Gainesville Personal Injury, Divorce and Alimony Attorney

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235 South Main Street Suite W203 Gainesville, FL 32601

(352) 371-9141

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01/10/2014
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Drug Crimes

Florida Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

Being charged with a drug crime is a serious and frightening matter. Seek out a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you have received a notice to appear or have been arrested or charged. Under Florida Statutes Section 893.13, “a person may not sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance.” In addition to illegal narcotics and chemical substances, drug charges apply to the unauthorized use of prescription drugs.

The attorneys at Alba & Straile PLLC defend those charged with all types of drug crimes in Florida State Courts. A drug conviction for even a minimal amount of drugs can carry life-changing penalties.  It can have devastating effects on a defendant’s family, social, and professional life. A conviction can disqualify a person from employment or obtaining a professional license, deny access to government training programs, college loans, grants, scholarships, and more. In many instances, defendants have been wrongfully accused, or extenuating circumstances need to be considered. We have the experience to thoroughly investigate each case and guide our clients to the best possible outcome.

Our Law Firm represents Clients charged with Drug Crimes involving:

  • Possession/sales/trafficking
  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Prescription medications (including Xanax, hydrocodone, oxycodone, Percocet, Adderall, and others)

The Stakes are High– Take Action Now

The penalties for a drug crime conviction vary drastically depending on the type, the amount of drug involved, and the accused’s criminal history. However, it is crucial to be aware that drug crimes are harshly prosecuted in Florida, even for first time offenders. There is a wide range of penalties for misdemeanors and felonies. Florida has mandatory sentencing laws that limit a judge’s discretion when imposing a sentence. Even a conviction for simple possession can carry a jail sentence and fines. A felony drug trafficking conviction can mean spending years in prison and heavy fines.

College students may face expulsion from school for drug convictions. In addition, students at the University of Florida and other Florida colleges may need additional representation before the Dean’s Office in conduct code proceedings. If you have been arrested, take action in the early stages of the case if you have been caught selling drugs, manufacturing drugs, or possessing illegal drugs. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible to explore your options.

For a Conviction of Drug Possession, a Prosecutor must present evidence that:

  • The substance has been analyzed by a crime lab and proves to be illegal in nature.
  • The defendant knew of the presence of the drug and its illicit nature
  • The defendant had control over the substance

Defense Strategies for Drug Charges

As experienced drug crime attorneys, we provide defense strategies that are tailored to each unique situation. There are instances that a defendant has a valid prescription for the drug from a physician or is within his rights to have possession of marijuana due to Florida’s medical marijuana law. Some defendants that are charged had no knowledge of the drug in their possession. It can happen if a defendant borrows clothing from another or if someone leaves drugs in their car without their knowledge. There can be technical errors in the crime lab in identifying a drug. Law enforcement officers may have conducted an unlawful search and seizure. These are just a few of the avenues that we explore in every case.

Call Alba & Straile PLLC 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week for Help

We have helped countless satisfied clients regarding drug investigations and arrests. Our law firm offers a free consultation to discuss your criminal or drug case with our lawyers and a flexible appointment schedule to meet your needs. Drug laws are complex, and there are often multiple charges. We give our clients and their drug cases the attention they deserve.

We provide sound representation to address all of your drug and crime-related legal needs effectively. Our office represents clients throughout Florida. Contact Alba & Straile PLLC at (352) 371-9141 to schedule a consultation. Let us explain the charges and help plan a defense.