Drug Charges

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Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Crimes

Q: What are the common legal challenges raised in drug cases?

A: The most common challenges in drug cases relate to how the evidence was obtained. If the police violated the defendant's Fourth Amendment search and seizure rights or Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, the court will suppress the drugs or statements as being unlawfully obtained. Without this evidence, the prosecution may not be able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and the case may be dismissed as a result.

Q: How is drug court different from regular criminal court?

A: Drug courts combine criminal justice and medical treatment models to deal with drug crimes. They recognize that incarceration may not be the most effective method for breaking the cycle of drug addiction and crime, especially for first-time and low-level offenders. Drug courts emphasize a cooperative approach between the prosecutor, defendant and court, and they favor rehabilitation over jail. Successful completion of drug court programs can result in reduced charges or sentences, or dismissal of charges altogether.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reports estimated that in 2002 there were a total of 1,538,800 state and local arrests for drug violations in the United States. If you are one of the many facing drug charges this year, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel at once.

ORLANDO DRUG CRIMES LAWYERS

If you have been arrested in Central Florida for drug offenses, including possession, manufacture, and trafficking of illegal narcotics or controlled substances, such as crack, cocaine (coke), heroin, ecstasy (MDMA), marijuana (pot), methamphetamine (crystal meth), and prescription drugs such as Hydrocodone, Percodan, and OxyContin, it is important that you speak with an attorney before giving any statement to the police or court officials.

In talking to the authorities without an attorney, a person risks:

1. Giving an incorrect answer due to an honest lapse of memory
2. Miscommunication resulting from either the person's or officer's misunderstanding of the questions or answers.
3. Intentional misrepresentation of the person's statement by the officer.

Any one of these events may adversely affect the person under investigation by increasing the likelihood of authorities filing criminal charges and obtaining an indictment. Serious crimes, including drug crimes, involve a bad intent on the part of the defendant. One of the major ways the prosecution proves bad intent is through statements given during interviews which are claimed to be admissions or lies.

We have often been able to negotiate reduced charges and lenient sentencing, or have charges dismissed in drug crimes cases. Our Orlando criminal defense law firm will begin early action on your case. Below is general information about drug charges and penalties. Contact our firm for a consultation about your arrest or charges for drug crimes.

Orlando criminal defense attorneys serving Central Florida, including Deltona, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Ocala, Melbourne, Titusville, Tampa, Cocoa Beach, and Sanford. Consult with your lawyer before speaking to authorities.

Drug Crimes - An Overview

Drug crimes cover a broad range of offenses involving controlled substances, from possession and sale to manufacture and distribution. These crimes involve violations of federal or state law, or both. Depending on the particular circumstances of a case, these offenses can result in a broad range of potential criminal and administrative consequences, including probation, prison, property forfeiture and participation in a court-ordered drug treatment program.

Though more severe charges typically result in harsher penalties, even less serious charges, such as possession of a small amount of a controlled substance, may have severe consequences, especially if prior convictions, firearms, activity near protected zones (e.g., schools and parks), or minors are involved. If you have been charged with a drug crime, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney at our firm to discuss your legal options.

Federal Drug Crimes

The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, also known as the Controlled Substances Act, classifies narcotics, marijuana and other drugs into five categories, or Schedules. Besides establishing requirements relating to manufacture and distribution of drugs, the law also defines penalties for violations of the Act. Depending on the nature and quantity of the substance involved, as well as the presence of sentence-enhancing factors, the criminal penalties can be severe. If you are facing federal drug charges, consult with an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney at our firm for advice on the law, your rights and how to proceed.

Searches and Seizures in Drug Cases

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Particularly in drug cases, the legality of how law enforcement officials obtained the evidence used to support the State's case is a central and often-challenged issue. If the government's conduct violated the Fourth Amendment, the evidence is deemed inadmissible. Without the necessary evidence to prove the criminal charges, the State may have to dismiss its case against a defendant. If you have been charged with a drug crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney at our firm can advise you whether the evidence leading the charge may have resulted from an illegal search or seizure.

Criminal and Civil Forfeiture

Forfeiture is the government seizure of property connected to illegal activity. Utilized by the federal and state law enforcement in the ongoing "war on drugs," the practice has not been without controversy. Law enforcement has asserted that it is a necessary and effective deterrent to drug crime, while opponents argue that existing procedural safeguards result in too many innocent parties having their property taken away, with little or no recourse for recovery. If your property or assets have been the subject of a criminal or civil forfeiture, it is important to consult with an experienced forfeiture defense attorney to understand your rights and options.

Alternatives to Incarceration in Drug Cases

Since the late 1980s, there has been a dramatic shift in the approach of the American justice system toward drug crimes. Drug courts, which operate or are being planned in all 50 states, offer an alternative to traditional incarceration. By providing a structure that emphasizes substance abuse treatment and on-going supervision, drug courts aim to rehabilitate and reduce repeat offenses. Consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney at our firm to learn the range of alternatives to jail that may be available to you.

Drug Crimes Resource Links

Illegal Drugs Information
This Web site provides facts, policy issues and public opinion information about illegal drugs from Public Agenda, a nonpartisan opinion research organization.

Drug Courts
Maintained by the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, this Web site provides information about the history, operation, organization and goals of drug courts throughout the country.

Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties
This United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) site lists the penalties for federal trafficking offenses by drug, quantity and offense level.

Criminal and Civil Forfeiture
This page, maintained by the Legal Information Institute of Cornell University Law School, gives an overview of the government power to seize of property connected to illegal activity and explains the difference between criminal and civil forfeiture.

The Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. This site provides the full text, history and scope of this amendment.

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