Gainesville Criminal Lawyer
Gainesville Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
Florida is one of the largest drug cultivation, importation, and distribution centers in the U.S. For this reason, our state has very strict laws regarding drug possession. Anyone accused of a drug crime in Florida needs to immediately contact a skilled Gainesville drug criminal attorney.
Because marijuana is the least addictive and least physically harmful of all controlled substances, it has the most lenient laws regarding its possession. If you are arrested for having under 20 grams of cannabis, the maximum sentence you will face is one year in jail. If the quantity is over 20 grams, you can face a sentence of five years in prison and a $5000 fine. While these crimes are less serious than the possession of other drugs, they still require the help of a knowledgeable Gainesville criminal lawyer.
If you are arrested with any other drug, the crime is always a felony charge, which can be punished with a sentence of up to five years in prison and $5000 in fines. In most cases, if you had more than 10 grams of the drug, the crime will even be a first class felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Depending on the substance and the quantity you possess, you may also be charged with trafficking, which is an even more grave charge. Trafficking is always a first degree felony, but the penalties vary based on the substance in question. If you have any questions about the penalties you may be facing, please speak with a Gainesville criminal attorney.
You may also be charged with possession if you were in control of a chemical commonly used to manufacture drugs. This crime is a second degree felony, punishable by no more than 15 years in prison. The charges may be dropped if your Gainesville criminal lawyer can prove you were in possession of them for a non-drug-related purpose.
If you have been arrested for possession of drugs, please call The Law Office of Gilbert Schaffnit.