West Palm Beach Drug Defense Lawyer

South Florida takes a serious stance on crime, and certain drug crimes can carry particularly harsh penalties. Being convicted of a federal drug crime in West Palm Beach can mean decades in prison, as well as tens of thousands of dollars in fines and fees. If you’re facing drug charges, immediately seek out a West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney like Joffe Law, P.A. Retaining experienced, quality representation could be the difference between a lengthy prison sentence and having your charges reduced or even dismissed.

Understanding the penalties for drug crimes in West Palm Beach

The penalties and sentencing guidelines for drug crimes in West Palm Beach can be dependent upon a number of factors, inducing:

• the type of controlled substance involved in a drug crimes charge
• the amount of a controlled substance in question
• the accused actions taken while suspected of possessing a controlled substance

Based on the evidence collected and presented in your case, you may be looking at legal penalties that range from misdemeanors to felonies. Each of these penalty tiers increases as certain factors of a case rise above predetermined thresholds. Below are some example of penalties for drug crimes in West Palm Beach:

• possession of a controlled substance – 3rd degree felony, up to 5 years in prison/$5,000 fine
• possession of drug paraphernalia – 1st degree misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail/$1,000 fine
• drug trafficking – Possible 1st degree felony, up to 30 years in prison/$10,000 fine

Your drug defense lawyer in West Palm Beach will be able to provide more information about what to expect given the specifics of your case. As stated above, some drug charges are more serious than others, but all have the ability to negatively impact your life. Joffe Law, P.A. understands this and will work with you to procure the most desirable outcome possible.

A note on drug trafficking charges in West Palm Beach

Florida law makes little distinction between the manufacture, possession and transport of illicit substances as they relate to trafficking. If you have been accused of any of these actions and the amount of illicit substances in your case reaches beyond a certain threshold, you may be facing drug trafficking charges instead of simple possession charges.

Trafficking is a drug crime that can carry serious penalties, including decades in prison and fines that can reach above $10,000. The nature of the offense, the type of substance and the amounts involved in a case can have an effect on the outcome. Another way of positively affecting the outcome of a drug trafficking case is retaining an experienced drug crimes defense lawyer near you to help you fight the serious charges you face.

‘I have a prescription, but didn’t have it with me’

Another potential scenario: You have a prescription for a medication, but you didn’t have the prescription with you when authorities found your medications. The key here is that Florida does not require prescription medications to be in their original packaging or labeled prescription bottles in order to remain valid. Unfortunately, an overzealous law enforcement official may still arrest you for having loose pills on your person.

In such a scenario, you might be charged with prescription drug fraud, and you’ll need help providing the proper evidence demonstrating that you are indeed prescribed the medication so that charges can be dismissed.

‘Someone left drugs in/on my property’

One common way to find yourself caught up in drug charges in West Palm Beach is when someone else leaves illicit substances in your home or vehicle. If you are operating a vehicle, law enforcement often takes the view that you are responsible for everything in the vehicle, including anything left in seats or compartments. The same can be said for your home.

Because of this, you might think that it is impossible to fight drug crime charges if someone leaves something illegal in your home or vehicle, but a seasoned drug crimes attorney can provide you with defense strategies that can clear your name of wrongdoing. Relying on the principles of actual and constructive possession, it can be possible to demonstrate who the drugs actually belonged to using science, facts and logic. Additionally, law enforcement must respect your rights, meaning searches must be done in a legal manner according to the United States Constitution.

The loss of your license and more

Something else to consider when facing drug crimes charges in West Palm Beach is the potential for the loss of your driving privileges as well as the possibility of facing ongoing challenges with employment licenses.

The state may revoke your driving privileges depending on the circumstances of your arrest and charges, but your employer may also be required to revoke certain licenses or access to certain areas at work based on a drug crimes conviction. This makes it all the more important to do everything you can to defend your good name and ensure the truth comes out in your case, including working with a federal lawyer in West Palm Beach who specializes in drug crimes.

Schedule your consultation with a West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney

Although being charged with drug crimes in West Palm Beach is a very serious matter, you don’t have to let law enforcement and the court dictate your future. You have rights, and a West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney at Joffe Law can help you protect those rights. Our team of experienced federal defense lawyers can provide you with guidance, options and representation to help you move forward with your life.

To schedule your confidential consultation with a drug crimes attorney, call us 24x7x365 at (561) 800-0255. Call immediately after your arrest, or even if you suspect you might be under investigation of a federal drug crime.