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How Serious Is My Drug Crime?

Oct. 19, 2021

How We Can Help Your Drug Charges

In Florida, there has been a recent and overwhelming rise in prescription drug addiction. Among these medications, the painkiller oxycodone has had a significant rise in its use, and there has been a vigilant effort by law enforcement to make more oxycodone-related arrests. With this increase in prescription drug usage, there has been a rise in addiction and in people abusing their personal prescriptions, leading to a spike in drug trafficking. Unfortunately, many of these individuals are unaware that unlawful possession of only a one-month amount of these prescription drugs results in serious charges and even minimum mandatory sentences. We can help.

Seeking A Reduced Sentence For Drug Possession, Prescription Drugs And Other Charges

At the law office of Hoskins & Penton, we have helped and advised a large number of people charged with drug possession and trafficking. With more than 50 years’ combined experience as criminal defense attorneys, we work hard to convince the state attorney that our clients do not deserve a prison sentence. Often, drug counseling, or out-patient or in-patient treatment will help to reduce a sentence as well as help the client to address the drug problem that caused the drug offense in the first place.

How Serious Is My Drug Crime?

Many people do not realize that there are mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. This primarily depends on what kind of drug you had and how much of it you had. For instance:

  • Less than 20 grams of marijuana — about three-quarters of an ounce — carries up to a 12-month jail term and/or $1000 fine.

  • More than 20 grams of marijuana is a felony with up to three years in prison and/or a $5000 fine.

  • More than 7 grams of oxycodone carries the same punishment as 20 grams of marijuana.

Florida maintains a detailed list of different drugs and the penalties that go with each one, depending on the amount. If you have more than a certain amount, the law will often assume that you intended to distribute and sell it, even if you did not. These penalties are more severe.

How We Can Help You

A drug trafficking, cultivation, or prescription drug charge usually involves a three-year mandatory prison sentence. If the evidence can’t be suppressed because of an illegal search and seizure, then we will find as much support as possible to prove that our clients don’t belong in prison.

We investigate each drug charge case for details and information that may prove the authorities were acting without legal justification in searching our clients.

In cases of severe drug addiction, we connect our clients with appropriate rehabilitation programs. We present these important factors to the authorities as a provable measure of our clients’ desire for self-improvement and general character.

Get Effective Representation Today

Drug charges are not the end of the road. You can fight them, and we can help. For more information, contact our office for a free consultation in criminal defense and injury cases. Our team is available by phone or online.