Key Largo Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Aggressive Drug Crime Attorneys Challenging Criminal Charges in Key Largo, FL

When people are arrested for crimes involving controlled substances, they may face consequences that could have an impact on their lives and futures. The penalties for offenses involving controlled substances can be serious. Issues such as the types of drugs involved in a case, the quantities of a substance discovered by law enforcement, and whether prosecutors believe a person intended to sell or distribute drugs can all influence the specific charges and penalties that may apply.

At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our lawyers can provide the representation needed to defend against drug charges in Key Largo and throughout the Florida Keys. With decades of experience in criminal defense, we understand the factors that may determine the specific charges our clients may face and the options for defense that may be available. We will advocate for our clients' rights in these cases and help them achieve outcomes that will protect their futures.

Types of Drugs That Commonly Lead to Criminal Charges

The specific drugs involved in a case can determine how drug charges are classified and what penalties may apply. Our attorneys can provide representation for people charged with offenses related to:

• Marijuana: Despite growing public acceptance of the use of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, people in Florida can face serious criminal charges when they are accused of possessing cannabis or products containing THC.
• Cocaine: Charges involving powder cocaine or crack cocaine can range from simple possession of a controlled substance to drug trafficking.
• Heroin: This drug is treated as one of the most dangerous controlled substances, and even small quantities can lead to charges of drug trafficking or other serious offenses.
• Methamphetamine: Drug charges involving meth may include possession or distribution, and people who are accused of operating meth labs may face drug manufacturing charges.
• Fentanyl: This synthetic opioid is involved in a growing number of drug trafficking cases. Because of the dangers of this drug, the penalties people may face can be severe.
• Prescription Opioids: Medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone are classified as controlled substances, and a person can face criminal charges for possessing these drugs without a valid prescription.

Drug Possession Charges and Penalties

Allegations of the possession of a controlled substance without authorization can lead to charges of drug possession. A person may be accused of actual possession when drugs are found on their person or within their immediate reach, or charges related to constructive possession may apply if drugs are found in a location the person had control over.

In many cases, possession of controlled substances can lead to third-degree felony charges, although possession of no more than 20 grams of marijuana may lead to first-degree misdemeanor charges. Possession of more than 10 grams of many Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, including heroin or methamphetamine, may result in first-degree felony charges.

Possession With Intent to Sell or Distribute

The penalties a person may face can become more serious if they are accused of possessing drugs with the intent to sell or distribute them. These charges may apply if the amount of drugs a person allegedly possessed is higher than a person would usually be able to use personally. Other evidence related to drug distribution may also play a role in these cases, such as the presence of baggies or other small containers, scales and other instruments that could be used to weigh and measure drugs, or communications through phone or text that appear to involve arranging drug sales.

In many cases, people accused of selling Schedule I or Schedule II drugs may be charged with second-degree felonies. Other types of drugs may lead to third-degree felony charges based on accusations of possession with intent to distribute.

Drug Trafficking Charges and Penalties

People who are accused of selling or manufacturing large quantities of drugs or bringing drugs into the state of Florida may be charged with drug trafficking offenses. These charges will often be based on the weight of specific substances found in searches by law enforcement. The weight thresholds that may lead to drug trafficking charges include:

• Cannabis: 25 pounds or 300 plants
• Cocaine: 28 grams
• Heroin, Morphine, or Fentanyl: 4 grams
• Methamphetamine: 14 grams

In most cases, drug trafficking offenses are classified as first-degree felonies. Mandatory minimum sentences will apply upon conviction based on the amount of drugs in question. Some convictions may lead to life sentences. In addition to prison sentences, people may also be required to pay tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

Drug Paraphernalia Charges

A person who is accused of possessing equipment or materials used to consume, manufacture, package, or transport controlled substances may be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. These charges may involve bongs, pipes, syringes, scales, or packaging materials like capsules, baggies, or balloons. More serious charges may apply if a person is accused of selling or delivering drug paraphernalia to someone else. In these cases, a person could be charged with a third-degree felony. If prohibited items were delivered to a minor under the age of 18, second-degree felony charges may apply.

Defending Against Drug Crime Charges

Our attorneys can help clients challenge accusations of drug possession or other related charges by reviewing how evidence was obtained by law enforcement officers. We can look at whether a stop, search, or seizure violated a person's Fourth Amendment rights, and we will take steps to exclude any evidence obtained through an unlawful search from a criminal case.

In other cases, we may argue that a person did not knowingly possess a drug or that drugs were for personal use without the intent to sell or distribute them. We will help our clients determine whether they may qualify for diversion programs, whether it may be possible to negotiate reduced charges, or whether we can take steps to secure an acquittal or dismissal.

Contact Our Key Largo, Florida Drug Crimes Lawyers

The penalties that people may face in criminal cases involving controlled substances can be severe. A person's entire future may be at risk when they are convicted on drug charges, since they could be sentenced to a long prison term, be required to pay massive fines, and have a criminal record that could affect their ability to find a job or housing. To learn how the team at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC can help address these charges, contact our Key Largo, FL drug crimes defense attorneys at 305-324-7888 and set up a free consultation.