Drug and Narcotic Crimes Lawyers in Fort Myers and Naples, FL
With years of experience as a criminal law attorney in Florida, Michael M. Raheb has defended many clients who have been indicted on state and/or federal drug charges including:
- Drug possession-including possession of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, scheduled substances, narcotics, and other illegal prescription drug possession, such as OxyContin
- Drug dealing or drug trafficking (also known as drug possession with intent to distribute)-including selling marijuana, illegal prescription drugs, cocaine, and heroin
- Drug manufacturing-including methamphetamine (crystal meth) and other synthetic drug/narcotic manufacturing
If a drug arrest or charge has affected you or a member of your family, you can turn to Michael Raheb for the legal experience and skills necessary to protect your rights. Alternatively, if you are based in Denver, you may wish to visit https://www.denvertriallawyers.com/.
Drug Crimes in Florida
Unfortunately, Florida is a well-known hub of drug trafficking and other drug and narcotic crimes. There are often people tested with drug kits, like an MDMA test kit or Ehrlich test kit, and a lot of people arrested for drug-related offenses. The Florida legislature and courts have consequently taken aggressive steps toward increasing both the enforcement of drug laws and the penalties for drug crime convictions. Advice and assistance from an experienced drug defense lawyer can be invaluable to someone charged with these serious offenses.
Drug Possession
Any possession of a controlled substance is a serious charge in Florida that will be dealt with harshly. For example, Florida laws explicitly mandate the following:
- Marijuana-possessing greater than 20 grams = a first-degree misdemeanor
- Cocaine-possessing greater than 10 grams = a felony
- Heroin-possessing greater than 10 grams = a felony
- MDMA-possessing greater than 10 grams = a felony
It is also against Florida laws to intentionally or knowingly possess a listed chemical with the intent to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance; or to possess a listed chemical knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the chemical will be used to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance.
Drug Trafficking
Florida statutes define a drug trafficker as any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into the state (or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of) a controlled substance. Violations of the Florida drug trafficking laws are felonies, carrying significant prison terms as penalties.
Drug Smuggling
Under Florida law, drug smuggling is defined as the act of transporting any controlled substance into the state illegally with the intent to possess or distribute. Since drug smuggling often involves crossing state lines, drug smuggling crimes are often also federal crimes. The federal sentencing guidelines for drug smuggling are extremely strict and punitive.
Intent to Distribute
Being charged with the intent to distribute a controlled substance adds an additional level of penalty to any drug-related charge.
Being arrested for or charged with a drug or narcotics crime can be a stressful experience. You’ll need an experienced and highly competent criminal defense attorney such as Michael Raheb to help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.Contact our law offices today for a no-fee, confidential consultation to discuss your case and start planning your defense.
