Policewoman,Holding,Drugs,In,Hand

Representing Those Accused of Drug-Related Charges

Florida aggressively prosecutes persons charged with drug crimes. Types of drug cases include possession for personal use, possession with intent to sell, deliver, or distribute, and trafficking. Possession of a legal drug without a valid prescription for a medical condition is also a crime. Drug crimes can be charged as simple misdemeanors with no jail time or felonies that may carry up to a life sentence in prison. The outcome depends on the type and weight of the drugs in possession and the defendant’s intent. Commonly charged drug crimes in Florida are:

  • cocaine
  • fentanyl 
  • GHB
  • heroin 
  • marijuana
  • ecstasy 
  • methamphetamines
  • synthetic drugs 
  • hydrocodone 
  • oxycodone
  • Xanax 
  • Ambien

It is Vital to have Experienced Legal Defense

Drug crimes carry a range of criminal penalties and collateral consequences. At the Law Offices of Alison M. Lopes, we understand the negative ramifications that a drug conviction has on your future. We are committed to giving you the best chance for a successful outcome. For more than a decade, we have helped countless defendants, and you can trust that we will protect your rights.

Florida Classifies Illegal Drugs or Controlled Substances According to Five Schedules Based on the Likelihood of Abuse:

  • Schedule I drugs are not accepted for medical use and have a high potential for abuse. Examples are heroin and LSD.
  • Schedule II drugs have some accepted usage for medical conditions, with strict restrictions. They have a high potential for abuse. Examples are codeine, morphine, and oxycodone.
  • Schedule III drugs are accepted for medical use, with probable physical or psychological dependence. They have a lower probability of abuse. Examples are anabolic steroids and ketamine.
  • Schedule IV drugs are accepted for medical use, with potential physical or psychological dependence. They have an even lower potential for abuse. Examples are Xanax, clonazepam and clorazepate.
  • Schedule V drugs are accepted for medical use with a low potential for physical or psychological dependence. They have the lowest potential for abuse. Examples are cough medicine with low-dose codeine and Lyrica.

Factors that Influence Drug Conviction Penalties are:

  • The type of illegal substance involved
  • The amount of drug that is confiscated
  • The criminal record of the accused
  • Evidence of an intent to sell, deliver, distribute, or traffic the drug
  • Other offenses associated with drug abuse such as theft, assault, and weapon charges

Challenges to Criminal Charges

While each case is different, the burden of proof rests with the prosecution to provide evidence that a defendant knowingly committed a drug crime. An accused may have been in close proximity to illegal substances without their knowledge. Law enforcement may have conducted an illegal search and seizure; therefore, the evidence is inadmissible in court. When evidence is sent to a crime lab for analysis, questions can arise regarding errors or discrepancies. There may be a chain of custody problem regarding the handling of the drug by law enforcement. Examples of other defense tactics may be entrapment or planted evidence.

Hire a Florida Drug Crime Criminal Defense Law Firm with Proven Results

 At the Law Offices of Alison M. Lopes, our legal team conducts thorough investigations of evidence to challenge the validity of the cases against our clients. We can provide you with an aggressive defense to mitigate or dismiss drug charges. Contact us at our Orlando, Florida office at (407)442-2724 for a consultation. We can give you the legal counsel and representation that you need.

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