Drug Crimes
Drug crimes are one of the most seriously taken crimes in Florida. There are multiple types of drug offenses in Florida. Aston Wilson, P.A. is committed to representing clients who have been charged with misdemeanor and felony drug offenses in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Possession
It is unlawful for any person to possess and illegal controlled substance. These controlled substances include but are not limited to: marijuana, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, ecstasy, methamphetamines and illegal prescription medications. If a person is found to possess an illegal drug, he or she can be charged with possession.
The penalties for possession vary by drug and by amount possessed. Some of the most common possession crimes are:
Possession of Marijuana/Cannabis is typically a first degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 1 (one) year in county jail.
Possession of cocaine/controlled substance is a third degree felony, which is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in state prison.
Possession with Intent to Sell/Distribute
Possession with intent to sell/distribute refers to the possession of the illegal drug with the intention of dealing or selling the drug to others. This is a more serious offense than possession. These controlled substances include but are not limited to: marijuana, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, ecstasy, methamphetamines and illegal prescription medications.
Possession with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture cocaine/controlled substances is a second degree felony, punishable by up to fifteen (15) years in state prison.
Possession with intent to sell, deliver or manufacture marijuana/cannabis is a third degree felony, punishable by up to five (5) years in state prison.
Certain details of the arrest will give cause to have the “intent to sell/distribute” enhancement. Some things officers will look at during the incident will be:
- Amount of drug in the offender’s possession
- Amount of money on the offender
- The way the drugs are packaged
- Presence of drug paraphernalia
- Presence of weapons
A criminal defense attorney is needed to sort through these details and to help assist you face these charges.
Drug Cultivation
Arrested for allegedly growing cannabis?
Drug cultivation is a drug crime that refers to the growth and/or production of an illegal narcotic. In the United States, the most cultivated drug is marijuana. According to state and federal laws, it is illegal for a person to possess plants that are used to crate unlawful controlled substances.
Marijuana cultivation or the “manufacture of cannabis’ is a third degree felony offense in Florida, punishable by up to five (5) years in state prison. The severity of the person’s criminal charges will depend on several factor which may include the amount of drug being manufactured, the type of drug being produced, if the person has a prior criminal record, if the person has prior drug convictions.
State Attorneys will push for the mandatory minimum prison sentences in these types of cases. It is important that you have a criminal defense attorney to help you through your case. If you are charged with this crime contact Aston Wilson, P.A. today and have us protect your rights.
Trafficking
Drug trafficking is probably one of if not the most serious of all of the drug crimes. Trafficking is referred to as the act of importing, selling and distributing unlawful controlled substances. The penalties affixed to this crime are extremely serious and can vary depending on the amount and type of drug being trafficked.
An offender can face anywhere from three (3) years in prison with a fine of $25,000 up to fifteen (15) years in prison with a fine reaching $200,000. If you have been charged with drug trafficking you are facing serious allegations that must be met as soon as possible by a criminal defense attorney.
At Aston Wilson, P.A. we provide our clients with accessibility, passion and tireless representation to obtain the best possible result for their cases. If you are facing drug charges contact us today!