Florida, and particularly the Tampa Bay area, is known as a serious drug trafficking area in the United States and is the leading overall state for the problem of drugs. Due to this growing reputation, Florida authorities are known to be strict in their prosecution of drug crimes.
Generally, drug charges differ from most crimes. The reason for this being that, in most cases, the prosecution does not have to prove intent. The sheer presence of drugs alone is usually more than enough to ensure conviction. If you or a loved one find yourself in a situation like this, it is crucial that you have experienced criminal defense representation, who are well-versed on the Tampa, FL., drug laws. They could be the difference between your freedom and a conviction.
Here at The Law Place, we have years of experience in dealing with Tampa criminal drug charges like yours. We like to work as a team, which is why our Tampa criminal defense lawyers review each case collectively. Together, we can build the best possible defense case for you.
Once this has happened, you will then be assigned a criminal defense attorney. This criminal defense lawyer will work closely with you, offering guidance and support in the right direction. Our firm strives to achieve a strong attorney-client relationship in order to ease any anxieties you may have. We realize that this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your loved ones. We possess extensive knowledge of drug laws in Tampa, FL., and have worked on cases around the whole of Florida, assuring you the best possible support.
Our telephone lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A member of our team will be waiting for your call, ready to offer you support when you need it most. We offer all of our potential clients a free consultation, so do not hesitate to contact us; as the sooner it is, the better it will be for you!
Our telephone number is (941) 444-4444. Call us today!
Cases Our Tampa Drug Crime Lawyers Handle
Our lawyers are well-versed in drug crimes in Tampa, Florida. Please read below the different cases our Tampa defense lawyers handle:
Drug Possession
In Tampa, Florida, the prosecution will file for drug possession charges when they can establish that you have a small amount of a controlled substance in your possession for your own personal use. These charges are based upon constructive possession or actual possession.
The severity of your charges will be dependant on the type of drug that is in your possession as well as the amount. Schedule one drugs will lead to a first-degree felony charge. This could lead to $10,000 in fines as well as a 15-year prison sentence.
Possession of Marijuana
Marijuana is known as a controlled substance in Florida, and if you possess it without a prescription, under Florida Statute 893.13, it is deemed as a crime. If you are found to have fewer than 20 grams of marijuana in your possession, you are likely to face a first-degree misdemeanor charge. If you are found with more than 20 grams in your possession, it will be deemed as a third-degree felony, reaping serious consequences.
Possession With the Intent to Sell
The charges you face under Florida criminal law are highly dependant on the amount of controlled substance in question. In most cases, if the amount you are found with is over a certain point, the prosecution is likely to place criminal charges on you as it will be considered as more than personal use. In this case, you will be charged with a felony for possession with intent to sell.
Drug Trafficking/ Delivering
In Tampa, FL., you can be charged with drug trafficking (otherwise known as delivering) if you have been involved in the selling, manufacturing, buying, delivering, or possessing of one or more controlled substances. Under Tampa criminal law, drug trafficking is considered a felony.
Similar to many other drug charges in Tampa, and the State of Florida in general, the severity of your conviction is highly based on the number of drugs in your possession at the time of your arrest. This determines the level of offense as well as the maximum or minimum term of your prison sentence.
Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud
This practice can also be known as ‘doctor shopping’ and refers to those in the Tampa Bay area who are facing criminal charges on the grounds of twisting the law. These individuals may have obtained the controlled substance through means of misrepresentation, deception, fraud, forgery, or subterfuge. If found guilty, you could be facing criminal charges and five years in prison or more, depending on the amount in your possession. Under Tampa criminal law, this is defined as a third-degree felony.
Drug Sale
Similar to other Tampa Florida criminal drug sentences, the charge that you face for selling a controlled substance depends on the type and amount of controlled substance in question. In this situation, the prosecution does not have to prove that the controlled substance was exchanged for money. Instead, any exchange for something of value – monetary, an object, or service is enough evidence against you to establish that there was some sort of sale.
Conspiracy to Commit a Drug Crime
You may be charged under the grounds of conspiracy if it is proven that you have made an agreement to commit a drug offense. The prosecution will have to prove an implied or explicit agreement in existence that had the intent to commit a drug crime. This practice of ‘conspiracy’ is unlawful under federal law.
