Drug Charges are Serious Business in Florida

Being arrested for a drug offense in Florida is serious business. Because of the correlation of drugs and criminal activity in the United States, the penalties for drug offenses increase dramatically based on the quantity of drugs involved and their intended use. Whether you are a user or a dealer, attorneys will prosecute aggressively, and without an experienced drug offense lawyer on your side, your chances of staying out of prison are slim. The State of Florida prosecutes people suspected of dealing drugs to the fullest extent of the law. An experienced trial lawyer is your only hope to help you get the charges dropped, to have you acquitted of all charges in a court of law, or to have you receive a minimal jail or prison sentence.

In recent times, due to the pervasiveness of drug use and abuse, the Florida Legislature has established several programs to help Florida residents overcome substance problems. When a person gets arrested for a drug offense in our state, there are many more ways to resolve the problem than in the past. The opportunities available certainly depend on what charges are, the number of prior bad acts or convictions, the treatment programs available, and whether your attorney is experienced enough to get you the best resolution.

In Orlando (Orange County), there is a new concept called “drug court” for people arrested for drug possession. It is intended to help people get help for substance abuse problems as well as get help with job training, job finding, and parenting skills.

The following is a list of sentencing alternatives available to you should you be convicted of a drug possession charge in the state of Florida. An experienced drug offense attorneys like the ones at the Umansky Law Firm in Orlando can explain these to you in great detail.

· Pretrial Diversion- a program reserved for nonviolent, first-time offenders similar to probation.

· Drug Court- addresses the issue of first time felony offenders and provides for the identification and evaluation of substance abusers in order to avoid jail or prison.

· Pretrial Intervention- similar to probation in that you must report to court on a regular basis, be evaluated and undergo any necessary drug treatment, and refrain from all criminal activity.

· Motion to Suppress- a motion to have evidence excluded because it was obtained illegally.

· Plea agreement- For people who are anxious to just resolve the case and who do not want to go through drug treatment.

· Trial- Sometimes, going to trial will be recommended depending on your individual circumstances.

Drug charges in Florida are definitely serious business. Keep in mind that in addition to criminal penalties such as fines or imprisonment, an offender may be subject to civil penalties, also, including but not limited to:

· Forfeiture of your home

· Forfeiture of your vehicle

· Forfeiture of any money or property the court deems linked to the drug trade



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