Charged With a Drug Crime? Get an Orlando Drug Crimes Lawyer Who Challenges the Search.

It depends on the charge (misdemeanor possession or felony trafficking), how much evidence there is to review and whether the case goes to trial. We'll explain the fee clearly, in writing, before you hire us. The first consultation is free and confidential.

Possession of most controlled substances is a third-degree felony under Florida Statute § 893.13, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail; more than 20 grams is a felony. Larger amounts can be charged as trafficking, which carries mandatory minimum prison sentences. An attorney can tell you whether drug court or pretrial intervention is an option.

Sometimes, yes. Drug charges can be dismissed or reduced when evidence came from an illegal search, when the State can't prove you knowingly possessed the drugs, when lab testing or the chain of custody breaks down, or through diversion programs. No attorney can promise a result, but the earlier we're involved, the more options you have.

Constructive possession means the drugs weren't on you, but the State says you knew they were there and could control them — for example, in a shared car or apartment. Being near drugs isn't enough. When more than one person had access, the State generally needs independent proof, such as fingerprints, statements or your belongings mixed in, to show they were yours.

Under Florida Statute § 893.135, trafficking is based on weight alone, with no proof of a sale required. The starting thresholds include more than 25 pounds of cannabis (or 300 or more plants), 28 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of heroin or fentanyl, 14 grams of methamphetamine, 7 grams of oxycodone and 28 grams of hydrocodone. The first-tier mandatory minimum is 3 years for most drugs and 7 years for fentanyl, and the minimums climb as high as 25 years at larger weights.

It depends on how the case ends. If the charges were dropped or dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed a diversion program, you may be able to expunge or seal the record under Florida Statutes §§ 943.0585 and 943.059. If you were adjudicated guilty, you generally can't. Eligibility rules are strict, so we review your record and handle the petition.

Drug court is a supervised treatment program for people charged with non-violent drug offenses. Participants go through treatment, random testing and regular court check-ins, and successful completion can lead to the charges being dismissed. Eligibility depends on the charge, your record and the county's rules; trafficking and violent offenses usually don't qualify. Our drug crimes attorneys can tell you whether you're likely to qualify.

Yes. Even misdemeanor possession of 20 grams or less creates a criminal record that can affect jobs, housing, financial aid, professional licenses and immigration status. An attorney can often pursue diversion, a withhold of adjudication or a dismissal that keeps a conviction off your record. More than 20 grams is a felony with up to 5 years in prison.