Drug Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL

Drug charges are taken seriously in Florida and usually carry significant penalties. Consequences include probation, imprisonment, and fines, depending on your drug charges. That’s why you should hire a drug possession lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL, to help you build a defense on your charges and represent you in court.

At Piotrowski Law, we are committed to educating you on drug crimes in Florida so that you fully understand the charges against you and the possible outcomes you might have to face. To find out more, continue reading.

Florida Drug Offenses

Florida drug offenses range from possession, trafficking, manufacturing, sale, and prescription fraud. Here’s a breakdown of the five common drug crimes in Florida:

Drug Possession

This is the most common drug offense in Florida. It involves possessing controlled substances or illegal drugs without a valid prescription. The severity of drug possession charges varies according to the type and amount of drugs you’re found in possession.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking charges are similar to distribution charges, but their difference lies in the quantity of the drug in question. Drug distribution charges escalate from distribution when you’re found with a certain amount of weight.

Manufacturing

Drug manufacturing refers to producing illegal substances like ecstasy or methamphetamine. It involves different activities like operating a meth lab and cultivating marijuana.

Prescription Fraud

Prescription fraud involves acquiring prescription medication through deceit. It may include forging prescriptions, altering prescriptions, or doctor shopping to acquire more drugs than prescribed.

Drug Distribution

Drug distribution charges are more severe than simple possession. You could be arrested if you’re involved in the sale, manufacture, transport, or exchange of a controlled substance. The gravity of the charges depends on the type of drug you possess.

Florida Drug Court

Unlike other states, Florida takes a unique approach to drug cases by taking defendants through a unique court system. Also, Florida drug courts offer drug offenders the chance to avoid prosecution, become drug-free, and seek rehabilitation at Miami-Dade County’s Drug County instead of convicting them. As of December 2023, there are 53 adult drug courts, 13 dependency drug courts, 14 juvenile drug courts, and 4 DUI courts in Florida.

Adult Drug Court

An adult drug court is a volunteer drug diversion and treatment program that identifies adult drug defendants with substance abuse problems and redirects them from the ordinary course of prosecution through intensive supervision presided by a judge and a specialist for at least a year.

Dependency Drug Courts

Dependency drug courts focus on promoting permanency, well-being, and child safety by providing individualized intervention to a drug defendant. They work on timeliness issues that are found in traditional dependency courts and specifically allow participants to work on reunification with their kids after receiving treatment.

Juvenile Drug Courts

These courts service juvenile offenders with substance use disorder who are arrested, charged, or under investigation for any drug crime. It focuses on effectively addressing substance abuse among them, ensuring equitable treatment, implementing contingency management, and monitoring and tracking drug treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Potential Punishment for Narcotic and Drug Crimes

Punishment for narcotics and drug crimes in Florida depends on the type of drug crime you’re charged with. They are classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are considerably less serious, while felonies are more severe and have significant penalties. Here’s a breakdown of the potential penalties you might get:

First-Degree Misdemeanor

Drug crimes like possession of drug paraphernalia and under 20 grams of marijuana are charged as first-degree misdemeanors. They carry at least one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

First-Degree Felony

Drug crimes like possessing 30 grams or more but under 200 grams of cocaine is drug trafficking or sale within 1,000 feet of a park or school are regarded as first-degree felonies. They carry a maximum fine of $10,000 and 30 years in prison.

Second-Degree Felony

This involves drug crimes like possession of chemicals to make illegal substances like ecstasy. Sentences include up to 15 years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Third-Degree Felony

This commonly involves the possession of drugs or controlled substances that exceed a certain weight. Common drugs include cocaine, marijuana, Heroin, Xanax, and Methamphetamine. Sentences include a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years of jail time.

Are You In Need of a Drug Defense Attorney? Contact the Experts at Piotrowski Law

Florida laws are strict and prosecute drug crimes aggressively. That’s why you must hire a drug possession lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL, to help you review your case and work on the best defense to help dismiss or reduce your sentence.

At Piotrowski Law, our legal team will work relentlessly on your case to ensure you get the best possible results for your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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