Port Charlotte Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Port Charlotte, FL

According to statistics from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were 68,564 total drug arrests statewide in 2020. In the state of Florida, it is an offense to possess, deliver, manufacture, or sell illicit drugs or controlled substances without authorization. Unfortunately, drug arrests are prosecuted aggressively, and a drug crime conviction might result in harsh penalties and other life-altering consequences.

If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime, retaining a reliable Port Charlotte, FL criminal defense attorney is imperative to building a strong case. Ruhl & Lux, P.A. is committed to offering skilled representation and comprehensive legal guidance to clients in their drug crime cases. The dedicated legal team at the firm will investigate every aspect of your case thoroughly and strategize a solid defense in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your unique situation.

Ruhl & Lux, P.A. is proud to serve clients across Port Charlotte, Florida, and the surrounding areas of Fort Myers and Sarasota.

Federal Drug Crime

Furthermore, both federal and state drug laws prohibit the illegal possession, manufacture, sale, and delivery of drugs. However, a drug crime will become a federal drug offense when any of the following applies:

• The defendant was arrested while committing the drug offense on federal property.
• An undercover federal officer arrested the defendant.
• The drug offense involved other crimes, including money laundering, gang activity, or firearms.
• The drug offense crossed between state lines (such as drug trafficking).
• The drug crime is very serious, and the offender must be punished severely.

A strategic Florida defense attorney can help you understand the nature of your drug charges.

Drug Charges in Florida

Under Florida law, it is unlawful to manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance without authorization. To understand the details surrounding each charge, consider the following:

Drug Possession

According to Florida law, an individual may be charged with drug possession for holding or possessing controlled substances, such as methamphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other illegal drugs.

Drug Distribution, Delivery, or Trafficking

Under Florida law, a person may be charged with drug distribution, delivery, or trafficking if there is significant proof that the accused person sold or distributed controlled substances and illicit drugs listed under state laws.

Drug Manufacturing

In Florida, a person may face drug manufacturing charges for participating in different acts which involve preparing, producing, cultivating, or creating a controlled substance. Also, Florida state laws prohibit some drug manufacturing activities such as mixing chemicals, cooking methamphetamine, operating a drug lab, and cultivating marijuana.

Possessing With the Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver

According to Florida laws, a person may be arrested for drug “possessing with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver” if the quantity of controlled substances or drugs found in the person’s possession is substantially more than a reasonable amount meant for personal use.

Florida Drug Schedules

Additionally, controlled substances in Florida are categorized into the following “schedules”:

Schedule I: These are drugs with a high potential for abuse and no known medical use. Common examples include peyote, marijuana, heroin, ecstasy, GHB, and LSD.

Schedule II: These substances have a high potential for abuse and are severely restricted for medical purposes. Common examples include Vicodin, methadone, hydrocodone, opium, and opiates.

Schedule III: These are drugs with a moderate potential for abuse than Schedule I or II drugs. They are strictly restricted for medical use. Common examples include testosterone, ketamine, anabolic codeine, and steroids.

Schedule IV: These are drugs with a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule III drugs and are permitted for medical treatments. Examples include benzodiazepines, Valium, Klonopin, Xanax, and other sedatives, stimulants, and depressants.

Schedule V: These are drugs with the least potential for abuse. They are commonly used for medical purposes. Examples are cough syrups, Parepectolin, Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, and Robitussin.

Possible Drug Crimes Penalties in Florida

A defendant convicted of a drug-related charge in Florida may be subject to any of these penalties and consequences:

• substantial fines and court fees
• lengthy prison sentences (ranging from months to years, or decades)
• probation
• community services
• a criminal record/history
• mandatory drug treatment classes
• inability to own, carry, or possess firearms
• ineligibility for certain financial loans
• increased difficulty in getting accommodation or employment
• increased difficulty traveling overseas
• increased difficulty in getting scholarships or educational opportunities
• loss of voting rights
• increased difficulty in obtaining government benefits
• damage to professional and personal relationships

An experienced criminal trial lawyer can determine your best defenses for mitigating or preventing the devastating penalties and long-term implications of a drug crime conviction. If you need representation, don’t hesitate to contact Ruhl & Lux, P.A. today.

Work With A Port Charlotte Drug Crime Lawyer Today

Defending your drug crimes charges without a trusted attorney in your corner can expose you to the risks of getting convicted and suffering maximum punishments. Therefore, when arrested for a drug-related crime, it’s vital to hire an aggressive criminal defense attorney for proper guidance and advice.

For more than 15 years, the attorneys at Ruhl & Lux, P.A. have been protecting charged individuals from the worst possible penalties. As your legal counsel, their attorneys can lead you through the Florida criminal justice system and represent you diligently at every phase of the legal process. Above all, they will fight vigorously to help keep your record clean.

Drug Crime Attorneys in Port Charlotte, Florida

If you’re facing drug charges, don’t face them alone. Contact Ruhl & Lux, P.A. today to schedule a simple case assessment. The dependable lawyers at the firm can offer you the aggressive representation and reliable legal counsel you need to fight your drug charges. The firm proudly represents clients across Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and Sarasota, Florida.