The State of Florida takes a tough stand on drugs, and the punishment for violating one or more of the drug laws can be harsh. Cases range from misdemeanors to felonies, the amount of jail time that is possible can be lengthy, and the financial fines can be quite high. Most people cannot afford to spend any amount of time in jail, and money is tight for everyone these days. If you have been arrested and charged with possession, it is critical you act fast by securing competent representation to defend you.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your case meets the criteria for possession, because maybe the facts of your circumstance are that you were only driving the car and a passenger had drugs on them that were found during a traffic stop. The police often arrest the driver in these situations, because it is presumed that you knew or should have known what your passengers were carrying, or that you were taking part in their activities. Three things that can be considered “possession” for the purposes of making an arrest are:
- Having drugs on your person for personal use.
- Possessing drugs with the intent to distribute or sell them.
- Being caught with drugs on you for any other activity, other than personal use or for sale.
The amount of substances you have on you when arrested also plays a role in your case. The more you have of something, the more likely it is you will be charged with a felony. Sometimes the way the drugs are packaged can also impact your case. For instance, if you have a large quantity of marijuana, already rolled and bundled in packages, it can appear as though you intend to sell the drugs. Possession with intent is a crime in and of itself, and is much more serious than simple possession. In order to put your best foot forward, you need to give a thorough account of the facts to your attorney so an effective defense can be developed. We have worked with a countless number of people who are facing drug charges, and can work with you today to get a result that works. Call one of our experienced drug defense attorneys now to schedule an appointment.
For more information about drug possession charges, call an experienced defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. We offer an initial consultation for no charge, and look forward to helping you resolve your case in a satisfactory way.