Gainesville Drug Crimes Attorney

If you or a loved one recently faced an accusation, arrest, or charge for a drug crime, you need a Florida attorney. A lawyer can help you avoid unjust conviction or argue for a lesser charge if you did break the law. While the justice system in Florida will provide you with a public defender at no cost, opting for private legal representation from an experienced criminal defense firm will offer a much better chance of beating your charges and reducing penalties. Speak with one of our attorneys for questions regarding your case.

Drug crime is a major problem in the United States, and Florida has a storied history of drug activity over the past several decades. Florida acts as the gateway to the U.S. from the Caribbean and much of South America, and the state has been a major hub of North American drug trafficking since the 1970s. The state now has very robust laws concerning drug crimes, and many people face arrest through laws meant to prevent larger drug trade issues.

Florida Drug Laws

Florida’s criminal statutes carefully outline many different types of drugs, their Schedule classification, dose sizes, and various other aspects of drug crime in the state. If the police arrested you for a drug charge, the type of charge and possible penalties will depend on which drug you had, how much, the state of the drug (whether it was arranged for sale or held for personal use), and the drug’s Schedule classification. Additionally, some drug crimes will lead to prosecution at the federal level under certain conditions.

Drug Possession

Knowingly and intentionally carrying any amount of an illegal drug is a crime in Florida. A drug possession charge can interfere with future employment opportunities or even lead to jail time and significant fines. Penalties generally increase with subsequent convictions, and an individual charged with drug possession may also face charges for distribution or intent to sell if there is a large enough quantity, or if the individual portioned the drugs out into individual doses for sale.

Drug Manufacturing

Some illegal drugs require chemical manipulation to produce. Drug manufacturing can refer to the cultivation of plants for drug-related purposes as well as the production of synthetic illegal drugs like crystal methamphetamine. People charged with drug manufacturing often also face charges of reckless endangerment if the drug manufacturing site could have potentially injured anyone nearby. Meth labs require several volatile and harmful chemicals that can explode or leak into the surrounding area, causing health problems for the people living nearby.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking or distribution is a serious crime that often results in federal prosecution. An individual who prepares large quantities of drugs for shipment or attempts to carry them across state lines will likely face charges of distribution. A large shipment of illegal drugs may even result in life in federal prison.

Defending Against Drug Crimes in Gainesville

The most common defense against any type of drug charge is Fourth Amendment violation. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prevents law enforcement officers or federal agents from performing searches and seizures without proper authorization, typically a search warrant. If a police officer or other investigator violated a defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights, it could lead to an overturned conviction or exoneration.

The first step in overcoming any type of drug charge in Gainesville is finding a criminal defense lawyer to represent your interests. The attorneys at Fischer Redavid PLLC take a people-first approach to criminal defense. This means we take the time to get to know you and your case to provide the best possible legal defense. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, and we will let you know how we can help with your drug crime case in Gainesville.