DRUG CRIME LAWYER IN TAMPA

SECURING YOUR RIGHT TO CRIMINAL DEFENSE REPRESENTATION

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How does a Florida prosecutor prove that someone is guilty of a drug crime? What if the accused person is innocent? Keep reading, because you’re about to learn what everyone should know about drug charges in the State of Florida.

Specific charges and penalties for drug crimes in Florida – possessing, selling, or manufacturing illegal drugs – are determined by the number of drugs or amount of money involved, the type of drugs, whether weapons or minors were involved, and a defendant’s previous criminal history.

However, even a first offense for simple possession of an illegal drug is a serious matter. Acting as your own lawyer in a drug case is always a bad idea. Florida’s drug laws are complicated, and it’s far too easy to make a mistake or to say something that may be incriminating.

Contact our team today for help fitting your drug case.

DRUG CRIMES IN FLORIDA

In Florida, drug crimes can carry serious legal consequences, with penalties ranging from fines to lengthy prison sentences. Florida law classifies drugs into different categories, such as Schedule I, II, III, and IV controlled substances, each with varying degrees of punishment. Drug offenses, such as possession, trafficking, and manufacturing, are aggressively prosecuted in the state, and convictions can lead to severe consequences for individuals. Possession of even a small amount of illegal drugs can result in felony charges, while trafficking offenses can lead to long prison terms. Additionally, Florida has strict laws for drug-related offenses near schools and other protected areas, which can result in enhanced penalties. If you are facing drug charges in Florida, it’s crucial to understand the laws and seek legal representation from a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Having an experienced lawyer can help identify flaws in the prosecution’s case and potentially reduce charges or penalties.

Your defense lawyer in a drug case should have substantial experience representing persons who are accused of drug crimes. Your lawyer will explain the charge or charges against you, review the details of the case, and fight for justice on your behalf.

A not guilty verdict is usually the goal in these cases, but if the state’s evidence against you is persuasive, and if a conviction is inevitable, your lawyer may negotiate for reduced or alternative sentencing. You may qualify for a Drug Court program.

HOW DOES A DRUG COURT PROGRAM WORK?

Prosecutors determine who is accepted into a Drug Court program, but if you qualify, your attorney can ask to have you admitted. A drug court program requires work. Defendants must make a commitment to the program and take personal responsibility for completing it.

Drug courts in Florida combine the resources and efforts of defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, social workers, corrections officials, and drug counseling and treatment professionals.

DRUG COURT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Drug Court program requirements are personalized for each participant. The minimum contract is 18 months, however, the program may be terminated early if the defendant has perfect attendance and has not violated the agreement in the first 12 months. The State Attorney’s Office then drops the criminal charge when the program has been successfully completed. A Drug Court program may include:

group and individual counseling
urine screens and other drug tests and monitoring
regular case reviews before a judge
frequent meetings with a Florida Department of Corrections probation officer

Participants in Drug Court programs obtain treatment and counseling, avoid jail, and in many cases, retain their jobs or find employment. Graduates of a Drug Court program will possess the tools to stay free of drugs in the future.

WHAT IF A DEFENDANT ISN’T GUILTY?

If you complete a Drug Court program successfully, the criminal charge or charges against you will be dismissed. Of course, if you were wrongly arrested, and you’re innocent, you should accept no deal, and instead, you should fight the charge with a good criminal defense attorney’s help.

If you’re charged with a drug crime in the Tampa Bay area, politely insist on your right to remain silent and your right to have an attorney present during questioning. Don’t say or sign anything until you’ve consulted with an experienced Tampa drug crimes lawyer.

WHAT DEFENSES ARE TYPICALLY OFFERED AGAINST DRUG CHARGES?

Challenging Police Actions

A key defense in drug crime cases involves disputing the legality of police actions. If a search and seizure were conducted unlawfully or if the arrest lacked proper justification, a defense lawyer can argue for the exclusion of any obtained evidence. This may lead to a dismissal of charges if the search violated the defendant’s rights.

Entrapment Defense

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise engaged in. If a defendant was coerced or persuaded by the police to break the law, this defense may be used to challenge the charges.

Wrongful Possession Accusations

In some cases, a defendant may be wrongly accused of possessing drugs that did not belong to them. If the defense can prove that the drugs in question were someone else’s, it could result in a dismissal of the charges.

Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Case

A drug crimes lawyer will thoroughly examine the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses, inconsistencies, or lack of credibility. By highlighting these flaws, they can argue for a reduction in charges or even seek an acquittal.

Defending Your Rights

An experienced drug defense attorney will explore all possible defenses, scrutinize every aspect of the case, and seek the best outcome for the defendant. Depending on the evidence, they may push for a charge dismissal or a reduced sentence.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOUR CASE

At Patrick B. Courtney, P.A., we actively work to challenge the charges against you in drug crime cases. Our criminal defense team carefully examines the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the legality of search and seizure procedures. We explore all possible defense strategies, such as questioning the evidence, challenging police conduct, or proving that you were not in possession of the drugs. Our goal is to provide you with the strongest defense and pursue the best possible outcome, whether through reduced charges, case dismissal, or acquittal.

IF YOU FACE DRUG CHARGES IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA

Tampa drug crimes lawyer Patrick B. Courtney has over 24 years of legal experience. He’s been a prosecutor, so he knows how drug cases are handled. Pat Courtney knows how to protect his clients’ rights and bring a drug case to its best possible resolution. He represents clients in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

Learn more by calling Pat Courtney’s law offices at (813) 252-1529 to schedule an initial consultation.