.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.avif)
West Palm Beach Drug Crime Lawyers
When you're facing drug charges in West Palm Beach or anywhere in South Florida, the stakes are high. At South Florida Justice, we understand the stress and uncertainty you're experiencing. Our aggressive, experienced drug crime attorneys are here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
.svg)
24/7 Free ConsultationsLegal troubles don't clock out at 5 p.m., and neither do we.
Always by Your SideWe stand with you, fight for you, and never back down.
West Palm Beach DefendersOur local roots run as deep as our legal knowledge.
Our Track Record of Success
Drug Crimes We Handle
Our West Palm Beach drug crime lawyers stand up for clients who face a wide range of drug-related charges.
.svg)
Drug Possession and SalesDrug possession charges in Florida can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the type of substance and the amount. Our West Palm Beach drug possession attorneys use defense strategies that may include challenging the legality of searches and seizures, questioning the handling of evidence, and exploring alternative sentencing options.
.svg)
Marijuana PossessionDespite legalization trends in other states, recreational marijuana use remains illegal in Florida. Consequences vary, but the penalties for possessing larger amounts of marijuana without a medical card are still quite harsh. Our West Palm Beach drug attorneys will explore the most effective defense strategies for your marijuana possession case.
.svg)
Drug Trafficking and DistributionConvictions for trafficking or distributing large amounts of drugs carry mandatory minimum sentences in Florida. Our drug crime attorneys handle these high-stakes cases by challenging every possible aspect, from the alleged weight and purity of the substance to the circumstances of the arrest.
.svg)
Drug ManufacturingDrug manufacturing charges, including those for methamphetamine or synthetic drugs, are among the most severely punished drug crimes in Florida. Our team conducts thorough investigations into these complex cases, challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution and exploring defenses based on intent or lack of knowledge.
.svg)
Federal Drug CrimesWhen drug charges escalate to the federal level, the penalties become even more severe, often involving harsh mandatory minimum sentences. Our drug crime attorneys in West Palm Beach will represent you, leading the charge in federal court against these serious drug crime charges.
- Don't Let Drug Charges Define Your Future: Fight Back Today
A drug conviction can impact every aspect of your life, including your job prospects, driver’s license privileges, housing options, and personal relationships. At South Florida Justice, we challenge drug charges and fight to protect your future.
Get in Touch with UsAvailable 24/7(561) 659-8337
Our Client Testimonials
Understanding Florida Drug Laws
Many of Florida’s drug laws are described in Florida Statute 893, the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. This act outlines prohibited substances, unlawful activities, and penalties for offenders.
Drug Classifications in Florida
Florida classifies controlled substances into five schedules:
- Schedule I: High potential for abuse; no accepted medical use (heroin, LSD).
- Schedule II: High potential for abuse; some accepted medical uses (cocaine, oxycodone).
- Schedule III: Moderate potential for abuse; accepted medical uses (anabolic steroids).
- Schedule IV: Low potential for abuse; accepted medical uses (Xanax, Valium).
- Schedule V: Lowest potential for abuse; accepted medical uses (cough medicines with codeine).
The schedule of a substance, along with the amount involved, determines the severity of a possession charge and potential penalties.
Drug Crime Penalties in Florida
Penalties for drug possession in Florida can be severe, depending on the type and quantity of the drug as well as the defendant's criminal history. Here's an overview of potential penalties:
- Marijuana (up to 20 grams): First-degree misdemeanor; up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Marijuana (more than 20 grams): Third-degree felony; up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Heroin or fentanyl (up to 4 grams): Third-degree felony; up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Cocaine (up to 28 grams): Third-degree felony; up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Ecstasy (up to 10 grams): Third-degree felony; up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Fentanyl (up to 14 grams): Third-degree felony; up to 7 years in prison and a monetary fine of $50,000.
