Drug Possession Lawyer in Lakeland

Working Hard to Secure Favorable Outcomes for Our Clients

In recent years, Florida has taken a hardline stance against crime. One of the first steps most Florida law enforcement agencies take is to crack down on drug offenses. In recent years, crime statistics demonstrate that police raids targeting specific drugs have increased by as much as 200% in parts of the state.

If you are facing charges related to controlled substances, you cannot afford not to hire a criminal defense lawyer to protect your legal rights. Due to the severe penalties and legal implications that can result from convictions, it is in your best interest to seek counsel from a drug possession lawyer in Lakeland.

When you come to DeMichael Law for legal help, you will work with an experienced criminal defense attorney committed to securing favorable client outcomes. Drug possession crimes can range from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. Convictions can result in sentences of up to 30 years in prison, depending on the circumstances involved. Even if you are facing charges related to less serious drug offenses, such as possession of marijuana, a conviction can still knock your life off track.

Do not risk your freedom or future. Contact a Lakeland drug possession attorney at DeMichael Law today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation so that we can professionally evaluate your case.

What is the Definition of Drug Possession in Florida?

Many Florida drug laws, such as possession statutes, are relatively straightforward. Under state law, having any controlled substance can result in drug possession charges. An individual may be charged with drug possession whether they have street or prescription drugs.

The significant variations in the law relate to the types and amount of drugs a person has in their possession. For example, possession of marijuana is often charged as a misdemeanor. However, a person found to have an equal amount of cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, anabolic steroids, and other drugs may be charged with a felony.

Drug Trafficking and Distribution

Various drug charges are related to possession. For instance, possessing certain amounts or engaging in certain behaviors can lead to felony drug trafficking or intent to distribute charges. While possession has its own set of severe penalties, the consequences of a drug trafficking or intent to distribute charge have far greater consequences. Regardless of the allegations against you, it is vital that you speak with a drug possession lawyer in Lakeland before making any decisions. Failing to do so could result in unnecessary legal implications.

What Are Controlled Substances?

There are plenty of drugs out there, and many of them are completely legal to use. However, controlled substances are more than just drugs. Instead, these substances are regulated by the government due to their potential for addiction, abuse, and harm to individuals or society. Due to changes in the legal system, drugs that qualify as controlled substances can change at any time. One of the best examples is how, in the past few years, many states have legalized marijuana use. As a direct result of legal changes, those states no longer treat marijuana as a controlled substance.

Drug Classifications In Florida

In Florida, hundreds of drugs qualify as controlled substances. Drugs that qualify as controlled substances have familiar names, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. However, lesser-known substances, such as acetorphine, an opioid derivative, is also on the list. That being the case, many drug crimes being heard in courts involve substances that most people have never heard of. Unfortunately, the law does not care whether a substance is well-known. If a person is caught possessing a controlled substance, they will face criminal charges.

If you are facing drug charges, you must reach out to a drug possession attorney in Lakeland today.

What Are the Penalties for a Drug Possession Conviction?

A drug possession conviction can carry stiff penalties. However, potential sentences will depend on varying factors. One of the most important factors involves the type of substances, also referred to as drug schedules. Drug schedules are based on the chemical used to make the substances and classified based on the accepted medical uses or potential for physical dependency.

Other factors include the amount of drugs a person has on them, the packaging of the substance, and sometimes even where the defendant is arrested. For instance, an individual charged with a drug offense could face a misdemeanor if arrested at their home, but charges could be upgraded to a felony if they are taken into custody near a school, church, or park.

When it comes to simple possession, penalties can differ dramatically. For instance, a misdemeanor possession charge could result in a jail sentence of up to one year. However, if a person is arrested for cocaine possession near a school could face a felony charge if police believe they intended to sell the drugs involved.

A first-degree felony charge could result in a 30-year prison sentence comparable to life imprisonment. Finally, an individual arrested for third-degree felony possession can face a possible sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000.

Due to the severe penalties that can result from drug possession convictions, anyone facing charges must seek qualified legal representation immediately. At DeMichael Law, we work tirelessly to help clients with felony drug charges. If you have questions about a felony drug charge, contact our drug possession lawyer in Lakeland today to schedule a free consultation.

Should I Work With Prosecutors or Accept a Plea Deal?

If you are arrested for drug possession, you may have a tough road ahead of you. However, a prosecutor may offer you a plea agreement. The state attorney will probably frame this proposal as “the best offer you will receive.” They will often tell defendants dealing with drug-related crimes that refusing a plea will result in more charges and potential penalties. You may even be told that you can walk away free and clear by simply providing the names of others who may be involved. However, before you agree to work with prosecutors, you must speak with a Lakeland criminal defense attorney who can advise you on your legal options.

The most important thing to remember is that the prosecutor is not your friend. Even though a prosecutor may seem compassionate regarding your drug crime charges, they still want a conviction. Depending on your case, a plea arrangement may be in your best interest, but you should seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney first.

Even if the state attorney offers you no jail time for a guilty plea, you could still lose your license, be ordered into community service, face random drug tests, and more. Additionally, suppose you are convicted of felony drug charges. In that case, you will be branded a convicted felon and prevented from legally owning and possessing firearms, holding a professional license, and enrolling in the higher learning institution of your choice.

At DeMichael Law, we will fight to make sure you know what you are up against. From driver’s license suspensions to decades behind bars, the potential consequences of a drug conviction are always serious. Even individuals taking prescription drugs prescribed by a doctor can find themselves on the wrong side of the law in certain instances. Regardless of your unique situation, you may benefit from experienced legal assistance.

Why Should I Trust Your Drug Possession Lawyer to Defend Me Against Me?

Potential penalties for drug possession charges can be devastating. Even a misdemeanor charge can land a person in jail for a year.

At DeMichael Law, we have seen what a drug crime conviction can do to a person’s life. Even after all fines are paid, driver’s license suspensions lifted, and prison terms served, consequences can follow someone for a lifetime. Due to a criminal record, you may be unable to secure housing, find a job, or join the military since convictions are public information easily accessed via background checks. You could also face difficulties in future legal proceedings, such as child custody cases. Let our drug possession lawyer in Lakeland fight to avoid such adverse outcomes.

If you have been charged with a drug offense, you must speak with a Lakeland drug lawyer before doing anything. Unfortunately, far too often, defendants accept unfair plea deals or end up in prison when they do not deserve to be there.

Contact DeMichael Law today at our Polk County law office by calling 863-216-1831 to schedule your confidential consultation.