Jacksonville Drug Possession Lawyer

Aggressive Defense for Drug Possession Charges in Florida

Drug possession is a serious criminal offense in Florida. If you are convicted, you could face jail or prison time, fines, probation, and other penalties. A conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment, housing, or obtain professional licenses. If you have been arrested for drug possession, it is crucial that you contact an experienced drug crimes attorney as soon as possible.

At the Law Office of Russell B. McCormick, PA, we have extensive experience representing clients in all types of drug possession cases. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with being charged with a crime, and we are here to provide the compassionate support and aggressive advocacy you need. Our Jacksonville drug possession lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

If you have been charged with drug possession, call our firm at (904) 353-0436 or contact us online for a consultation. 

What Is Drug Possession?

Drug possession is a criminal offense that involves having illegal drugs in your possession. This can include having drugs on your person, in your vehicle, or in your home. You can be charged with drug possession even if you do not own the drugs or if you were not aware that they were in your possession.

Drug possession charges can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type and amount of drugs involved. In Florida, drug possession is typically charged as a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, if you are found to be in possession of a large amount of drugs, you could face first-degree felony charges, which are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Florida?

Florida has some of the harshest drug possession laws in the country. The penalties for drug possession depend on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as whether you have any prior drug convictions.

Drug possession penalties in Florida include:

• First-degree misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Third-degree felony: Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine
• First-degree felony: Up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine

In addition to these penalties, a drug possession conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record. This can make it difficult to find employment, housing, or obtain professional licenses. You may also lose your eligibility for certain government benefits, such as student loans or public housing.

What Are the Defenses to Drug Possession Charges?

If you have been charged with drug possession, there are several defenses that may be available to you. The best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced drug possession lawyer in Jacksonville can review the facts and evidence in your case and help you determine the best course of action.

Some common defenses to drug possession charges include:

• Illegal search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police obtained the drugs through an illegal search, your attorney can file a motion to have the evidence suppressed.
• Constructive possession: To be convicted of drug possession, the prosecution must prove that you had actual or constructive possession of the drugs. If the drugs were not found on your person, your attorney can argue that you did not have control over the drugs and were not aware that they were in your possession.
• Missing drugs: The prosecution must prove that the drugs that were seized are the same drugs that were tested. If the drugs were lost or destroyed, your attorney can argue that the prosecution cannot prove that the drugs were illegal.
• Entrapment: If the police used entrapment to get you to commit a crime, your attorney can argue that you were unfairly targeted and the charges should be dismissed.

It is important to note that you can still be charged with drug possession even if the drugs were not found on your person. If the drugs were found in your vehicle or in your home, you could still be charged with drug possession if the prosecution can prove that you had control over the drugs and were aware that they were in your possession.

How Can a Drug Possession Lawyer Help?

If you have been charged with drug possession, it is crucial that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The prosecution will begin building its case against you immediately, and you need someone on your side who will fight to protect your rights and your freedom.

A drug possession lawyer in Jacksonville can review the facts and evidence in your case and help you determine the best course of action. If the police obtained the drugs through an illegal search, your attorney can file a motion to have the evidence suppressed. If the drugs were lost or destroyed, your attorney can argue that the charges should be dismissed. If the prosecution has a strong case against you, your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges reduced or seek alternative sentencing options.

At the Law Office of Russell B. McCormick, PA, we have extensive experience representing clients in all types of drug possession cases. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with being charged with a crime, and we are here to provide the compassionate support and aggressive advocacy you need. Our Jacksonville drug possession lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

If you have been charged with drug possession, call our firm at (904) 353-0436 or contact us online for a consultation.