Florida is notorious for drug-related issues, and that’s mostly due to its geographic location and proximity to international shipping. In response to this unfortunate reality, the Florida legislature has passed several drug-related laws that carry significant consequences for those who are convicted under these statutes.
Adam Frankel, P.A., is a firm that has represented many defendants charged with drug-related offenses, and like any other criminal charge, the best step you can take initially is to contact the office for a complete consultation. Mr. Frankel will work with you towards building a strong defense, and he has handed specific drug issues that are detailed below.
Possession
Drug possession charges can vary depending on the specific controlled substance involved, but one commonality is that if you are convicted of possession of a significant amount of any illegal substance, you will face stiff penalties and prison time.
As has been mentioned, the Florida legislature has enacted a stringent statute regarding possession of a controlled substance, and the relevant text of this statute is detailed below.
Florida Statute
It is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally:
Possess a listed chemical with the intent to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance;
Possess or distribute a listed chemical knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the listed chemical will be used to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance;
Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Felony of the Second Degree. A conviction for a second-degree felony carries a potential prison term of up to 15 years.
Sales and Delivery
Drug sales and delivery is also known as “intent to distribute,” which is also a serious offense. Generally speaking, any finding of an intention to sell or deliver controlled substances is treated more seriously than simple possession in terms of prison term. Conviction for these types of charges is considered a first-degree felony, depending on the amount of the controlled substance in question. A first-degree felony carries a potential prison term of 30 years.
Trafficking
Drug trafficking is considered a more serious charge than sales and delivery, as this law is meant to deal with those parties who take part in a larger-scale criminal enterprise. As such, the statute regarding trafficking is clear and comes with severe punishment.
Florida statutes define drug trafficking as:
Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of (a controlled substance). These are felonies in nature, and they carry significant prison terms as consequences. In certain cases, a convicted defendant could face life in prison.
Overall, being charged with a drug-related crime in Florida is a serious legal problem. The best way to handle any legal problem is by acting quickly and by contacting Adam Frankel, P.A. for a full consultation. You have a guaranteed right to build a strong defense, so act now to get the process of protecting your rights started.
