Drug Possession Charge: What are my options?
If you have been arrested for drug possession, you want to know what the consequences are and what can be done to lower your charges. The first thing you should do is contact a drug possession attorney. A good Miami drug crime lawyer will study your prior criminal history record to determine the severity of your punishment and provide advice depending on your individual situation.
The punishment you could face depends on A) what you have been charged with and B) your prior criminal history. The longer your permanent record and the larger amount of drugs you are found with, the more serious the penalties. An individual could potentially face court costs, license suspension, fines, probation, and possible jail time.
The most important goal is to prevent a drug charge from appearing on your permanent record. A drug possession record can affect your ability to obtain professional licenses, employment, and residence. Experienced Miami drug crime attorneys will work hard to aggressively defend clients from the harsh penalties of a criminal record.
There are many options available, including first time offender programs that would allow drug charges to be dropped completely. In Miami County there are drug courts, available to first time and repeat offenders, that offer the opportunity for drug charges to be dismissed pending successful completion of the program. The involved process includes drug testing, counseling, meetings, and court appearances – so it is a decision to be discussed with your criminal defense lawyer.
Florida’s drug laws are one of the most severe in the country, so it is critical to consult an experienced drug defense attorney for the best course of action to take. Miami criminal defense lawyer Yale Galanter has over 30 years of experience providing legal counsel in drug possession and trafficking crimes. Well versed in Florida drug laws, The Law Offices of Yale L. Galanter, P.A. will be able to provide sound legal advice to build your defense. Call 305-440-4006 or visit the drug possession page on our website for more information.