Clearwater Drug Possession Attorney
Possession of even small amounts of drugs is a crime in Florida, and many defendants will face years in prison if convicted. Florida criminalizes the possession of hundreds of drugs, including many common medications. Call The Reep Law Firm if you are picked up for possession of any controlled substance. We can review the criminal charges and identify the best defenses to raise. A Clearwater drug possession attorney is ready to defend you and protect your freedom.
How We Defend Drug Cases
Any possession charge is serious. Someone caught with a Schedule V drug can face misdemeanor charges and up to 60 days in jail. However, possession of more dangerous drugs like cocaine or narcotics will result in felony charges. Some defendants could end up behind bars for up to 30 years. That is a long time for what was a mistake.
We dive deep into the facts to determine an appropriate defense. Unfortunately, the state is not decriminalizing drugs any time soon. Florida prosecutors continue to seek maximum penalties against even first-time offenders. We must point out weaknesses in the state’s case against you to obtain a favorable disposition.
Some defenses include:
- Lack of possession. The drugs could be far from you, in a different part of the property. You might not even own the property where the drugs are found. The state needs to show you possessed the drugs.
- Valid prescription. Some scheduled drugs have valid medical uses, so you are not breaking the law if you have a valid prescription to take the drugs. You might have left the prescription at home or lost it.
- Lack of knowledge. The police might find drugs in the trunk of the car you are driving, but you borrowed the car from a friend. You should not face possession charges if you did not know the drugs were in the vehicle.
- Reasonable doubt. The state is required to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. We can point out unanswered questions which cast doubt on the state’s version of events.
- Violations in search or seizure. The police must follow the Constitution when performing a stop or investigating a crime. We can ask a judge to suppress evidence the police found without probable cause or a warrant.
In other situations, a defendant might qualify for pretrial diversion for a first-time offense. Another option is drug court, where defendants undergo treatment to address their chemical dependence. These options help our clients avoid prison, which is often one of their greatest fears. However, you are not guaranteed admission to either diversion or drug court, so work with a lawyer to identify if you are eligible.
Call Our Clearwater Drug Possession Attorney to Get Answers to Your Questions
The Reep Law Firm has defended countless people on drug possession charges. We know how to obtain a favorable disposition in these cases, allowing our clients to move on with their lives. Call us today to speak with a Clearwater drug possession attorney in a private consultation.
