At Hanlon Law, we can represent people who have been charged with crimes related to the possession and trafficking of controlled substances. Federal and state authorities take these cases very seriously. This means that a defendant may be facing a possibility of significant fines, jail time, and a criminal record if they are convicted. Clearwater drug crime lawyer Will Hanlon has been fighting for people in criminal cases for over two decades. He understands the significance of what may be at stake and can carefully investigate your situation to develop a strategy for you. He also can assist people who need a sex crime attorney or representation against charges of DUI, domestic violence, or violent crimes.
Drug Crime Convictions May Result in Significant PenaltiesIf you are suspected of or have been charged with a drug crime in Florida, you should understand the potential consequences. Penalties for these crimes run a wide range, depending on the type and amount of the drug involved. The larger the quantity, the more likely you are to face trafficking charges. Trafficking crimes are more serious than simple possession, and they come with larger fines and more time behind bars.
For example, if you get caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana, you are probably facing a misdemeanor that may result in up to one year in jail and as much as $1,000 in fines. If you are found to have possessed more than 25 pounds of marijuana, on the other hand, you likely will be charged with a first-degree felony. That offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years behind bars and a $25,000 fine.
Mounting a Strong Defense to a Drug ChargeIn drug and other criminal cases, the burden is always on prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. Some of the more common defenses in drug cases concern how the police allegedly found the drugs. Police officers are required to have a “reasonable suspicion” that a crime is being committed or was recently committed if they decide to pull over your car or stop you on the street. In court, they need to be able to point to the specific circumstances that gave them that reasonable suspicion. If they cannot do so, any evidence gathered during the stop is likely to be excluded from the case against you.
Police officers also must have probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime is in a house or on the property to search a person’s home without a warrant from a judge. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when an owner grants consent, but evidence gained during a warrantless home search is also likely to be excluded if there was no probable cause.
Explore Your Options with a Drug Crime Lawyer in ClearwaterAttorney Will Hanlon understands how to make sure that a defendant’s rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law and make sure that police and prosecutors play by the rules. Our firm works tirelessly at every step of the criminal justice process. Call us at 727.897.5413 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with Clearwater drug crime attorney Will Hanlon. He also can advocate for you if you need a DUI lawyer or representation against allegations of domestic violence, sex offenses, or other crimes.