It is worth noting that in the situation of conspiracy, the prosecution does not have to prove that you and the other individual involved performed an act pursuing the actual crime in question. Conspiracy is enough evidence in Tampa, Florida.
Florida Crime Categories: From Misdemeanors to Felonies
Investigation of Your Arrest in Tampa
At The Law Place, our first step when dealing with a case is providing a thorough investigation around it. Something that our Tampa criminal defense lawyers are deeply passionate about is the quality of evidence involved in a case. The evidence in drug crime situations is vital as it can heavily influence the verdict. We will look at how the evidence against you was obtained, as any kind of inconsistency carried out by law enforcement can be used by your Tampa criminal defense lawyer to help fight your case.
Your criminal defense lawyer will analyze whether or not the law enforcement officers who were involved in your arrest acted within the rights of the Constitution and other related laws. As an American citizen, you are entitled to all of your rights, including those stated in the Fourth Amendment. If any of these were overtly violated, your Tampa criminal defense lawyer has the right to have the evidence around your case suppressed, meaning it can no longer be used against you.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
What to Look for When Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
During this stressful time, you need to be able to trust your criminal defense attorney and the law firm they represent. Drug crimes in Tampa, Florida, are taken incredibly seriously, meaning you will need the best possible representation. Listed below are attributes that we believe your lawyer should be able to achieve for you:
- Reducing charges or having them dismissed entirely.
- Lower the severity of the punishment.
- Minimize jail time.
- Tailor the best possible defense for your case.
When entrusting a law firm with your case, it is necessary to research the firm first and look at their previous work. Today, thanks to the internet, this has never been easier. Potential clients are able to access archives of success stories, as well as read reviews from clients who experienced a similar case to yours.
At The Law Place, you don’t just get one lawyer. All of our criminal defense lawyers work together on each case, tailoring it to create the best possible outcome. This is what makes the work of The Law Place unique, as each member of the team is working towards the same collective goal.
As this will be an undoubtedly stressful time for both you and your loved ones, we want to make every step as easy as possible for you while we tackle the hard work. From the beginning, the fee structure should be clear. Some other law firms in the area may appear to charge less than their competition, but hidden costs are a real possibility. This is something you must be extremely mindful of before choosing your representation.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before Hiring Them
The key to a successful outcome is the relationship between the lawyer and the client. Your lawyer will expect you to be honest with them, as the more honest you are, the better chance they have at building a strong defense strategy for your case. In the same way that you need to be honest with them, there are questions you should be able to ask the lawyer before taking them on as your representation. Listed below are questions we believe are important to ask before making this decision:
- How many cases have you handled that are similar to mine?
- What are your fees, and is there the possibility of a payment plan?
- How many cases have you won that have been similar to mine?
- How many jury trials have you litigated?
- Can you explain your history when it comes to working out plea bargains?
- May I see references from your previous clients?
You should be particularly wary of the last point. A successful defense lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients. If they refuse to do so, it isn’t promising in terms of their legitimacy as a successful lawyer. If you find yourself in this situation, it might be more constructive for you to continue your research into other representation that feels the most comforting to you.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
What Makes The Law Place Different From Other Florida Law Firms?
Drug crimes are undeniably prevalent in Florida, and we understand how the court experience is a stressful time for you and your family. What The Law Place can promise is support. We will be by your side through every step of your case. Together, we will create the best possible defense for your case.
Here at The Law Place, our team boasts 75 years of combined experience. Our Tampa lawyers stay consistently educated on the law and courtroom strategies, meaning they can always be on top form for you. As a law firm, we have worked on cases in almost every county in Florida, a large number of those in Tampa. Equally, we have worked on federal court cases, meaning we have a range of experience. Many of our lawyers have an AVVO 10.0 rating. This is the highest possible rating on the site, and this verdict is based on trial skills, awards, the length of their practice, client reviews, and other associations.
Local Resources for Drug Crimes and Recovery
- DACCO Behavioral Health – DACCO offers comprehensive services to individuals struggling with drug addiction and drug abuse. They provide treatment programs such as detoxification, outpatient counseling, and residential treatment. For those dealing with both legal issues and substance abuse, DACCO can be an important step toward recovery. A Tampa drug crime lawyer may also work with DACCO to ensure that participation in rehabilitation programs can be part of your defense strategy, potentially reducing penalties.
