Drug-related offenses can be particularly challenging to handle in Florida, especially if someone was harmed by your actions or you have had previous drug-related offenses. Here are some of the most important things to know about what to expect if you have been charged with a drug-related crime in Florida and how the Law Offices of Richard Wunsch may be able to help.
How We Can Help If You’ve Been Charged
At the Law Offices of Richard Wunsch, our expert drug case lawyers can help you understand what to expect from your situation and take steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Although every situation is unique, choosing us gives you the best chance of making sure that you are able to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to reduce the impact of your mistake on the rest of your life. This is particularly true if you have not been charged for any drug-related offenses before and no one was harmed, but we can work to ensure the fairest possible outcome regardless of the details of your situation.
Drug Crimes in Florida
Drug crimes often carry higher minimum penalties in Florida than the same situation would in many other states and certain drug-related cases that typically have mandatory minimum sentences in Florida may not even be illegal at all in every state. This means that it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who understands exactly what local regulations look like. Here are some of the most common charges that may be associated with drug-related offenses in Florida.
Possession
Possessing any amount of most types of drugs, including marijuana, is illegal in Florida. The specific amount of drugs you are found with, which is generally measured in grams, is typically used to determine whether a particular case is considered to be a misdemeanor or felony. This difference plays a major role in determining the types of penalties you may face. In Florida, drug-related misdemeanors can involve fines of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail, while penalties for felonies can be significantly higher. Possessing materials that are used to consume or manufacture drugs can also carry penalties, even if you do not actually have any drugs at the time that they are found.
Drug Trafficking
Florida’s proximity to both an ocean and an international land border makes the state a common choice for illegally transporting a wide range of types of drugs, which means that drug trafficking penalties are often particularly high. As a small island with heavy cruise ship and other tourist traffic, Key West can be a common entry point for drug smugglers because it may appear to be less heavily regulated than ports in mainland Florida and other coastal states. Smuggling or otherwise delivering large quantities of drugs with a value above a specified minimum can also carry heavier penalties than selling smaller amounts of drugs. You may also be found at least partially responsible for overdose deaths that result from your drug trafficking or manufacturing.
When Should I Hire a Drug Defense Attorney?
Drug crimes typically carry higher-than-average penalties in Florida, Key West residents need to get in touch with an experienced drug defense attorney as soon as charges are filed against them. Even if your situation seems minor, we can help you determine your best option for working through it and getting your life back. Florida’s complex approach to handling most types of drug-related crimes means that choosing us from the beginning is often even more important than it would be if you resided in another state, particularly if your offense is legal or typically involves much lighter penalties in other states.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve With the Law Offices of Richard Wunsch
Choosing an experienced drug defense attorney is key when it comes to navigating any drug-related case, and the Law Offices of Richard Wunsch is one of the best-known and most successful options in Key West. Our team is here to help you handle nearly any drug-related offense with as little impact on the rest of your life as realistically possible. Contact us today to learn more about what to expect when dealing with a drug case in Florida or to schedule a free consultation. Interested in exploring more practice areas? Visit our ‘Practice Areas’ page to discover the full range of services we offer!
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