Ocala Drug Crimes Attorney

Under Florida law, it is an offense to unlawfully possess, sell, manufacture, or deliver controlled substances and illicit drugs. A person charged with a drug crime may be facing lengthy imprisonment, substantial fines, a criminal record, and other social ramifications. If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime, hiring an aggressive drug crimes attorney Ocala trusts is critical for proper guidance and to help build your case. 

At Defend Ocala, we are dedicated to offering reliable legal guidance and comprehensive representation to clients in their drug crime cases. As your legal counsel, we can investigate every detail of your case carefully and craft a solid defense strategy to help fight your charges. In addition, we will fight aggressively with the goal to uphold your rights, dispute the allegations against you with factual evidence, and make sure those charges don't ruin your life. 

Our team is proud to represent clients across Ocala, Florida, and the surrounding areas throughout Marion County and Lake County, including Eustis, Leesburg, Clermont, and Tavares. Reach out today for support.  

Drug Charges in Florida 

According to Florida law, a person may not manufacture, sell, deliver, or possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture a controlled substance without authorization. Here are some common drug charges in The Sunshine State: 

Drug Possession 

In Florida, a person may be facing drug possession charges for possessing or holding controlled substances, such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamines, and other illicit drugs. 

Drug Manufacturing 

Under Florida law, a person may be charged with drug manufacturing for partaking in different activities that involve producing, preparing, creating, or cultivating a controlled substance. In addition, drug manufacturing activities such as operating a drug lab, cooking methamphetamine, cultivating marijuana, and mixing chemicals are prohibited in the state. 

Drug Distribution, Delivery, or Trafficking 

Defendants may be arrested for drug distribution, delivery, or trafficking if there is substantial evidence that the person distributed or sold unlawful drugs and controlled substances listed under state laws. 

Possessing With the Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver 

A person may be charged with "possessing with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver" if the amount of the drug found in the defendant's possession is significantly more than a reasonable amount that is meant for personal consumption. 

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can investigate every aspect of your case and determine whether the offense will be charged as a state or federal drug crime. 

Federal Drug Crime 

Both state and federal drug laws prohibit the illegal possession, delivery, sale, and manufacture of controlled substances. Essentially, a drug offense will become a federal drug crime if the following is true: 

• An undercover federal officer made the arrest. 

• The drug offense crossed between state lines (such as drug trafficking). 

• The defendant was apprehended while committing the drug crime on federal property. 

• The drug crime involved some other criminal activities, such as firearms, gang activity, or money laundering. 

• The drug crime is very serious, and the defendant must be punished strictly. 

A seasoned Ocala drug crimes lawyer can review the surrounding details of your case and educate you about the nature of your drug charges. 

Drug Schedules in Florida 

In Florida, controlled substances are classified into the following "schedules," depending on the level of dangerousness of the drug: 

Schedule I: These substances have a high potential for abuse and no known medical purpose. Some common examples include heroin, marijuana, ecstasy, peyote, LSD, and GHB. 

Schedule II: These are drugs with a high potential for abuse but are severely restricted for medical use. Common examples include methadone, opiates, hydrocodone, Vicodin, and opium. 

Schedule III: These substances have a moderate potential for abuse compared to Schedule I or II drugs and are severely restricted for medical treatment. Examples include ketamine, testosterone, anabolic steroids, and codeine. 

Schedule IV: These substances have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs and are permitted for medical use. Examples include Klonopin, Valium, Xanax, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives, depressants, and stimulants. 

Schedule V: These substances have the least potential for abuse. Also, they are commonly used for medical treatments. Some examples include cough syrups, Motofen, Lomotil, Parepectolin, Robitussin, and Lyrica. 

Possible Penalties 

In Florida, drug crimes usually attract harsh and devastating punishments. A defendant convicted of a drug-related charge might face any of the following penalties and consequences: 

• massive fines and court fees 

• prison sentences (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• a criminal history/record 

• probation 

• inability to own, carry, or possess firearms 

• mandatory drug treatment classes 

• increased difficulty in getting employment or accommodation 

• increased difficulty in getting scholarships or educational opportunities 

• increased difficulty traveling overseas 

• ineligibility for certain financial loans 

• loss of voting rights 

• increased difficulty in obtaining public assistance 

• deterioration of personal and professional relationships 

A seasoned Florida drug crime defense attorney can evaluate all the facts of your case and outline an effective defense strategy to help you avoid or mitigate the far-reaching punishments of a criminal conviction. 

Work With a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney 

Trying to navigate the judiciary system or defend your drug crime charges without experienced representation can put you in the worst possible situation. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction can jeopardize your career, quality of life, liberty, and future. Therefore, when under investigation for a drug crime, you need to retain a reliable criminal defense attorney to help strategize your defense. 

At Defend Ocala, our attorneys have the skill and resources to represent and defend clients wrongfully charged with drug crimes. As your legal counsel, we can guide you through the Florida criminal justice system and represent you intelligently at every stage of the legal process. In addition, we will fight aggressively for your freedom and make sure you're given fair treatment.