Sarasota Drug Crime Lawyer

Sarasota Drug Crime Attorney

Are you or someone you know experiencing troubles with drug charges in the Sarasota, FL, area? The well-qualified Sarasota drug crime lawyers from Ruhl & Lux, P.A. are here to help. No matter the substance involved in your case or the unique details of your arrest, we can offer swift and effective criminal defense strategies to uphold your rights, clear your name, and keep you out of jail.

Whether you’re dealing with routine marijuana possession charges or have been implicated in a major drug trafficking case, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that Ruhl & Lux, P.A. has a track record of steering cases to the most favorable outcomes for our clients. We’re on your side. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been accused of possessing drugs, manufacturing them, or distributing them. We will do everything we can to offer assistance in the form of top-tier, judgment-free representation.

Understanding Drug Charges in the State of Florida

According to government data, there are around 80,000 drug arrests in Florida each year out of some 500,000 total arrests statewide, making drug crimes a key facet of the state’s powerful and aggressive criminal justice system. Florida law enforcement officers, state prosecutors, and federal agents alike all take pride in racking up drug convictions, and they work for a powerful and well-funded machine.

This is why allegations of drug crimes call for the intervention of a skilled criminal defense attorney from Ruhl & Lux, P.A.

In the State of Florida, it is a criminal offense to possess, deliver, manufacture, or sell illicit drugs or controlled substances without the proper authorization (e.g., a valid prescription for narcotic painkillers). Depending on the particular circumstances of the case, drug charges can be filed at either a misdemeanor or felony level.

Sentences for drug convictions often depend mainly on the type and quantity of drugs involved, but things like prior criminal history can also be a factor.

If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime in the Sarasota, FL area, retaining the services of a reliable and reputable Sarasota criminal defense attorney can represent the most favorable chances of improving your case’s outcome. The highly skilled defense attorneys from Ruhl & Lux, P.A. can analyze the unique circumstances of your case, the details of your arrest, and every aspect of the prosecution’s case in order to find the most optimal defense possible for your situation. Without quality legal intervention, drug convictions can lead to massive fines and lengthy prison sentences.

Some of the different categories of drug crimes our firm is able to assist with include:

• Drug Possession – The simplest and most routine of drug charges, possession cases can nonetheless lead to severe penalties when street drugs like meth and heroin are involved.
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Sometimes, drugs don’t even need to be found for a prosecutor to file drug charges. A case can sometimes be built around the presence of equipment used for consuming or packaging drugs.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute – The seriousness of possession charges is compounded when an individual possesses drugs with the intention to sell or transport them. The line between simple possession and possession with intent can be difficult to define and often has much to do with the quantity of drugs involved.
• Drug Trafficking – When drugs cross the line from recreational aid to illicit business enterprise, the criminal charges involved also become more serious.
• Drug Manufacturing – Manufacturing charges can encompass a variety of different activities, from growing cannabis to manufacturing meth to sourcing third-party prescriptions for controlled medications.
• Drug Delivery – The prosecution’s case can sometimes hinge on the physical act of drugs actually changing hands, making drug delivery a key concept in many cases.
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs – DUIs are most often associated with alcohol, but driving while impaired by other mind-altering drugs is equally illegal.
• Public Intoxication/Disorderly Conduct – Sometimes, criminal charges have less to do with the drugs themselves and more to do with drug-induced behavior.

FAQs

What Is the Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking in Florida?

The mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking in Florida will depend on various factors, such as the specific type of controlled substance involved, as well as its quantity. Prior criminal history can also play a factor. Trafficking charges are severe, but each case is unique.

This is to say that a career criminal convicted of importing and reselling fentanyl as head of an organized crime ring operating across a multi-city area is likely to be treated more harshly in sentencing than someone charged with trafficking a single cannabis plant across state lines.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Charge in Florida?

A criminal lawyer in Florida generally charges an hourly rate that corresponds to their skill level, reputation, in-court track record, and local market conditions. At Ruhl & Lux, P.A., we use fair rates and flexible payment options to make top-quality criminal defense services available to real Floridians when they need help most. Contact us today to learn more about our billing policies, rates, and payment options.

What Is the Sentence for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Florida?

The sentence for possession of a controlled substance in Florida will depend on what exactly that substance is and how much of that substance is involved in the case. Other factors, such as prior criminal history, the presence of a weapon, and the quality of your criminal defense team, can also play a role. Broadly speaking, convictions for drug possession in Florida can lead to fines, probation, mandatory education programs, or incarceration.

What Is 3rd Degree Felony Drug Possession in Florida?

3rd-degree felony drug possession is a serious Florida drug charge that applies to a variety of situations, including the possession of certain amounts of cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, methamphetamine, heroin, and other opiates, or more than 20g of illegal marijuana. A conviction for a 3rd degree felony level drug possession in the State of Florida can result in a prison sentence and/or a substantial fine.

Ruhl & Lux, P.A. – Highly Effective Help for Sarasota, FL Drug Cases

If you’re facing drug charges, don’t panic. Help is available. At Ruhl & Lux, P.A., we understand just how stressful and challenging it can be to face allegations of drug use, manufacturing, or distribution. We are prepared to implement aggressive and highly effective defense strategies to mitigate the consequences of your drug charges, and, in some cases, may be able to get charges reduced or dropped entirely.

At Ruhl & Lux, P.A., we don’t think your future should be defined by a single mistake or a case of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. We aren’t just here to walk you through the criminal justice process; we are fierce advocates for justice and will fight for your freedom and your rights throughout every phase of drug-related criminal proceedings. Please contact us today to begin the process with a confidential and judgment-free consultation.