Drug Crime Lawyer Orlando

Understanding Florida's Drug Crime Laws

Florida's drug crime laws are among the strictest in the nation, reflecting the state's commitment to combating illegal drug activity. The state categorizes illegal substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety or toxicity. This classification affects how offenses are charged and the severity of penalties. For instance, possessing a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor, while trafficking in controlled substances like cocaine or heroin can lead to felony charges, bringing severe consequences, including long prison terms and hefty fines. Understanding these laws is crucial for anyone facing drug-related charges, and our comprehensive approach ensures clients are well-informed about the intricacies of their specific charges.

Moreover, law enforcement agencies in Florida employ various strategies to tackle drug crimes, including sting operations and the use of undercover officers. These strategies can sometimes lead to entrapment, where individuals are induced to commit a crime they might not have otherwise committed. Such complexities underline the need for an informed defense strategy. At Ali & Blankner, we are adept at identifying procedural violations and leveraging them to benefit our clients, ensuring that justice is served fairly.

Types of Drug Crimes in Florida

Florida has a variety of drug offenses, all of which come with varying criminal penalties. Although some drug offenses are charged as misdemeanors and some are charged as felonies, all drug crimes in Florida are serious. If you have been accused of, arrested for, or charged with any type of drug crime, you should immediately contact an Orlando drug crime defense attorney at Ali & Blankner. 

The most common types of drug crimes in Florida are: 

• Possession of an illicit substance 
• Sale/distribution of an illicit substance 
• Possession with intent to sell and/or deliver 
• Drug trafficking 
• Transportation of illicit substances 
• Drug manufacturing or cultivation 
• Importation 

Additionally, if you are found to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a drug—regardless of whether it is an illicit substance, a prescription drug, or an over-the-counter medication—you could be charged with “driving under the influence,” or DUI. 

At Ali & Blankner, we defend clients against all types of drug-related offenses. We encourage you to act quickly in contacting our firm if you or someone you love is facing drug crime charges. The sooner we can begin investigating your case, reviewing the evidence, and building your defense, the better.  

What Is an “Illicit Substance?” 

An “illicit substance” is a drug or another substance that has been made illegal to possess, sell, distribute, or manufacture (at all or in certain quantities) under state law. Like other states, Florida categorizes illicit substances according to several drug “schedules.” 

These include:

• Schedule I: Schedule I substances are considered the “most dangerous” due to their high potential for abuse and very few or no accepted medical uses. Examples of Schedule I drugs in Florida include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, peyote, and methaqualone. In Florida, marijuana is also a Schedule I drug.
• Schedule II: Schedule II drugs are considered to be somewhat less dangerous than Schedule I substances, but they still have a high potential for abuse and very few accepted medical uses. Examples of Schedule II substances include methamphetamine, cocaine, Vicodin, and fentanyl.
• Schedule III: Schedule III substances have more accepted medical uses than Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, but they are still considered dangerous due to their relatively high potential for abuse. Some Schedule III substances in Florida include ketamine, codeine, testosterone, and certain steroids.
• Schedule IV: Schedule IV substances have a relatively low potential for abuse, but there is still some risk. These drugs also have more accepted medical uses than Schedule I, II, or III substances. Xanax, Ambien, Valium, and Tramadol are all examples of Schedule IV substances.
• Schedule V: Schedule V substances are considered the least dangerous, as they have a relatively low potential for dependence and abuse. They also have multiple accepted medical uses in the United States. Some examples of Schedule V drugs in Florida include Motofen, Lomotil, and Parepectolin.

Generally speaking, the more dangerous a drug is, the greater the criminal penalties for possessing, selling, manufacturing, or distributing it will be. While the schedule of the substance plays a role in determining what the penalties will be, it is not the only factor. The amount of a drug allegedly in your possession will also significantly impact the possible penalties you could face. 

The Effects of a Drug Crime Conviction 

The state of Florida prosecutes drug crimes aggressively and relentlessly. If you are convicted, you could face significant criminal penalties, as well as numerous consequences in your day-to-day life. 

Criminal penalties for various drug crimes depend on numerous factors, including the type and amount of drug, whether there were any aggravating factors, whether the crime is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and more. Not only will a conviction potentially result in a lengthy prison sentence and other criminal penalties, but it may also affect your housing options, government benefits, employment, and reputation.

Some of the possible criminal penalties for a drug crime conviction in Florida include: 

• Jail time 
• Prison time 
• Thousands of dollars in fines 
• Court costs and other related fees
• Probation 
• Community service 

This is not an exhaustive list; you could face additional penalties depending on the specific details of your situation. We urge you to contact our Orlando drug crime lawyers right away to learn more about your legal rights and options during a free, confidential consultation. 

Defending Against Drug Charges

Being charged with a drug crime can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. At Ali & Blankner, our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys is dedicated to providing aggressive representation for individuals facing drug charges in Orlando, FL. We understand the complexities of drug laws and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Our drug crimes defense services include:

• Strategic defense strategies tailored to your specific case
• Negotiation with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties
• Thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest
• Representation in court proceedings and hearings
• Compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process

Don't face drug charges alone. Contact Ali & Blankner today to schedule a consultation with our skilled legal team.

Request a complimentary consultation and case evaluation with our team today; call (407) 753-1312 or contact us online right away to get started.

How Our Orlando Drug Crime Attorneys Can Help 

At Ali & Blankner, we immediately get to work investigating the evidence and building powerful cases on behalf of our clients. All of our defense attorneys are former prosecutors. This gives us a distinct advantage when it comes to anticipating the state’s case and the moves it will likely make against you. We know what to expect and, most importantly, we know how to fight back.

As your legal team, we will handle every aspect of your defense. We work directly with our clients, providing clear and consistent communication every step of the way. Our goal is always to seek the best possible outcome based on the facts of the case and any other relevant factors. We will always consider your specific situation, needs, concerns, and goals as we help you navigate the criminal justice system.  We offer completely free and confidential consultations, as well as a variety of payment plans to help make the process easier and less financially stressful for you. Our bilingual attorneys and staff can assist you in both English and Spanish (se habla español). 

We have an outstanding success record, and, as former prosecutors, we have what it takes to effectively protect your rights and fight back against the state’s attacks. Our team has a distinct mastery of both sides of the courtroom, making us formidable allies for our clients. Our legal team can anticipate the prosecution’s case, enabling us to give our clients the best drug crime defense possible.