Drug Crime Attorneys

Serving Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, and clients throughout Florida

Drug charges are one of the most common crimes seen in Florida. As a state with one of the highest addiction rates and prescription medication problems, there are numerous arrests each year that are related to drugs. Unfortunately, the law does not condone drug use and Florida has some of the harshest penalties for drug-related offenses. Even a simple drug possession could change your life forever.

You Need a Drug Crime Attorney

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug-related offense, it is important to understand the charges you are facing. An arrest could lead to jail or prison time, fines, and a criminal record.

Our team of drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville at Hardesty, Tyde, Green, Ashton & Clifton have experience with these types of criminal cases and we can help you.

What Drugs are Illegal in Florida?

Florida’s illegal drugs cannot be sold, manufactured, delivered or possessed. Some substances that are considered illegal in the state of Florida include:

• Cannabis
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• Oxycodone
• Methamphetamines
• LSD
• Opium
• PCP
• Mushrooms

Possession of prescription stimulants or pain killers without a valid prescription can also lead to an arrest and conviction. Some medications that must have a valid prescription include:

• OxyContin
• Hydrocodone
• Vicodin
• Xanax
• Benzodiazepines
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Methadone

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Possession of a controlled substance is one of the most common criminal charges in Florida. This is when one person gains access to illegal drugs without the right to them. These types of charges are tricky and the person must be in actual possession of the drug to be charged with this crime. The possession of a controlled substance, however, can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, which means you could face significant time in jail for that charge.

Florida Drug Charges

In addition to possession, there are other types of common drug charges in Florida, which include:

• Sale of illegal substances
• Drug trafficking
• Drug dealing
• Possession
• Possession with the intent to sell
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Prescription drug trafficking

What Punishments Am I Facing?

If you have been arrested for a drug crime, then the punishment will depend on a few factors. Punishments can range from minor sanctions to prison time. If you are convicted on the state level, the penalty depends on the drug charge. Some punishments you may face include, but are not limited to:

• Life Felony – Life in prison and fines up to $15,000
• First Degree Felony – Up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
• Second Degree Felony – Up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
• Third Degree Felony – Up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000
• First Degree Misdemeanor – Up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000
• Second Degree Misdemeanor – Up to 60 days in jail, and fines up to $500

Also, in addition to your actual punishment, you could face other conditions, such as:

• Probation
• Community service
• Curfews
• House arrest
• Drug substance abuse treatment
• Counseling
• Random, frequent drug testing

Your drug offense could also be turned into a federal crime. If you were trafficking drugs to and from the state, you may face even harsher penalties in federal court for your crimes.

Drug Convictions Can Stay with You for Life

A drug conviction can stay with you for the rest of your life. It can affect your ability to get a job, affect your military status, and even make it impossible for you to get a home. The impact it has on higher education is also severe, and those with criminal records cannot qualify for certain federal aid programs.

You essentially lose your rights if you are convicted of a drug crime. That means you lose your right to public office to vote and even to own a firearm in the future.

How do I pay for your criminal law legal services?

Don’t Risk It – Contact Our Team of Drug Crime Attorneys Today!

Before you discuss your case with a prosecutor or think about taking a plea deal, contact the criminal defense attorneys in Jacksonville at Hardesty, Tyde, Green & Ashton, P. A. today. We offer free consultations and can assist you with your case.

We understand the harsh penalties associated with these types of crimes and we want to protect your rights as well as lessen the impact that crime has on the rest of your life.

Call us now to schedule your free case evaluation. We can come to you or meet you in one of our two Jacksonville law offices today.