Family Law You can Trust

Drug crimes in Florida are taken very seriously by our criminal justice system. The Florida Uniform Crime Reports program defines drug crimes as the unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance. If convicted, an offender faces harsh penalties depending on the drug’s quantity, classification, and the offender’s intention. A person can also face charges for prescription drugs not prescribed to them by a physician.

In Florida, drug classifications include five Schedules based on the potential for abuse, dependence, and whether the drug is an accepted medical treatment in our country.

• Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous and have not been cleared for medical usage. They have the potential for physical and psychological abuse and dependence. Examples of these drugs are hallucinogens such as LSD, Peyote, Ecstasy, and Heroin. Marijuana is a Schedule I substance; however, there have been provisions for the lawful use of medical Marijuana.

• Schedule II drugs have a high likelihood of abuse and dependence. However, they are accepted as a medical treatment option with restricted usage. Examples of these drugs are Morphine, Oxycodone, Methadone, Fentanyl, and Amphetamines.

• Schedule III drugs have a moderate potential for abuse and dependence, and they are currently used in medical treatments. Examples are Anabolic Steroids, Phenobarbital, and Clonazepam.

• Schedule IV drugs are considered low in their potential for dependence and abuse. Physicians prescribe them frequently, and they include drugs for insomnia and mental health issues. Examples are Ambien, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin.

• Schedule V drugs have minimal potential for abuse and dependence. Physicians regularly write prescriptions for these drugs, such as cough medicines with Codeine, Lomotil, and Lyrica.

Penalties for Drug Crimes

There is a broad range of penalties for misdemeanor and felony drug crimes. The most severe penalties are for the trafficking of Schedule I drugs. A conviction carries a maximum of 30 years imprisonment, with a minimum of 3-year incarceration and a fine of up to $50,000. On the other end of the spectrum are misdemeanor charges for Schedule V drugs, which can carry penalties of up to a year in jail. However, a first-time offender may avoid jail, if they have a clean criminal record.

Build a Strong Defense Today

An investigation or an arrest for a drug crime is a life-altering experience. It takes an experienced criminal defense attorney to minimize the long-term consequences of a case. An arrest for a drug crime is frequently compounded with other charges such as weapons charges, driving under the influence, proximity to a school zone, or other circumstances.

At Myers Law Group, P.A., we have extensive experience and proven results in defending a wide variety of drug crimes in Florida. We explore every avenue to reduce or dismiss charges significantly. In some cases, there may be pre-trial defense options available to you. 

• Defense options include:
• lack of knowledge
• lack of evidence
• an illegal search and seizure
• law enforcement entrapment
• technical errors in the chain of custody

Put a Former Prosecutor to Work for You

If you are investigated or charged with a drug crime, contact the Myers Law Group, P.A. today. We can protect your rights and begin to build a strong defense. Attorney Rachel D. Myers is a former prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience on both sides of the law. Our law firm represents clients in Volusia, Seminole, and Orange County, Florida. We can be reached at 386-873-7835. We are here to defend you and advocate for your best interests.