Tampa Drug Crime Lawyer

The laws that pertain to the possession, distribution, and manufacture of controlled substances, including marijuana, differ on a state-by-state basis. What’s more, many of these laws have evolved over the years, which makes understanding them that much more difficult. At the law offices of de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP, our Tampa drug crime lawyers are prepared to provide you with aggressive legal defense if you have been charged with a drug crime, and can help you to understand the charges assessed against you and your options moving forward.

Drug Crimes in Tampa

In Florida, it is illegal to possess, distribute, possess with intent to manufacture or distribute, or manufacture a controlled substance in the state. Each of these crimes is classified differently and is associated with different penalties, the severity of each is dependent upon the typeof drug involved and the amountof drug involved. For example, possession of cocaine, which is a schedule II drug, with intent to sell is a second-degree felony. On the other hand, the possession with intent of a schedule V drug, which is a drug that has a low potential for abuse, is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Penalties for a Drug Conviction

It is important that you work with an attorney who can review the facts of your case and the specific charges that you are facing. In addition to the possible penalties that you may face for drug charges, the state also enforces mandatory minimum sentencing. For example, trafficking in between 50-200 grams of hydrocodone carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years in prison.

Of course, jail time and a large fine are not the only penalties you could potentially face. In addition to these, you may also be put on probation (in place of jail time), lose your ability to vote (if convicted of a felony), face difficulty in securing employment or housing, lose custody of your children, and more.

What About Marijuana?

While marijuana maintains the classification as a schedule I drug by the federal government (the most serious classification there is), possession of 20 grams or less of the drug in Florida is only considered to be a misdemeanor crime. However, possession of more than 20 grams will result in felony charges. Florida has enacted medical marijuana laws – this may serve as a defense if you face possession charges.

Our Tampa Drug Crime Lawyers Are Here to Represent You

Our Tampa drug crimes lawyers believe in the idea that a person is innocent until proven guilty, and that anyone charged with a drug crime deserves the representation of a competent and qualified lawyer. If you are facing drug crime charges in Tampa, don’t hesitate to call our law firm for a consultation about your legal options. We will fight hard to secure the best outcome for your case as is possible.