The Drugs of Florida

The Drugs of Florida

 

Florida – Land of sun, surf, orange juice … and illegal drugs. It’s the stuff television shows and movies are made of! Maybe the illegal drug issue doesn’t seem so bad when you’re sitting on the beach, sipping orange juice and working on your tan.

 

Fortunately, drug possession charges aren’t taken that lightly and are very common in Florida state courts. Charges can range from felony possession to a misdemeanor and are determined by the amount of the illegal drug found in your possession or control. A felony charge will normally apply if you are allegedly found with any of the following:

 

· Cocaine

· Heroine

· Methamphetamine

· Oxycotin

· Xanax

· Ecstasy

· GHB (aka date rape drug)

 

A felony is the most serious type of crime in any US court. It can be punishable by more than one year in prison or by death. In addition, Florida laws dictate that those convicted of felony drug possession can also have these penalties assessed:

 

· 2-year drivers license suspension

· Occupational restrictions (can’t work in certain jobs)

· Substance abuse evaluation, treatment and follow-up

· Random urine testing

· Potential loss of vehicle (civil seizure/forfeiture)

· Fines up to ,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years for specific offense

 

If you are found to have a small amount of marijuana in your control, it may be considered a misdemeanor and the maximum sentence is generally no more than a year. However, having more than 20 grams of marijuana makes the crime a felony.

 

You can even be charged with possession if you are, for example, a passenger in a vehicle where cocaine is found in the glove box. Even if you had no idea the drug was there, Florida law allows for the possibility that you were aware. (Sounds like guilty until proven innocent.)

 

Being charged with drug possession in Florida isn’t a sunny day at the beach. Having an experienced drug possession lawyer in Florida is imperative. If you’ve been charged with drug possession, you don’t want to leave your fate in the hands of someone who’d rather be sipping o.j. on the beach watching TV reruns, right?