Drug crimes are no joke. Far too many people are put in jail every year for a very small amount of a controlled substance. With drug crimes changing all over the country, it is fair to assume that the rate of use for some drugs (such as marijuana) are going up. However, the laws for recreational use have not changed in Florida, and possession charges can get you into serious trouble.
Like any encounter with the police, being charged with a drug crime can be very scary, but is not the end of the world. It is actually more difficult than most would expect for the police to prove your liability in your drug case. Your charge may also be lessened if you are not driving while arrested for possession, or if you have no prior charges.
Here at Esposito Law Firm P.A., we care strongly about your rights and your future, and want to arm you with the knowledge to handle your drug charges. There are several things you should know if you get caught with drugs.
The first thing you should be aware of is what your rights are. The police cannot search your person or your property without either a warrant or your consent. Once you have consented to a search, anything they find can be used against you. However, they cannot search without your consent, so avoid consenting to searches if at all possible. If your rights are violated and they search without consent or a warrant, this could result in your case being dismissed.
The next thing to be aware of is just how busy the prosecution will be. Most states process hundreds of drug charges every day, and drug charges are fairly low priority. Most people don’t fight drug charges particularly aggressively either. If you and the defense can treat your drug charge like a more serious charge and overwhelm the prosecutor, it’s very possible for them to decide that your drug case isn’t worth the trouble.
Lastly, the prosecution has to prove without a reasonable doubt that the substance is illegal and that it was in your possession. If you’re charged with a drug crime in a vehicle you don’t know or for a substance that isn’t illegal, your case can be dropped very easily. This is why it’s imperative to work with an experienced attorney, who can help build the strongest case for you.
Esposito Law Firm is here for you. We believe that everyone deserves the highest quality representation, and will help you find the best resolution for your drug charge. For more information regarding drug crimes, contact Esposito Law Firm today.