If you have been charged with a drug offense, it can be a frightening and possibly life-altering experience. The charges can carry several criminal punishments, including jail time or steep fines. In addition, drug charges have the potential to affect your ability to find a job or housing.
Most drug charges are either state felonies or misdemeanors, but the charges can also be federal offenses, which often have very harsh penalties. If charged by the U.S. government with certain quantities, a person may face mandatory minimum sentences and millions of dollars in fines.
The DUNN Law Firm, PA represents clients in a wide range of drug offense areas, including:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Cocaine
- Possession of Marijuana
- Possession of Heroin
- Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription
- Possession with Intent to Sell
- Sale of Cannabis
- Cultivation of Marijuana
- Introduction of Contraband Into a Detention Facility
- Drug Trafficking
- Conspiracy to Sell or Traffic in Illegal Drugs
Penalties for Drug Possession in Florida
Florida Statute § 893.13 describes different criminal penalties for various drug charges. Depending on the charge and the amount of drugs involved, penalties can range from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.
Punishment can be wide-ranging, however; the mere possession of any controlled substance other than marijuana is a felony in Florida, with a prison sentence of up to five years. Your driver’s license also may also be suspended, and you will have a permanent criminal record.
If you are convicted of a state drug crime, the penalty will depend upon the charge:
- First-Degree Felony: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Second-Degree Felony: Up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Third-Degree Felony: Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
- First-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
- Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500
Other penalties may include substance abuse treatment, random drug testing, community service requirements, negative effects on employment or military status, probation, parole and a permanent criminal record.
Also, according to Florida Statutes § 322.055, any drug conviction can result in an immediate suspension of your driver’s license for two years, or until the offender has been evaluated and completed drug treatment, if necessary, whether or not the charge was driving related.
Although a judge may reinstate an offender’s license for employment purposes, their license must be suspended for at least six months. If you are caught driving while your license is suspended, you could face additional penalties. Call the DUNN Law Firm, PA to help to combat the penalties.
Drug Resources
Narcotics Anonymous –
NA is a non-profit organization designed for people who have a drug addiction to meet and support each other in order to stay drug-free. The website contains more information and where local meetings are held.
Federal Drug Penalties –
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s page about federal penalties for possessing, trafficking and distributing controlled substances.
Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association –
FADAA is a non-profit organization representing drug abuse and treatment centers throughout Florida.
FADAA Headquarters
2868 Mahan Drive, Suite 1
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(850) 878-2196
Drug Enforcement Administration –
A national government agency seeking to enforce the United State’s laws and regulations regarding controlled substances.