistake, and so we will support and advise you through this difficult time and fight tirelessly to ensure you get the best outcome possible.
By working with a skilled attorney from The Law Place, you will be ensuring that you’re working with skilled lawyers who know Florida law inside and out. All our clients have extensive experience in successfully representing their clients in court in front of a jury and judge, so call today. The Law Place offers all prospective clients a free, no-obligation consultation. Schedule yours now.
Contact The Law Place Today
If you have been charged with drug crimes, you need to hire the right criminal defense lawyer for you – it could be the most important decision you make in your life. It could mean the difference between the conviction of a first-degree felony and a severe sentence or having your charges dropped.
You can be confident that when enlisting the help of one of our drug trafficking lawyers, you will be giving yourself the best chance at receiving a favorable outcome. Our attorneys will investigate your case, find new evidence, and represent you in court. We have helped thousands of clients at the lowest point in their lives, and we’re more than prepared to help you too.
So, if you’ve been charged with any type of drug crime in Bradenton, then call us today for a free consultation at (941) 444-4444.
