Drug Possession Attorneys in Gainesville

Backed By Over 24 Years’ Combined Experience

Florida State law prohibits the possession of certain controlled substances and harshly penalizes offenders. Drug possession is considered an offense committed by an individual who may not have sold, distributed, or manufactured the substance but simply had it in their possession. Having possession of most controlled substances banned by Florida law may be charged as a felony, with the exception of medical marijuana.

A conviction may not only result in expensive fines, probation, and prison time, it could also:

• Cause you to lose your current job
• Increase your insurance premiums
• Lead to a driver’s license suspension
• Prevent you from obtaining a new job
• Make you ineligible for federal student aid
• Prevent you from getting into college or grad school

In order to help avoid these far-reaching and long-lasting consequences, you should retain experienced legal representation right away. At Dunham & Ingram, our drug possession attorneys in Gainesville have decades of experience in this complex area of law. As such, we are highly knowledgeable about the related procedures, paperwork, and laws. Our legal team will effectively guide you throughout the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for your best interests.

About Drug Possession in Florida

Florida prosecutors take into account numerous factors when charging individuals with drug possession. First, they consider the controlled substance’s illegal nature and seek to prove it through forensic analysis of the drug. Then, they work to prove that the defendant had known, or should have known, about the controlled substance’s illegal status as well as its presence. Lastly, the prosecutors strive to prove that the defendant had control over the drug’s presence and location.

In general, these are the guidelines for drug possession charges and their penalties:

• First-degree misdemeanor possession – Up to 20 grams of (nonmedical) marijuana. Punishable by up to one year in jail.
• Third-degree felony possession – Greater than 20 grams of (nonmedical) marijuana, up to 4 grams of opiate/heroin, up to 1 gram of LSD, up to 10 grams of ecstasy/MDMA, up to 28 grams of cocaine. Punishable by up to five years in prison.
• First-degree felony possession – Greater than 25 pounds of (nonmedical) marijuana, greater than 4 grams of opiate/heroin, greater than 1 gram of LSD, greater than 10 grams of ecstasy/MDMA, greater than 28 grams of cocaine. Punishable by up to $250,000 in fines and up to 30 years in prison.