Palm Beach Drug Crime Attorney
Possession, Trafficking and Other Offenses
Drug crime allegations can be a misdemeanor or felony offense. In addition,
they can be offenses tried at the state level or the federal level. Depending
on the nature of the act committed, as well as the substance being used,
any number of accusations can be made which will require aggressive
criminal defense skills in order to fight against the slanderous allegations that have
been enacted against you. In all of the nation's states, it is considered
a crime to use, manufacture, distribute, or even possess illegal substances
classified as drugs. Therefore, no matter what the circumstances of the
drug crime allegations that have been made in your name may entail, there
can be no denying the fact that you will need serious legal defense on
your side as you work to challenge the accusations that have been made
in your name.
From drug cultivation to trafficking and sales, there is nothing stopping
you from being arrested by state law enforcement officers eager to identify
potential Florida criminals. The same is often true for judges, jury panels,
and the like; all who seem to lean towards the tendency of convicting
when drug crime allegations have landed a defendant in court and on trial
for a criminal offense. In order to protect yourself against an unfair
conviction or a sentencing that is too harsh, you need to retain the legal
services of our firm. In this way, you will stand the best possible chance
of being acquitted or having your sentencing reduced.
Illegal Narcotic-Related Crimes
Cultivation
Drug cultivation occurs when an individual grows or produces illegal substances
such as marijuana. The higher the amount that is present, the greater
the charges will be. Typically, individuals who are found cultivating
an illegal substance do so with the intent to sell, but even if they can
prove that was not their intention they will still be up against serious charges.
Distribution
The distribution of drugs can include the sale, delivery or transportation
of any kind of illicit drug. It can be considered a misdemeanor offense
or even a first-degree felony depending on the factors involved. A conviction
could land you in jail for a number of years.
Possession
If you are found with any type of illegal drugs in your possession, then
you can be charged and criminally prosecuted in the state of Florida.
Possession drug offenses can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony offense
depending on circumstances such as the amount and type of drug in your
possession.
Possession for Sale
If you are caught with a high amount of drugs, packaging materials such
as baggies or the drugs are packaged in a certain manner, you could be
suspected of possessing the drugs for sale. A charge of this kind will
be substantially higher that simple possession charges.
Prescription Fraud
Recognized as a rapidly growing drug crime, prescription fraud is even
being found among many average citizens with no past record. Some may
have become addicted to a prescription medicine while others may be looking
to sell the drugs that have been prescribed to them. When a prescription
is not used in the way the prescribing doctor intended it to be, it is
viewed as illegal and can be punished as such.
Sale
Of all drug crime offenses, those related to the sale of an illegal substance
are among the most heavily punished in the state of Florida. No matter
what type of drug is found in your possession, if it is determined that
your intent was to sell the substance to one or more other persons, you
could be facing serious penalties.
Trafficking
The drug trafficking industry around the world is widespread. Due to the
location of Florida, it can be easier to traffic drugs in and out of the
state. To handle the large problem present in the state, the government
is frequently increasing the measures used against “offenders.”
Types of Illegal Drugs
Cocaine
Possession of cocaine is classified as a third degree felony. The sale
of cocaine is a second degree felony and trafficking cocaine is categorized
as a first degree felony. You can face up to life in jail for a conviction
involving cocaine.
Crack
Crack is a form of cocaine that is highly addictive, providing an intense
high for those that use it. While cocaine can come as a powder, crack
is a rocklike form that can be heated and smoked. Those found with crack
can be charged for any number of crimes, including trafficking or possession for sale.
Crystal Meth
Methamphetamines are extremely addictive and can have a substantial effect
on the central nervous system, causing harmful effects that can remain
present for years after it has been used. The use of crystal meth can
be associated with violent crimes, thus increasing the efforts of law
enforcements officers to eradicate it.
Ecstasy
Recreational use of ecstasy, also referred to as MDMA, is widespread.
It is considered a Schedule I drug by the government under the Controlled
Substances Act. Those who consume ecstasy can have hallucinations along
with many negative side effects.
Heroin
Heroin is considered a Schedule I drug by the government because of the
high potential for abuse that this drug possesses, as well as the lack
of medical assistance it offers. Those found possessing or distributing
a Schedule I drug such as heroin will be up against a serious conviction.
Marijuana
Marijuana is widely used for both medicinally and recreationally. Without
a prescription from a doctor, marijuana use is illegal. Your involvement
with this type of drug and the amount in your possession will be used
to determine the ultimate verdict that is issued in your case.
PCP
Also known by the name phencyclidine, PCP was originally used as an anesthetic
but has now been used by many for recreational purposes. A sentence can
result in a felony on your criminal record. The minimum charge for trafficking
PCP is 3 years in prison with a fine of $50,000.
What To Do Next
If you are formally found guilty of the drug crime allegation that was
set against you then you could be facing hefty fines, substantial jail
time, community service hours, and more. These are consequences that no
one wants to face and, fortunately, we know what it takes to prevent our
clients from incurring such damaging and life-altering penalties. One
of our lead attorneys, Mr. Parks, began his career as a prosecutor for
the Broward County State Attorney's Office, so he knows what it takes
to present a viable challenge in prosecution cases of any nature, drug
crimes included.
You should not wait to obtain defense if you are facing drug crime allegations
in the state of Florida, as a conviction could result in harsh penalties.
At Parks & Braxton, PA we know how to defend against allegations of
this nature. In fact, we have done so successfully on many occasions.
When it comes to representing the criminally accused, no case is too great
or small and we will be by your side in the representation of minor possession
charges all the way up to federal drug crime offenses. We have successfully
handled thousands of cases in the past, and we are ready to take on your
case today as well!