- ACTS (Agency for Community Treatment Services) – ACTS is another valuable resource in the Tampa area that provides treatment services for those battling drug addiction. Their programs include prevention, intervention, and aftercare support. ACTS works closely with individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system and can provide assistance in avoiding further legal issues through recovery.
- Hillsborough County Drug Court – The Hillsborough County Drug Court is a special program designed to help individuals charged with illegal drug offenses who also suffer from drug abuse or addiction. Instead of facing traditional sentencing, eligible participants can enroll in treatment programs through the court system. Successful completion of the program can lead to reduced or dismissed charges. A Tampa drug crime lawyer can assist in determining if you qualify for this alternative court program.
- Tampa Bay Crisis Center – The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides support for those dealing with the emotional and psychological impacts of drug addiction and drug abuse. They offer a 24/7 helpline for individuals seeking assistance with substance abuse or addiction, and they can connect people to local treatment programs. This resource can be valuable in addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to your drug-related legal situation.
- The Law Place – In addition to these community resources, working with a Tampa drug crime lawyer from The Law Place is essential for navigating the legal challenges you face. Our team can help build a strong defense, possibly incorporating participation in treatment programs or leveraging drug court options. Whether you are dealing with charges of possession, trafficking, or any other illegal drug crime, our experienced attorneys will fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Accessing these resources, combined with a strong legal defense, can greatly improve your chances of overcoming drug addiction while minimizing the impact of illegal drug charges on your future. If you’re facing drug-related charges in Tampa, contact The Law Place for a free consultation.
Tampa Drug Lawyer FAQ
What should I look for in a Tampa drug crime lawyer?
When seeking a drug crime lawyer in Tampa, look for someone with extensive experience in handling drug-related cases, a strong understanding of both state and federal laws, and a proven track record in criminal trial law.
What types of illegal drugs are most commonly involved in Tampa drug cases?
The illegal drugs most commonly involved in Tampa drug cases include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs obtained or distributed illegally.
What specific areas do Tampa drug lawyers cover?
Tampa drug lawyers cover a wide range of areas including possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of illegal drugs, as well as defense against Florida drug charges and navigating the complexities of the legal system.
Why is it important to have criminal defense attorneys for drug cases in Tampa?
Criminal defense attorneys are crucial in drug cases in Tampa as they provide experienced legal representation, protect your rights, and can significantly affect the outcome of your case. They challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work to secure the best possible outcome.
How does the state attorney’s office handle drug cases in Tampa?
The state attorney’s office in Tampa prosecutes drug cases by presenting evidence against the accused and seeking to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They work to enforce Florida drug laws and seek appropriate penalties for drug convictions.
How do federal sentencing guidelines affect drug convictions in Tampa?
Federal sentencing guidelines play a crucial role in determining the penalties for drug convictions in Tampa, particularly in cases involving drug trafficking or other federal offenses. These guidelines consider the type and quantity of drug involved, as well as the defendant’s criminal history.
What factors influence the severity of charges and penalties in drug offenses?
In drug-involved cases, factors like the type and amount of the drug, the presence of minors, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether there was an intent to sell or distribute can significantly influence the severity of charges and penalties.
What are common defense strategies against drug trafficking charges in Tampa?
Defense strategies against drug trafficking charges in Tampa may include challenging the evidence, proving unlawful search and seizure, demonstrating lack of knowledge or intent, and negotiating plea deals to reduce charges.
How do prior drug-related offenses impact new florida drug charges?
A prior drug conviction can significantly impact new Florida drug charges, often leading to harsher penalties, mandatory minimum sentences, and fewer options for plea bargaining due to the defendant’s criminal history.
Speak to a Tampa Drug Crimes Attorney From The Law Place Today
We understand that hiring a criminal defense lawyer could be one of the most important decisions you will have to make. This kind of decision could be the difference between a lengthy prison sentence and having your case dismissed entirely.
Even if the evidence against you seems high, you should not lose hope. Having the best criminal defense lawyer in your corner is crucial in receiving the best possible outcome.
Please contact us today for your free consultation. Our telephone lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is never a bad time to call. We have helped thousands of others who have been in similar positions to you, so do not hesitate to contact us, whatever time it may be.
Call us today on (941) 444-4444 for a free consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorney.