- Fentanyl (14 to 28 grams): Third-degree felony; up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- Fentanyl ( greater than 28 grams): Third-degree felony; up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
- Methamphetamine (up to 14 grams): Third-degree felony; up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Drug paraphernalia: First-degree misdemeanor; up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
These penalties can increase if certain aggravating factors apply, such as if the alleged drug crime:
- Results in death or injury to another person.
- Is committed by a habitual felony offender.
- Occurs near a school, childcare center, public housing, park, community center, college, or place of worship.
When you’re up against these tough charges, we’ll use proven tactics during pretrial negotiations to seek a favorable deal. In some cases, this might involve a plea for reduced drug charges that carry less severe consequences.
When Drug Charges Become Federal
Certain drug offenses may be charged at the federal level, carrying even more severe penalties. A drug charge may become federal if:
- The offense crosses state lines.
- It involves trafficking or distribution.
- The alleged crime occurs on government property.
- Federal agencies like the FBI or DEA are involved in the investigation.
Federal charges often result in mandatory minimum sentences and can lead to asset forfeiture under the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000.
Why Choose South Florida Justice for Your Drug Crime Defense?
You deserve a team of dedicated criminal justice legal professionals who care about your future. Here’s how we can make a difference.
.svg)
Decades of ExperienceExperience matters. Our team is compromised of a former police officer, prosecutor, statewide prosecutor, and public defender ready to get to work for you. Our drug crime attorneys have successfully defended many clients just like you from charges throughout South Florida.
.svg)
Up-to-Date KnowledgeLegal matters are not set in stone. We continually update our knowledge of state and federal drug laws, recent court decisions, and emerging defense strategies.
.svg)
Aggressive AdvocacyWe approach every case with unwavering determination. Our relentless advocacy means we explore every legal avenue, challenge evidence vigorously, and negotiate fiercely on your behalf.
.svg)
Personalized DefenseWhen you hire us, we lead the charge in your defense. Our approach involves a thorough analysis of your specific situation to craft a defense strategy that targets weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.
- Available 24/7
Legal emergencies don't adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. Our 24/7 availability means you have access to legal advice at any time, day or night.
Areas We Serve
From our centrally located West Palm Beach office, we're positioned to respond quickly to drug cases throughout South Florida, including:
- Palm Beach County
- Miami-Dade County
- Broward County
- St. Lucie County
- Martin County
- Okeechobee County
Frequently Asked Questions
- I've been charged with a drug crime. What steps should I take?
If you're facing drug charges, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present, and do not consent to any searches of your person, vehicle, or property without a warrant. Contact a skilled drug crime defense attorney as soon as possible.
At South Florida Justice, we are ready to answer your call and handle the next steps. Call us immediately at 561-659-8337 for a confidential case evaluation.
- I was arrested for marijuana possession in West Palm Beach. How serious is this charge in Florida?
Voters failed to pass a recent measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. Possession of up to 20 grams is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than 20 grams is a felony.
We are frequently able to get first-time offenders diversion. We have experience securing the dismissal of cases involving the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Contact our marijuana possession lawyers to learn how we can help.
- Can prescription drug charges be expunged from my record in Palm Beach County?
Florida law does allow for the expungement of certain drug charges, including some involving prescription drugs. If you complete a Palm Beach County Drug Court program or if your case is dismissed, you may be eligible for expungement. We can review your case to determine your eligibility and guide you through the expungement process.
- Are there drug diversion programs available in Palm Beach County?
Yes, Palm Beach County offers diversion programs for drug offenses through the Adult Drug Court. These programs provide alternatives to traditional prosecution, especially for first-time offenders. Eligibility depends on the specific charges and your criminal history.
- Can the police search my vehicle during a traffic stop in West Palm Beach?
Police generally need a warrant or probable cause to search your vehicle. If you're stopped in West Palm Beach and an officer claims to smell marijuana, that could constitute probable cause for a search. We can review the specific circumstances of your stop and search to determine whether your rights were violated.
- What's the difference between possession and intent to distribute?
Possession charges typically involve smaller amounts for personal use, while intent to distribute involves larger quantities or evidence of sales. The penalties for intent to distribute are generally more severe.