Pensacola Cocaine Drug Crimes Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested for possession of cocaine or a related drug crime, you need a top-tier drug crimes defense attorney. The consequences of a conviction can be devastating and life-changing. Those with prior convictions, even years later, often have a harder time if they have to go to court for any reason, and mandatory minimums and three strikes laws could mean harsher sentences later on. The cocaine defense lawyers at The Morris Firm are knowledgeable about federal and Florida drug laws, and we have the skill and experience it takes to provide you with a top-quality legal defense and a vigorous defense of your rights. Don’t let an awful mistake or police error ruin the rest of your life. Call us right away at (850) 503-2626 to discuss your case with us.

Why You Need A Lawyer To Defend Against A Cocaine Charge

Drug charges are serious business, and prosecutors often throw the book at these cases. A conviction for possession of cocaine can follow you for the rest of your life, bringing harsher sentences for later convictions as well as preventing you from getting jobs and taking advantage of educational and financial opportunities. A good defense lawyer can give your case the best chance of success. They can perform an investigation and collect evidence to build the strongest argument possible for leniency or dismissal. They can negotiate with opposing counsel on your behalf. An experienced defense attorney is essential to a successful resolution to any drug crimes case.

Why You Should Hire The Morris Firm To Handle Your Defense

The Morris Firm has successfully defended thousands of Floridians against serious drug charges for over ten years. Our firm focuses on criminal law, and we have good relationships with Florida police, prosecutors, and judges, which can be an important benefit to your case. You can contact us any time, day or night, to inquire about the progress of your defense or with any other questions. Our firm is not afraid of tough fights, and we provide an aggressive and thorough defense to all of our clients. Everyone deserves top-quality representation, no matter how serious the crime they are charged with.

Types Of Cocaine Charges

The severity of a cocaine charge, like other drug charges, often depends on the amount of cocaine the suspect is found with and what they intend to do with it, among other factors.

Possession of cocaine paraphernalia (needles, etc.), even without any cocaine present, is on its own a first degree misdemeanor.

In Florida, cocaine is a Schedule II substance, and as such, possession of the drug is a third degree felony. The law makes a distinction between actual and constructive possession. Actual possession means you are physically holding the substance or have it within reach. Constructive possession means it is in your control but not on your person; for example, in your car or your house. A conviction carries five years of prison or probation and a $5,000 fine. In addition to these penalties, you can also have your driver’s license revoked for two years.

Selling cocaine is a more serious crime, a second-degree felony. Selling in certain locations, such as near a school, place of worship, or park, can enhance the crime to a first-degree felony and carries a harsher penalty.

One of the most serious charges, trafficking of cocaine, is the intentional sale, manufacture, transportation, and/or distribution of the drug. It is a first-degree felony, and conviction carries a fine and a mandatory minimum sentence, which can vary from $50,000 to $250,000, and three to 15 years in prison, respectively, depending on the amount trafficked and other circumstances of the case.

Know Your Rights In A Cocaine Arrest

Everyone in this country has rights when they are arrested, and this is especially important when the accusation is as serious as drug charges. The police must follow particular procedures as outlined in law derived from the United States Constitution to ensure that the accused has every opportunity to defend themselves and to avoid self-incrimination. Some of these rights include:

• The Miranda Warning – “You have the right to remain silent….” These words are widely known. The police must say this, and they must tell you that the police can use your words against you in court. They must inform you that you have the right to have your attorney present during the interrogation, and that if you can’t afford one, you can request an attorney free of charge. It is an important warning before an interrogation because the person being arrested has the right to understand that they don’t have to answer police questions without a lawyer present to ensure that questioning is conducted in a fair and legal manner.
• Illegal Search and Seizure – The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution provides protection against improper searches by police. The police must have “probable cause,” or a reasonable basis to believe a crime has been committed, to search you, your house, or your vehicle for drugs or other contraband, or they must have a warrant. If they conduct a search without these things, any evidence they find may be inadmissible in court.

It is extremely important to hire a knowledgeable drug defense lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. Police and prosecutors often go to great lengths to obtain a conviction in drug cases, and a strong defense attorney can keep them from stepping over the line and trampling your rights.

Call The Cocaine Defense Attorneys At The Morris Firm Right Away

You can’t afford to have a mediocre defense for a serious drug crime involving cocaine or other illegal substances. You need a legal team that will fight for your rights to due process and a fair trial. An experienced defense attorney is crucial at this stage. At The Morris Firm, we understand what a stressful and frustrating time this is for you. You’re worried about your future and your ability to move past these charges and carry on with your life. We help clients facing these difficulties every day. Call us today at (850) 503-2626 or fill out our contact form to set up a free consultation.