What’s at Stake When You Face a Florida Drug Possession Charge

Florida drug laws are some of the toughest in the nation. Even misdemeanor charges of Florida drug possession can carry steep penalties, not to mention a permanent scar on your criminal record. You don’t have to face the maximum penalties for Florida drug possession when you have a Miami drug lawyer helping you fight your case. 

Penalties for Florida Drug Possession Under Florida Drug Laws  

Florida drug laws have specific penalties for all manners of Florida drug possession charges. When you are convicted, the judge examines the nature of the conviction, including type of drug, amount of the drug found in your possession, and the nature of your arrest. 

Marijuana is one of the most common drugs found during a Florida drug possession arrest. Amounts under 20 grams result in a 1st degree misdemeanor, which can carry fines up to $1,000 and up to 1 year in jail. Amounts over 20 grams increase the conviction to a 3rd degree felony, which can carry fines up to $5,000 and jail time up to 5 years. 

Other controlled substances such as heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy are illegal to possess and will result in Florida drug possession charges of a 3rd degree felony. Possessing more than 10 grams of heroin or other drugs classified by the Florida drug laws as a Schedule 1 drug increases the charges to a 1st degree felony, which can be punishable by fines up to $10,000 and 15 years in jail. 

The Lifelong Impact of Florida Drug Possession Charges 

The court penalties are obvious with Florida drug possession charges. A Miami drug lawyer can help you fight these charges and in some cases avoid the maximum penalties each level of Florida drug possession carries. However, when these charges are unavoidable they can cause you issues well after you have served your time. 

One of the most difficult things to face following conviction and serving time for Florida drug possession charges is that it goes on your criminal record. Your criminal record is a necessary component of any background check. Background checks are a necessary component of a job application, rental application, and many other applications. 

Because the Florida drug possession charges will now show up on your background check this can seriously hinder your ability to apply for a new job, move to a new apartment, or even volunteer in your community. While some establishments may allow you to explain your circumstances, many employers or property managers will immediately toss aside any applications with criminal records, regardless of the charges. 

There are other consequences of a Florida drug possession conviction that can follow you well beyond the penalties imposed by Florida drug laws. In some cases, your driver’s license can be suspended for a period of time. You also must be aware that this inclusion on your criminal record is easily seen by anyone with access to a computer as easy as they visit other sites like http://overwatchsrpros.com/#start to improve in their games as Overwatch.

Fighting Florida Drug Possession Charges with a Miami Drug Lawyer 

You don’t need to let these criminal charges ruin your future. An experienced Miami drug lawyer can help review your case and determine your options in reducing the maximum penalties you face for Florida drug possession. While Florida drug laws are strict, a Miami drug lawyer who has tried similar cases will be able to help you determine a defense strategy that’s right for your situation. 

A criminal record for Florida drug possession can ruin your opportunities at a prosperous future. To avoid the problems of being passed over for jobs due to your criminal history, or denied an apartment because you were convicted of a felony, talk to a Miami drug lawyer today. You don’t have to face the maximum penalties under Florida drug laws when you have your Miami drug lawyer helping your case. 

Contacting a Miami Drug Lawyer 

You have the right to a Miami drug lawyer during the proceedings following your arrest in Florida. If you are facing Florida drug possession charges in South Florida, your legal team is your best defense. Contact the Miami drug lawyer team at Falk & Ross to discuss your case – 1-877-663-5110.