GOOD PEOPLE DO GET ARRESTED. Experienced Criminal Defense...Felonies & Misdemeanors. Free Consultation 24/7.
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Top LOCAL Drug Charge Defense Attorneys with 150+ Years Combined Experience; A+ BBB, FLA Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
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Fort Myers Criminal Defense Law Firm. Strategic Representation from a Former Prosecutor With Over 20 Years Experience. Free and Confidential Consultation. Contact us 24/7.
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2242 Main Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Practical Drug Crime legal help. Representing Fort Myers, Florida clients.
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4461 Camino Real Way, Suite 1003, Fort Myers, FL 33966
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Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. helps clients in the Fort Myers area handle cases involving Drug Crime.
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2200 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite A, Fort Myers, FL 33901
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Musca Law has experience helping clients with their Drug Crime needs in Fort Myers, Florida.
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1375 Jackson Street, #201, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Contact Lee Viacava Law Firm for experienced Drug Crime guidance in Fort Myers, Florida.
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1430 Royal Palm Square Boulevard, Suite 101, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey, is a law firm in Fort Myers, Florida with experience resolving cases in Drug Crime.
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1617 Hendry Street, Suite 213, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Steven Wetter Attorney at Law, P.A., is a law firm in Fort Myers, Florida with experience resolving cases in Drug Crime.
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Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
2259 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901-3503
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
1625 Hendry St. Ste. 101, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
12585 New Brittany Blvd, Suite 21E, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
4280 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
2241 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
1617 Hendry Street, Suite 316, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
PO Box 9388, Fort Myers, FL 33902
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
1404 Dean St, Suite 300, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
5220 Summerlin Commons Blvd, Suite 201A, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
1532 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
1424 Dean Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
2369 W 1st St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
2200 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Fort Myers, FL 33902
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
2052 Virginia Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901-3313
Drug Crime Lawyers | Fort Myers Office
1534 Jackson St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Drug Crime Lawyers | Cape Coral Office | Serving Fort Myers, FL
1222 SE 47th Street, Suite 106, Cape Coral, FL 33904-9661
Lead Counsel independently verifies Drug Crime attorneys in Fort Myers and checks their standing with Florida bar associations.
Our Verification Process and CriteriaDrug crimes are some of the most common crimes in the United States, ranging from (unlawful) possession of a controlled substance to large-scale drug trafficking and racketeering. Drug crime typically involves the possession, distribution, manufacture, cultivation, or illicit sale of recreational drugs, from morphine to heroin to cannabis.
Nearly any drug offense could see you end up in the federal system because these substances are all banned under federal law. If federal officers, such as those with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are conducting operations in your area, an arrest by one of those officers would likely lead to federal charges. Using illegal drugs on federal property, such as national parks, can also lead to drug charges. While federal officials often target distributors and traffickers more than people possessing a small amount of drugs, the potential does still exist.
Drug crimes involve any actions related to the use of local, state or federally banned narcotics like heroin, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine. Some common drug crimes include selling, distributing, consuming or possessing these substances. The illegal use of prescription drugs like oxycodone and Vicodin also falls under this category. For example, if police find you with oxycodone, but you do not have a prescription for it, you are likely to be arrested.
The most common drug crime in the U.S. is drug possession. Having one or more illegal drugs on one’s person constitutes the crime, whether an offender is under the influence of said drugs. Some states consider possession of small amounts of marijuana to be a petty offense or infraction if they prosecute it at all. This leniency in the face of increasingly common relaxation of laws regarding cannabis consumption does not apply to most other drugs scheduled by the federal government.
Drug possession with intent to distribute (or simply possession with intent to distribute) is a charge which straddles the gap between simple possession (of small amounts, personal amounts of a controlled substance) and drug trafficking (which involves the large-scale movement/dealing of illicit drugs). A “street dealer” moving moderate quantities of cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, etc. may be charged with drug possession with intent to distribute if a case can be made based on the evidence provided by law enforcement.
Drug trafficking is the highest order of drug offenses, at both the state and federal levels. Almost always classified as a felony, drug trafficking refers to conducting unlawful trade in controlled substances, generally involving great quantities of the drug(s) in question.
While simple possession of most scheduled drugs (particularly cannabis) results in, at most, misdemeanor charges — and typically, a drug diversion program or rehabilitation — possession with intent to distribute and drug trafficking are prosecuted more aggressively.
Those convicted of large-scale drug trafficking could see between 10 years to a life sentence if convicted. At the state level, drug trafficking charges typically range from three years to a life sentence, depending on the drug being moved and the quantity being transported. If death or serious injury results from the trafficking of these drugs or the demonstrable use of the drugs, penalties are almost always enhanced to 20 years to life.
Possession with intent to distribute is generally charged at the state level, and penalties vary based on the context of the crime as well as the jurisdiction laws of each state. In some states, possession of cannabis with intent to sell is classified as a third degree felony. If found guilty of these charges, offenders could face up to five years behind bars. If the substance in question is instead cocaine, the maximum sentence is increased to 15 years incarceration. A range of between one to five years is common for first-time offenders, with penalties increasing for repeat offenders or for more harshly scrutinized drugs.
You can be handed a probation requirement in response to a conviction for a drug-related crime or even as part of a potential plea deal. The likelihood that you receive probation as part of your sentence depends on the severity of the alleged offense and a variety of other factors, so it is vital to speak with an attorney to determine if you can reasonably expect to get probation. Regularly meeting with your probation officer, abstaining from drugs or with those who use drugs, and other conditions may be part of your probation.
If you are facing charges related to drugs or drug-related crime, you should seek the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney at your earliest opportunity. A conviction in response to a drug crime, even simple possession, can create a lifelong disadvantage in the form of a permanent criminal record.
Retaining proper legal counsel not only increases your chance of avoiding conviction, but in situations where the prosecution has a viable case, your attorney may be able to negotiate a lesser sentence in exchange for your cooperation. Together, you and your lawyer can craft the best defense possible in the event that you decide to proceed to trial, and if not, your lawyer can help to guide you through every option available to you.
It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.
Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.
For most consumer legal issues, the size of the practice is much less important than the experience, competence, and reputation of the attorney(s) handling your case. Among the most important factors when choosing an attorney are your comfort level with the attorney or practice and the attorney’s track record in bringing about quick, successful resolutions to cases similar to yours.
Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.