Drug Lawyers in Jacksonville Ready to Fight

The justice system is large, complex, and often overwhelming. The aftermath of being arrested for drug crimes can be a stressful time for you and your loved ones. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be facing several years (or more) behind bars for drug-related charges. Whether this is your first arrest, or you are a repeat offender, seeking experienced legal counsel early on could lead to a less severe outcome. With the help of drug lawyers in Jacksonville, navigate this stressful time with someone fighting on your legal behalf. Working closely with a Jacksonville drug defense lawyer may help protect your rights and explain your options in the face of a drug crime arrest.

What Are Drug Possession Charges?

In simple language, drug possession charges happen when someone knowingly possesses illegal drugs or controlled substances. Drug crime charges may be for illegal drugs, such as marijuana, heroin, or cocaine, or for legal drugs possessed illegally, i.e., prescription drugs of certain classes that were not prescribed to you. You may even be arrested for drug paraphernalia when drugs are not present, such as marijuana smoking paraphernalia. Drug possession crimes may occur as standalone crimes or in conjunction with other crimes. For example, a person may be arrested for domestic violence and then charged with both domestic violence charges and drug crimes if drugs are found on their person during the arrest. Regardless of where you are in this legal scenario, experienced drug lawyers in Jacksonville understand the system and may be able to help you avoid jail time.

What Does an Intent to Distribute Charge Mean?

A drug charge may be filed in a few ways, depending on the amount, type of drugs, and other relevant factors. An arrest for possession with intent to distribute or a drug trafficking charge is a more serious charge (in most instances) than a drug possession charge. This type of drug offense may be a result of manufacturing the drug, delivering the drug to someone with the intent of selling it or possessing unusually high quantities of the drug in question. Either way, intent to distribute drug trafficking charges are serious drug crimes, and seeking reliable legal counsel from a drug lawyer is always a smart move. When facing an intent to distribute charge, it is important to keep in mind that the crime is more severe, and therefore the possible penalties are also harsher. In Florida (as in most states), an intent to distribute charge means more jail time than a standard possession charge if convicted.

What Should I Know About Drug Possession Charges in Florida?

One of the most common, and rightly so, questions a person may have when facing drug crime charges is what to expect in terms of possible penalties. While it is important to keep in mind that every case is unique, there are certain standards in place as minimums. These minimums go up in light of the amount of drugs a person possesses. For instance, the minimum jail sentence increases from a three-year sentence to a possible sentence minimum of five years if the amount is over 100 grams. Aside from the amount of the controlled substance, the type may carry different sentences in some cases. Marijuana is an illegal drug in Florida (unless medically prescribed) and may be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor in a standard possession case. A controlled substance may be considered more serious because it is a more dangerous drug. As a result, cocaine and other drugs of that caliber (heroin, meth, etc.) tend to carry a harsher sentence for possession charges and possession with intent to distribute charges.

There are many factors that will determine how much jail time you are potentially facing, which is why consulting with drug lawyers as soon as possible following an arrest is crucial. The judge may consider whether or not you are a first-time offender, the amount and type of drugs, and other pertinent information a criminal defense lawyer will be able to help present to the courts on your behalf. The possible sentencing may be made harsher under the following circumstances as well:

• Drug charges in conjunction with unlawful possession of a firearm.
• Drug possession within a registered school zone.
• Drug crimes in conjunction with violent offenses.

How Can Drug Lawyers Help You?

Experienced drug lawyers may be able to help you avoid a conviction by convincing the prosecution and judge that you deserve leniency. Depending on the circumstances, a drug charges lawyer may be able to argue for the removal of charges when proper arrest procedures were not followed, or the rights of the accused were violated. Your attorney may also be able to reduce an intent to distribute a charge to a simple possession charge in some cases. Finally, a reliable drug lawyer guides you through this otherwise complicated, stressful process. They answer questions about your legal options while advocating on your behalf with the courts.

Consult Experienced Drug Lawyers Today

A drug crime conviction is a serious matter that could derail your life with jail time, hefty fines, and a criminal record. Whether this is your first run-in with the law or you are facing a complex legal battle on multiple charges, we’re here to help. With a focus on comprehensive and compassionate legal counsel, our firm is ready to fight for the best outcome possible for you as an individual. Call us at (904) 204-3420 today for a consultation on your drug case.