Orlando Drug Possession Lawyer

Few crimes typify the dragnet mentality more than drug possession crimes. For example, when officers enter homes and find drugs, they usually arrest everyone in the house for a drug crime. Or, when officers pull over motorists and find drugs, they often arrest everyone in the car. But drug possession is difficult to prove, so these charges often do not hold up in court. Even if they do, defendants have a number of good options.

Whether you were charged with meth, opioid, cocaine, marijuana, or any other type of drug possession, the attorneys at Sercombe Law are here to help. Our experienced lawyers routinely handle criminal matters in Orange County and nearby jurisdictions. So, they know all the written and unwritten procedural rules. Perhaps more importantly, the lines of communication are always open at Sercombe Law, so you are never in the dark.

Common Drug Possession Charges in Orlando

Florida law divides controlled substances into different schedules. That classification system is confusing enough, but there is more. Many controlled substances on the list are legal to purchase. Furthermore, not all dangerous drugs, such as certain types of synthetic marijuana, are illegal. Some common substances include:

• Cocaine,
• Fentanyl,
• Hydrocodone,
• Heroin,
• Marijuana,
• MDMA (Ecstasy),
• Xanax, and
• Methamphetamines.

Punishment level generally depends on the type and amount of drug. Except for a small amount of marijuana, these offenses are generally felonies.

Dealing with Drug Possession Charges in Orange County

As mentioned, defendants usually have several options in these cases. Which one we recommend depends on several variables, including:

• The defendant’s needs,
• Applicable law(s), and
• Any defenses.

Typically, these three factors point to pretrial diversion. These diversion programs are usually available in drug court. If the defendant completes the program, which is basically like a three or four-month period of probation, the prosecutor normally dismisses the charges.

So, even if the drug possession was patently illegal, the defendant may emerge without a criminal conviction. That outcome is highly desirable for a lot of reasons.

If the defendant has a defense to the charges, pretrial diversion is even more likely. For example, officers might arrive to break up a loud outdoor party and seize a stash of drugs they find under a bed. That search and seizure is probably illegal under the exigent circumstances and plain view doctrines.

If the defense is strong enough, and the prosecutor is unwilling to offer pretrial diversion, a deferred adjudication plea might be an option as well. If the defendant successfully completes this long-term probation, there is no criminal record.

Of course, if negotiations break down or your attorney is not able to engineer a favorable outcome, the case will go to trial. There, the prosecutor must establish every element of drug possession beyond any reasonable doubt.

If you face drug possession charges, legal options are available. For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orlando, contact Sercombe Law.