Possession of Illegal Drugs

The state of Florida has created a number of detailed drug laws and severe penalties for individuals who choose to not abide by them. Because of its long coastline and location, Florida is a popular point of entry for criminals trying to smuggle drugs into the United States. The elevated laws and sentences in Florida have been designed to discourage the possession, manufacturing, and trafficking of drugs into and around Florida.

If you have been searched and an officer has found drugs on your person, in your car or home, or otherwise on your property, you will likely be arrested for drug possession. Remember that when you are arrested and are being questioned, you have a right to remain silent first and foremost. It is in your best interest to not talk to the police or answer any questions they ask. Simply respond by telling them that you would like to invoke your right to remain silent or that you want to speak to your lawyer. The more information you give the police, the more difficult it will be for a lawyer to help you defend your case in court.

A drug possession conviction has a number of serious penalties. For possession of even a small amount of an illegal drug, you may have your driver’s license suspended for a mandatory two year period. In addition, you could be penalized with a heavy fine as high as $500,000, depending on the type of drug and the amount in your possession. For even a small amount of marijuana, you may be jailed for up to 1 year. For greater amounts or other illegal drugs, you may be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Contact Us

Clearly drug possession is taken very seriously in the state of Florida. If you have been arrested for possessing an illegal drug, contact the aggressive, experienced West Palm Beach criminal lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.