Drug crimes involve illegally obtained controlled substances and prescription drugs. State and federal prosecutors aggressively pursue and harshly sentence those convicted of these crimes. When determining charges, the legal system considers the type of drug, its weight, whether it is for personal use or distribution, and the offender’s criminal history. While minor, non-violent drug offenses may not seem very serious, they can still carry significant legal and personal consequences. Penalties for drug crimes range from up to a year in jail and a fine for a misdemeanor to lifetime imprisonment for a felony of a more serious nature, such as drug trafficking.
If you or a loved one are arrested for a drug crime, it is vital to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. As former public defenders, the drug crime attorneys in Kissimmee at Perez LaSure Law have extensive experience defending against these charges. We are passionate about protecting your rights and ensuring fairness and justice in the courtroom.
You Can be Charged with Various Drug-Related Crimes, including:
- Possession
- Distribution
- Manufacturing
- Cultivation
- Prescription fraud
- Trafficking
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Categories of Controlled Substances
The severity of charges and penalties for a conviction is dependent on, at least in part, the schedule of drugs as assigned by Florida law. For example, those convicted of crimes involving drugs in the Schedule I category are the most harshly punished, while those in Schedule V are considered lesser crimes. For a full listing of drugs and their categories, see Florida Statute 893.03.
Schedule I: These substances are highly addictive and are not accepted for medicinal purposes in the United States. Examples are heroin, LSD, Cannabis, and Ecstasy. Please note that the Federal Department of Justice (DOJ) is proposing to ease restrictions on cannabis, transferring it to Schedule III.
Schedule II: These substances have a strong potential for abuse and have severely restricted medical usage in the United States. Examples are opium, codeine, morphine, and methadone.
Schedule III: These substances are currently accepted for medical use for treatment in the United States, with a potential for abuse that is less than Schedule I or Schedule II drugs. Examples are anabolic steroids, products with less than 90 milligrams of codeine, and ketamine.
Schedule IV: These substances have a lower risk for abuse and are accepted for medical use in the United States. Examples are alprazolam, lorazepam, and phenobarbital.
Schedule V: These substances have a limited potential for misuse and are accepted for medical use in the United States. Examples are cough syrups with less than 200 milligrams of codeine, Lomotil, and Lyrica.
Perez LaSure Law: Knowledgeable, Compassionate Legal Counsel
A drug crime in Florida can either be a misdemeanor or felony offense. Whether you are a first-time or repeat offender or have been wrongly accused of a crime, you need strong legal representation. The drug crime attorneys at Perez LaSure Law are well-versed in the Florida laws encompassing drug crimes. We understand the weight that “guilty” convictions for drug crimes can carry and how damaging a tarnished record can be for your future.
If you have been convicted of a drug crime, especially if it is your first offense for simple possession of a less serious drug, you could receive minimal sentencing with a qualified attorney on your side. Florida law offers alternative sentencing options such as diversion programs for rehabilitation that can lead to reduced or a dismissal of charges for program completion. While dealing with a drug offense can be challenging, we can help you seek all available legal options.
Contact Perez LaSure Law at (407) 530-4920 to speak with a seasoned Kissimmee drug crime attorney who can build the powerful defense you need.
