Important Information About Drug Crimes

While most people understand that criminal charges are a serious matter, there are certain crimes that carry less weight and may result in less severe punishment than others. The state of Florida takes drug-related offenses very seriously and persons who face charges of possession, sale, transportation, and manufacture of illegal drugs may face severe consequences in the event of a conviction.

Persons who are convicted of drug-related crimes in Florida may face heavy fines, probation, incarceration, loss of personal freedoms, and other consequences as a result of their arrest. The West Palm Beach criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. are happy to bring you the following information about drug-related offenses and the process of criminal defense.

Common Drug-Related Crimes

The state of Florida makes it illegal to buy, sell, or possess controlled substances, and individuals who are found guilty of violating state and federal drug laws may face serious penalties that can seriously affect their livelihood. Common crimes include:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Attempted purchase of a controlled substance
• Sale (or attempted sale) of a controlled substance
• Smuggling a controlled substance into the state
• Smuggling with intent to distribute
• Manufacture of a controlled substance

The specific charges that persons may face following a drug-related arrest often vary depending on the type of drug and the amount that was in the person’s possession. Drugs like marijuana and other substances may not carry as heavy penalties as substances like cocaine and heroin if they are in smaller amounts, but large amounts of any substance will usually carry heavy criminal penalties.

The prosecutor will typically decide what type of charges to pursue against persons found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Persons who are in possession of certain drugs may expect:

• First-degree misdemeanor charges for 20 grams or less of marijuana
• Third-degree felony charges for more than 20 grams of marijuana
• Felony charges for possession of cocaine, heroin, and almost any other controlled substance

If an individual is found to be in possession of more than 20 pounds of marijuana, he or she will usually face trafficking charges instead of possession. For more information on drug possession charges, contact an experienced West Palm Beach criminal attorney today.

Trafficking Charges

In recent years, Florida lawmakers and law-enforcement officials have worked hard to establish tougher enforcement of trafficking laws in an effort to curb the flow of drugs into the state and country. Trafficking is usually defined as:

• Knowingly selling, purchasing, or delivering drugs in the state
• Transporting a controlled substance into the state with the intent to distribute
• The manufacture of illegal drugs with intent to distribute

Prosecutors and judges often pursue trafficking cases aggressively, so it is important to have an experienced West Palm Beach attorney on your side.

Consequences of Drug-related Charges

Persons who are facing drug related charges may find that the penalties and punishments may include:

• Incarceration in a state or federal jail facility
• Fines and court costs
• Asset forfeiture in the event of sale, trafficking, or distribution charges
• Loss of driving privileges and other liberties
• Probation
• Mandatory drug counseling and classes

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been charged with the possession, sale, or manufacture of a controlled substance, it is important to discuss your legal options. For assistance with your case, contact the West Palm Beach criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. at 561-353-2800 today.