The world seems to shrink to the blinding flash of red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. In a matter of minutes, your life as you know it is turned upside down. The cold click of handcuffs and the reading of your rights is a blur, drowned out by the rush of panic and a thousand questions racing through your mind. How did this happen? What will this mean for your job, family, and future? Suddenly, you are facing the full force of the Florida justice system, a complex and intimidating machine that feels designed to label you, not to understand you.
At Moses and Rooth, we understand the fear and uncertainty that follow a drug arrest. We have stood beside countless people navigating this same overwhelming experience. Our role is to be your steadfast guide, cut through the confusion, and build a powerful defense. As your Longwood drug crime lawyers, we will fight to protect your rights and help you reclaim control of your future.
Understanding Florida’s Strict Drug Crime Laws
Florida prosecutes drug crimes aggressively, with penalties determined by the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved. The State classifies drugs into five different schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs, such as heroin and ecstasy, are considered the most dangerous and carry the most severe penalties, while Schedule V substances have a lower potential for abuse.
The law prohibits various activities related to controlled substances. Our attorneys handle cases involving many types of drug offenses, including:
- Possession. The most common drug charge involves having illegal drugs for personal use.
- Possession with intent to sell. This charge implies that you possessed a controlled substance with the intent to distribute or sell it, often based on the quantity of the drug or the presence of items like scales or baggies.
- Drug trafficking. Trafficking involves the intentional sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, or possession of large quantities of a controlled substance. The mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking range from three to 25 years.
- Manufacturing. This crime involves the cultivation or production of illegal drugs, such as growing marijuana or operating a meth lab.
These offenses can range from a first-degree misdemeanor for simple possession of certain substances to a first-degree felony for capital drug trafficking, which can carry a sentence of life imprisonment or, in rare cases, the death penalty.
Exploring Alternatives: Florida’s Pretrial Diversion Programs
An arrest does not have to lead to a conviction. For many individuals facing a first-time, non-violent drug offense, Florida law provides an alternative to traditional prosecution through pretrial diversion programs. The primary goal of these programs is rehabilitation rather than punishment. If you enter a diversion program, you agree with the State Attorney’s Office to complete a set of specific conditions over a designated period. These conditions are tailored to the case but often include:
- Completing substance abuse counseling or education,
- Submitting to random drug testing,
- Performing community service hours, and
- Paying court costs and program fees.
Completing all requirements of the diversion program results in the prosecution dismissing your charges. This outcome allows you to avoid a criminal conviction and the stigma of a permanent record. However, acceptance into these programs is not guaranteed and often requires skillful negotiation by an experienced drug crime attorney. We can assess your eligibility, present your case effectively to the prosecutor, and advocate for your entry into a program that protects your future.
How a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Can Help
When you face drug charges, the support of an experienced criminal defense lawyer is invaluable. The prosecution has the State’s resources behind it, and you need a legal advocate who can level the playing field. We meticulously investigate every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the State’s evidence and protect your constitutional rights. Our Longwood drug crime lawyers know how to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and develop a defense tailored to the unique facts of your situation.
A knowledgeable defense attorney can take several necessary actions on your behalf. We will review the details of your arrest to see if law enforcement violated your rights through an illegal search or seizure. If the police exceeded their authority, we can file a motion to suppress the illegally obtained evidence, which could lead to your charges being dropped. We also examine the prosecution’s evidence, including the chain of custody for the alleged drugs and the trustworthiness of any confidential informants. Our attorneys also investigate whether officers used entrapment, which occurs when officers induce a person to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. In many cases, we can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or consider alternatives to conviction.
Why Choose Moses and Rooth for Your Defense
When your future is at stake, the experience of your legal team matters. The attorneys at Moses and Rooth are former prosecutors, a background that provides a distinct advantage in the courtroom. We have handled cases from the other side, which gives us a deep understanding of how the State builds its arguments and what strategies it will likely use against you. This insider’s perspective allows us to craft a more effective and proactive defense.
With more than 36 years of combined experience, our firm has a proven track record of navigating the complexities of Florida’s criminal justice system. Multiple organizations have recognized our commitment to providing high-quality legal defense. We have been included in the Super Lawyers list and received a Superb 10.0 rating from Avvo. This recognition reflects our dedication to protecting our clients’ rights at every stage of the legal process.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Future
An arrest for a drug crime does not have to result in a conviction. You have rights, and defense strategies are available to protect your freedom and future. The actions you take immediately following an arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. By working with a dedicated drug crime attorney, we will ensure that you have a powerful advocate fighting for you. Do not wait to begin building your defense; call us today.