Drug Possession Lawyer In Pensacola

Tough Defense You Can Rely On

Florida criminalizes the possession of both controlled and non-controlled substances. It is also a crime in Florida to possess certain over the counter medications if you are found to be using them for an illegal purpose. Whether the drug possession charge is a misdemeanor, or a felony depends on whether the drug or substance is controlled or not controlled.

A “controlled substance” are those drugs or substances, including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers listed in schedule I, II, III, IV and V of section 893.03 of the Florida Statutes. Common controlled substances that result in drug possession charges include: Amphetamine, LSD, rohypnol, cocaine, heroin, hydrocodone, opiates, barbiturates, xanex, marijuana, MDMA, methamphetamine and ecstasy. The penalties associated with possessing these drugs and other “controlled substances” are setforth in section 893.13 of the Florida Statutes. But for the possession of “Schedule V” substances and less than 20 grams of marijuana, both of which are first degree misdemeanors, the possession of any other controlled substance constitutes a felony of the third degree. It is a felony of the first, second or third degree if you are accused of possessing a drug or controlled substance and having the intent to sell, manufacture, deliver or produce the contraband. The degree of felony for drug possession with the intent to sell, manufacture, deliver or produce depends on what the substance is and where you are accused of committing the act in relations to other specified areas, i.e., childcare facilities, churches, convenience businesses, etc.

A noncontrolled substance would be those substances not listed in section 893.03 of the Florida Statutes. The possession of these substances is also referred to as possessing a legend drug without a prescription. Usually, possessing a noncontrolled substance without a prescription is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

If you’re currently facing possession charges of any kind, no matter the substance, we can help. Our Pensacola drug crime attorney is here to provide the aggressive defense you need to fight your charges. Call today for a case evaluation: (850) 503-2626.

We’re Here to Help You

Key facts about drug possession you need to know when facing charges in Florida:

• Though marijuana is legalized in Florida for medicinal purposes, possessing it in leaf form is illegal regardless of whether you have a prescription.
• Maximum penalties and fines vary depending on the quantity possessed.
• Unless a substance was lawfully obtained through a practitioner or valid prescription, it is illegal for a person to possess a controlled substance. Possession of a controlled substance is a third-degree felony punishable by a maximum of 5 years in state prison, $5,000 in fines and suspension of your driver’s license.
• Possessing a controlled substance with intent to sell, manufacture, deliver or produce can be a third-degree felony, second degree felony or first-degree felony depending on what the substance is and where you are accused of selling, manufacturing, producing or delivering the substance in relations to certain areas. A second-degree felony is punishable by a maximum of fifteen years in state prison and a $10000 fine. A first-degree felony is punishable by a maximum of 30 years in state prison and a $10000 fine. In addition, some first-degree felony drug possession charges carry a minimum mandatory three years term of incarceration if convicted.
• Being convicted for possessing a controlled substance will result in a mandatory driver license revocation.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia is also one of the most commonly charged crimes in addition to drug possession. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a first-degree misdemeanor.
• For those convicted of simple illegal possession for certain drugs, getting your crime expunged is a possibility if the case is dismissed.

Let Us Stand Up for You

Our mission is to aggressively bring forth all potential defenses to any drug possession charges.

We know how to seek the dismissal of charges and exclusion of evidence when the situation calls for it, and we can evaluate if a pre-trial evaluation would be beneficial for you.

For more than a decade, The Morris Firm has focused on the practice of criminal defense cases. We’re available 24/7, which means we’ll be there when you need us most. Unlike larger firms that practice in multiple areas of the law, we concentrate solely on criminal law, and, over the years, we’ve built relationships with prosecutors, judges and law enforcement throughout Pensacola. We pride ourselves on tailoring our legal services to you.

Your consultation is only a phone call away. To talk about a drug possession case, call the The Morris Firm at (850) 503-2626 now.