Drug Charge Defense Lawyers in Jacksonville

 

When arrested for a drug offense you need to immediately start looking for the most knowledgeable and experienced drug lawyers in Jacksonville Fl.

 

Likewise, most people start wondering:

 

Can a criminal defense lawyer keep me out of jail?

 

Expert criminal defense attorneys will aggressively pursue your rights. Plus, they will lower the impact your charges will have on your life. And they’ll work hard to keep you out of jail.

 

 

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement there were 134,396 drug cases in Florida in 2018.

 

To clarify, most people think drug charges are considered misdemeanors or minor in the long term. But, this is just not true.

 

Above all, drug possession is a very serious crime in Florida, with very harsh penalties. However, this depends on the type of drug and whether it is a possession charge or a dealing/selling charge, which carries higher penalties.

 

So, Wood, Atter & Wolf understands the significance of being charged with a drug offense. Likewise, we know a felony drug conviction will stay with you for the rest of your life.

 

Florida’s drug laws apply to all types of drug offenses. For instance, possession of cocaine, crack, heroin, LSD, marijuana and other narcotics including opioids.

 

We Protect Your Rights

 

When arrested for a drug crime, it is common for the arresting officer to engage you in conversation. This is to discover if you had any intent to sell. Plus, they are trying to collect additional evidence against you.

 

More importantly, if it is alleged that you sold drugs to minors or within a certain distance of a school, the penalties imposed by Florida courts could be much worse.

 

So, before you make any statements to police, retain a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney to protect your legal rights.

 

Michael Atter has successfully defended clients accused of drug offenses including possession, sale, trafficking and distribution.

 

So, when your future is on the line, it is important to hire experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive criminal defense attorneys. Above all, we will fight for your freedom.

 

Firstly, many questions need to be answered.  Did police overstep their bounds? Was an illegal search and seizure conducted? Were you entrapped by law enforcement?

 

Remember, just because you have been charged with a crime doesn’t mean you are guilty or will be convicted. So, if you have been arrested for a drug offense, contact Wood, Atter & Wolf today (904) 355-8888.

 

Drug Offenses & Drug Possession

 

Drug possession is a crime involving the possession of illegal substances. Likewise, it could be prescription drugs for which one does not have a doctor’s prescription.

 

Similarly, this illegal possession can be found on their person, in their vehicle, or on their property.

 

In short, drug possession offenses are determined by the amount/type of illegal substance.

 

Plus, any paraphernalia found such as pipes, hypodermic needles, scales and other drug use instruments. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies.

 

Marijuana Possession

 

The acceptance of marijuana has become more mainstream throughout the country and legal in some states. However, the possession of marijuana is still a crime in Florida under most circumstances. 

 

Firstly, it is a felony if you are in possession of marijuana of more than 20 grams and less than 25 pounds. Consequently, this carries the possibility of a state prison sentence of up to 5 years, and a fine up to $5000.

 

However, in the state of Florida, marijuana possession of less than 20 grams carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine up to a $1000.

 

So, when charged with possession of marijuana, do not be lured into a false sense of ease.

 

In other words, you still need an experienced drug lawyer or criminal defense attorney. You will find this at Wood, Atter & Wolf, we protect your rights and defend your freedom.

 

Marijuana Cultivation &  Drug Cultivation

 

The cultivation of any illegal drug is a serious offense and carries significant penalties if convicted. Although marijuana has been approved for prescription by doctors for medical purposes, individuals found growing marijuana can be convicted of a serious crime.

 

A defendant in possession of marijuana plants can range from 5 years to 30 years depending on the number of plants, and a $5000 to $50,000 fine.

 

Other manufactured substances like crack cocaine, crystal meth, PCP and other dangerous narcotics are felonies and carry mandatory sentencing guidelines and significant fines.

 

Distribution and Trafficking

 

Drug trafficking is a first-degree felony in the State of Florida. It can carry a prison term of 3-5 years to life in prison depending on the type of substance and the quantity at the time of the arrest.

 

Prescription Drug Sale and Fraud

 

Pain medication abuse is fast becoming a major epidemic in this country. Millions of Americans have fallen victim to opioid addiction.

 

Prescription drugs like Oxycontin and Oxycodone have legitimate medical uses for coping with pain related to injury and chronic ailments.

 

Their widespread usage and addiction has also become so prevalent that doctors have been given a mandate to regulate their prescription length and duration.

 

Prescription drug fraud of these narcotics has become common place for those seeking the drug without a valid prescription.

 

The State of Florida has enacted some of the strongest legislation for prescription drug crimes and penalties.

 

Search and Seizure

 

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits “unreasonable,” warrant less searches and seizures.

 

While the law may be complicated, generally law enforcement must have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed before a search can be conducted, and there are limited circumstances under which a search may be legally performed without a Search Warrant approved by a Judge.

 

Wood, Atter & Wolf have successfully pursued the rights of individuals whose constitutional rights to illegal search and seizure have been violated.

 

Hire an Experienced Drug Defense Attorney

 

Being arrested for a serious crime such as drug possession, intent to sell or distribute drugs is a life- altering event.

 

A drug conviction can have significant ramifications on one’s future including: obtaining a quality job, acquiring a personal loan or being issued certain professional licenses.

 

Questions may arise to validate whether or not police had probable cause before a search warrant was secured or if a warrant less search is lawful.

 

Our firm are experts in defending drug–related charges, and considered one of the best drug lawyers in Jacksonville Fl.

 

Wood, Atter & Wolf will aggressively represent you by employing effective defense strategies ranging from suppression hearings (to exclude illegally obtained evidence) to jury trials.

 

If you or a family member have been accused or arrested for a drug offense, Michael Atter has over 35 years of criminal drug defense experience.

 

Call Us at (904) 355-8888 to set up a consultation.