Sarasota Drug Crime Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights in Florida Drug Crime Cases

When facing a potential drug crime conviction, you are at risk for severe consequences. Being convicted of any drug offense, you run the risk of facing significant penalties, including long prison terms and putting your employment at risk. If you’ve been arrested for any drug crime, you need a trusted drug crime attorney to help you. At the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, our drug crime lawyer can help you through arraignment to discovery and even through trial.

Before opening our practice, Eric Reisinger worked as a prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office. We know how the state gathers and evaluates evidence, and can quickly review the facts and circumstances of your arrest, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you. We can also determine when it will be in your best interest to seek a plea agreement and when you want to fight for your rights in court.

Call our Sarasota drug crime lawyer today at (941) 541-5335 and schedule a free consultation. 

Drug Charges in Florida

According to Florida law, a person can face criminal charges for possessing, possessing with intent to sell, selling, transporting, manufacturing, or trafficking drugs. Not only do drug charges apply to illegal narcotics, but also prescription medication and even medical marijuana without proper authorization.

The state and federal government classify drugs based on “schedules.” Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse with no accepted medical use, while Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and have several medical uses.

The following is a breakdown of drug schedules in Florida:

• Schedule I – Common types of drugs include heroin, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), bath salts, and cannabis
• Schedule II – Common types of drugs include cocaine and methamphetamine
• Schedule III – Common types of drugs include anabolic steroids, ketamine, and Tylenol with codeine
• Schedule IV – Common types of drugs include Ambien and Diazepam
• Schedule V – Common types of drugs include cough medicines with a low amount of codeine

Drug charges are based on the type of drug involved. While a small quantity may result in simple possession, a larger amount may lead to possession with intent to sell or even trafficking.

Furthermore, penalties are determined by the schedule of a drug. For example, possession of a Schedule I, II, III, or IV narcotic is a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum prison term of five years and a fine no more than $5,000. Possession of a Schedule V controlled substance is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000.

Florida's Stance on Marijuana

Although marijuana is a Schedule I narcotic under federal law, medical marijuana is legal in Florida. However, recreational cannabis is still against the law in the state and associated with its own set of penalties.

Possession of up to 20 grams of pot in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor. Possession of between more than 20 grams and 25 pounds is a third-degree felony.

Are Steroids Illegal in Florida?

Anabolic steroids are classified as a schedule three narcotic under federal and state laws, which means steroids are illegal in Florida. It is illegal to use, sell, or possess anabolic steroids.

While steroids are not considered as dangerous as other drugs like heroin or cocaine, penalties for possession or distribution can still be steep. If you've been arrested, contact our Sarasota drug crime attorney.

Contact Our Sarasota Drug Crime Attorney Today 

Our firm provides comprehensive counsel to people who have been charged with possession or trafficking of illegal drugs. We handle cases involving all types of controlled substances, from marijuana and cocaine to heroin, meth and even prescription drugs.

When you hire us to defend you on a drug charge, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances leading to your arrest:

• We will look at whether police had probable cause to conduct any search or seizure.
• If you were caught in a buy by an undercover police officer, we will investigate whether the tip came from a confidential informant. If so, we will look at the history of the informant to determine credibility.
• We will also question whether law enforcement officers properly identified you or whether the wrong person was arrested.
• We will verify that the substance sold or possessed was what they claimed it was. If it was a prescription drug, we will verify whether you have a valid prescription.

Our Sarasota drug crime attorney will also help you get the help you need through a diversionary program such as rehabilitation. We are committed to help you avoid conviction and get your life back on the track.

To discuss your case with Sarasota Drug Crime Attorney Reisinger, contact us today.