Law enforcement does not take drug charges lightly. Even simple possession is a felony-level offense that can come with harsh penalties. The law is even stricter in examples involving the sale or distribution of illegal drugs. A conviction here will always result in a mandatory minimum prison sentence and may even extend to over a decade behind bars.
It is vital to build a defense against these allegations as quickly as possible. The expert defense team at Rossen Law Firm is ready to get to work for you. We believe that one mistake should not have to upend your entire life. An award-winning Wellington drug lawyer is prepared to protect your rights and your future.
Understanding Drug Distribution and Other Drug Charges
Florida Statute § 893.13 is the main law that outlines drug distribution and names the potential penalties for a conviction. The law prohibits any person from possessing a dangerous drug with the intent of offering that drug for sale. This may involve any substance that falls under the category of contraband, including:
- Opiates and their derivatives
- Hallucinogens
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine products
- Marijuana
- Prescription medications for which one does not have a doctor’s note
Selling contraband is always a felony. This means that a conviction can result in a prison sentence of at least one year. The most serious examples are felonies of the first degree, which carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
While drug distribution is one of the most serious drug charges, there are many other offenses with their own unique challenges. Drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug delivery, conspiracy to sell or traffic illegal drugs, and cultivation of marijuana are just a few of the charges someone could face. An expert Wellington drug attorney can further explain these charges and the penalties they carry.
Fighting Back Against Drug Sale Charges In and Out of Court
There are many ways to dispute drug distribution charges. The most straightforward defense involves arguing that police arrested the wrong party in a case of mistaken identity. A drug attorney can work to obtain evidence that you were in a different place at the time of an alleged sale.
However, most drug distribution cases are more nuanced. It may be possible to argue that the allegedly illegal substances were not what law enforcement believed them to be. This could involve examining the processes that a lab used to identify the supposed drugs or disputing whether the substances remained in a constant chain of custody.
A defense may also revolve around the question of intent. It is worth mentioning that state law does not require an actual sale to bring enhanced penalties. Instead, a prosecutor may pursue a conviction based on nothing more than a defendant’s supposed intent to sell drugs. They may ask a jury to infer this fact from the amount of the substances, the presence of packaging materials, or even a large amount of cash in a car or home. A drug lawyer in Wellington can work to provide alternative explanations for this evidence.
Speak with the Best Wellington Drug Attorneys Today
Drug charges are not something to take lightly. A conviction has the potential to turn your life upside down, so it is crucial that you be prepared to present a strong defense as quickly as possible.
A Wellington drug lawyer at Rossen Law Firm is ready to assist you. From day one, we are ready to explore the reasons for your arrest, assess the prosecutor’s case, and present evidence in court that helps to protect your rights and freedoms. Unlike the justice system, we do not believe that drug charges are “gateways” to more crime. We know that sometimes bad things happen to good people, and we are here to make things right. Contact us today to set up your strategy session.