Fort Lauderdale Drug Possession Lawyer
Are you facing drug possession charges? Do you know what you’re in for?
Far and away, the majority of drug arrests in Florida and throughout the United States are for possession — especially marijuana possession. While many state laws mirror federal laws under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, facing an assistant U.S. attorney and the investigative force that is behind them may be much more daunting.
Possession of larger amounts of marijuana is often deemed by the federal government (and often by the state of Florida, as well) as possession with intent to sell or distribute. Under the U.S. statutes, marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, putting it in the same category as LSD and heroin. If you are facing these charges, Kevin J. Kulik, P.A. can help, contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale drug possession lawyers today.
Under Florida law, you face a felony charge for possession of more than 20 grams of pot punishable by up to five years in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000, along with likely revocation of your drivers license. If it is a federal drug crime charge, having even a single marijuana plant could get you five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
At Kevin J. Kulik, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, we have helped hundreds of clients throughout Broward County and South Florida — from college students to professionals — who have been charged with drug possession. Kevin Kulik has experience in both state and federal courts. From his background as a former Florida assistant state attorney, he knows how the prosecution thinks. As a dedicated Fort Lauderdale drug possession attorney, he has the skill to shred the government’s evidence and get you the best possible outcome.
What about possession of heroin or cocaine?
In Florida, the prosecution must be able to prove three things regardless of the type of drug:
- That the drug is actually a controlled substance as defined by the law in Florida
- That you, the defendant, know or should have known that the drug was illegal
- That you, the defendant, had control over both where the drug was (its location) and its presence. In other words, if you had a rock of crack or a joint in your pocket or you were caught with heroin in your home, you had control over where it was and the fact that it was there.
Unlike the federal crime, with marijuana in the same category as heroin, cocaine, PCP and LSD, the state of Florida takes a slightly different view and generally has greater penalties for possession of drugs other than marijuana. Whereas you would be looking at a misdemeanor charge for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, you could be facing a first-degree felony for possession of more than 10 grams of heroin or cocaine punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help with a Fort Lauderdale drug possession charge
Even a misdemeanor charge can complicate your life, causing you to lose your driving privileges and the ability to obtain certain student loans, costing you thousands in fines and court fees and possibly even your freedom. Talk to our Fort Lauderdale drug possession lawyers, we can help. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with Kevin J. Kulik, P.A., please contact us online or call us at 954-761-9411. We are located close to both the state and federal courts near Fort Lauderdale’s River Walk zone.
