Florida Criminal Defense Attorney Explains Drug Possession and Drug Selling Offenses in Florida
In Florida, criminal defense attorney Dale Carson recommends calling your lawyer immediately if you have been arrested for or charged with possession or sale of drugs. Do not talk to police without a lawyer. Especially, if you have been arrested in or around Jacksonville. For illegal drugs a lawyer is necessary to protect your rights. However, talking to police can jeopardize your rights. This is true regardless of whether you are charged with typical street drugs or a prescription drug. Abuse and sale charges can often be beat or lowered if you have an experienced lawyer like Mr. Carson on your side.
If you have been charged with a drug trafficking crime, the following article contains specific information regarding those charges: Florida Criminal Defense Attorney Dale Carson Explains Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy Charges
Florida Criminal Defense Attorney Explains Penalties for Charges of Possession and Sale of Drugs
In Florida, you can be arrested and charged for possessing cocaine, heroin, marijuana or Xanax. The crime you are charged with and the potential penalties depend on the drug found in your possession and how much of it is found.
Marijuana:
Less than 20 grams = maximum 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine.
More than 20 grams up to 25 pounds = maximum 5 years prison and $5,000 in fines.
Other illegal drugs, including cocaine, heroin, meth and ecstasy:
Up to maximum 30 years prison and $500,000 in fines.
Alternative sentencing programs
Some counties in Florida provide alternatives to conviction and sentencing. Availability depends on your circumstances, such as the nature of the charge and your criminal record.
Pretrial Diversion—Requires monthly reporting to a supervising officer, random drug tests, and community service. Also requires that you not be involved in criminal activity. Successful completion results in dropped charges.
Drug Court—A sort of rehabilitation program monitored closely by the Court. Successful completion results in dropped charges.
Drug Sale or Delivery
Unless charged with selling or delivering extremely large quantities, sale or delivery of drugs involves penalties similar to possession of the same drugs. For example, selling less than 25 pounds of marijuana carries the same penalties as possessing less than 25 pounds. However, large amounts of drugs, like more than 25 pounds of marijuana or more than an ounce of cocaine, puts you in drug trafficking status, with harsher penalties including minimum prison sentences. Read more about drug trafficking penalties here: Florida Criminal Defense Attorney Dale Carson Explains Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy Charges
Selling near schools
Florida adds severe penalties for selling or delivering any amount of drugs near schools, colleges, public parks, public housing, daycare centers or churches. Selling or delivering drugs within 1,000 feet of these places, can add up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 to your sentence, even if only misdemeanor amounts.
Receive Free Consultation about Your Drug Possession or Sale Case from Florida Criminal Defense Attorney Dale Carson
Do not serve unnecessary jail sentences and fines. Call Dale Carson Law in Jacksonville. For illegal drugs a lawyer is necessary to protect your rights. This is true regardless of whether you were charged with typical street drugs or a prescription drug. Abuse and sale charges can often be beat or lowered if you have an experienced lawyer like Mr. Carson on your side and it costs you nothing to receive an initial consultation. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a Florida criminal defense attorney, go to our Complimentary Consults page.
Or call Florida criminal defense attorney Dale Carson today at 904-355-6777.