Gainesville Drug Possession Attorney
A drug crime conviction comes with serious, life-changing penalties. A drug possession lawyer in Gainesville who has experience fighting these charges can help protect your freedom and future.
At Meldon Law, we fight tenaciously for our clients. Using our skills, knowledge, and experience, we will build a strong case in your defense. We know how scary it can be when jail time is on the horizon, so we fight back when the state pushes to take away your freedom. You deserve criminal defense attorneys who care about you and who will serve you with honesty and integrity.
During your consultation, we can discuss the next steps we envision for your case. If you have questions about how our firm can serve you as we fight to keep you out of the criminal justice system, call (352) 373-8000.
Our Gainesville Drug Possession Attorneys Can Fight Your Charges
Drug possession charges carry less severe penalties than other drug charges, but they are still a threat to your future. Drug possession is an offense that law enforcement and the state prosecution eagerly pursue, so it is important to have a strong defense. The Meldon Law team is here to protect your future.
We Fight Your Case as if it Were Our Own
For some attorneys, practicing law is just a job. At Meldon Law, it’s our calling. We pride ourselves on fighting your case like it was our own freedom on the line. That’s because we are genuinely committed to you as a client. When we say, “Meldon Law Cares,” we mean that all our clients get the following:
Compassion. Our staff’s commitment to your well-being and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case while never once judging you for your choices.
Accountability. The outcome of your case matters to us. We hold ourselves accountable for every verdict.
Reliability. You won’t have to worry about your phone calls being returned or your paperwork being handled correctly. We’ll be right beside you every step of the way.
Excellence. Merely representing you is not good enough for our team. We strive for excellence in every aspect of our representation. We promise to put the full weight of our legal experience and resources behind you.
Success. We are passionate about delivering successful results for our clients. We know the difference that skill and dedication from your legal team can have on your case. That’s what we’re going to give you.
Our Attorney Will Challenge the State’s Case Against You to Protect Your Future
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove several elements, including:
- You possessed a controlled substance: Sometimes, law enforcement and the prosecution mistakenly believe someone is in possession of an illegal controlled substance when they are not.
- You had knowledge of the drug: You must have known you were in possession of a controlled substance. For example, if a friend left marijuana in your vehicle and you did not have knowledge of that fact, it could serve as a defense.
- You had control of the drug: Possession of a controlled substance is not enough to secure a conviction. You must have also had control over the drug. This can be difficult to defend against if police found the drug in your vehicle, but we have experience with all types of drug possession cases.
Our drug possession attorneys know how to challenge the prosecution’s arguments.
We Will Investigate the State’s Case Against You
You have the right to challenge any evidence the state brings against you in a drug possession case. Yes, the state’s case against you will include the best evidence the state can find, but a drug possession lawyer may be able to raise doubts about that evidence or prove that it was incorrectly handled or secured. We don’t just take the state’s word for it.
Our attorneys will examine every aspect of the state’s case and introduce evidence on your behalf. We’re going to challenge their assertions and make sure that there are no procedural errors or factual inaccuracies in the evidence they present against you. We are firmly committed to helping you maintain your freedom. Most importantly, we will do everything legally in our power to fight your charges, no matter the prosecutor or the charges against you.
What Are the Legal Penalties for Drug Possession?
The penalties for drug possession in Florida can vary widely based on the following factors:
- What drug you are charged with possession of (e.g., cocaine, cannabis, heroin, prescription medication)
- How much of the drug you are charged with possessing
- Where you were caught with the drug
- Your previous criminal history (if any)
Drug charges in Gainesville can be either misdemeanors or felonies. For example, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis is a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in the county jail and a fine not to exceed $1,000. However, possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis or other drugs is considered a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in state prison and a $5,000 fine.
Limits on Other Restricted Substances
Examples of other drugs that will be punishable by a felony charge include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cocaine, up to 28 grams
- Heroin, up to four grams
- Methamphetamine, up to 14 grams
- Xanax, possession of any amount without a valid prescription
- Oxycodone (without a valid prescription), up to seven grams
The penalties for drug possession can become significantly harsher if you are charged with possession within 1,000 feet of a school or had a weapon at the time of your arrest. Additionally, all drug convictions in Florida will result in a mandatory suspension of your driver’s license. A Gainesville drug possession attorney from our firm will fight to keep you from facing these kinds of severe penalties.
Other Potential Penalties for Drug Possession
The penalties for even a misdemeanor drug possession don’t end after you serve your time and pay your fines. A drug possession conviction will become part of your criminal record. Having such a conviction on your record could expose you to other adverse realities, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The loss of any professional licenses you held at the time of conviction
- The inability to hold or seek professional licenses in the future
- The loss of credibility as a responsible parent in a custody dispute
- The loss of your reputation
In recent years, many employers and housing providers have added criminal background screenings to their standard application process. That means even a misdemeanor drug conviction could lead to difficulty securing quality housing or gainful employment in the future. Consequences like this are why Meldon Law won’t back down when it comes to defending our clients. We’re going to give you the dedicated, tough representation you deserve.
Facing these potential consequences is scary; however, our team is here to stand beside you and offer hope.
The Difference Between Drug Possession and Drug Possession with Intent
Many people confuse drug possession and possession with intent to sell. This is because the two crimes are essentially the same but with one distinct difference. When pursuing charges of possession with intent to sell, the prosecution must prove that you not only possessed a controlled substance but that you also intended to sell or distribute the drug.
Typically, charges of possession with intent to sell are only issued when you were in possession of a large quantity of the drugs, which indicates the substance was for more than just personal use. However, other elements of the case may also result in charges of possession with intent to sell. For example, large amounts of cash and packaging supplies can also indicate that you possessed a controlled substance with the intent to sell.
Our team can help, regardless of what drug charge you’re facing.
Consult With a Gainesville Drug Possession Lawyer
Meldon Law is a proud member of the Gainesville community and the official law partner of the University of Florida Gators. We serve Gainesville by providing residents with the quality legal defense they deserve in critical situations like drug possession cases. If you’re facing charges of drug possession, you can fight back, and we want to help you.
Contact Meldon Law for a free consultation with one of our drug possession lawyers today: (352) 373-8000.
