Orlando Cocaine Possession Attorney
Orlando, Florida, law enforcement takes all drug possession charges seriously. If you are charged with possession of controlled substances in Central Florida, defense attorneys can help you explore your options. You have a right to have an experienced criminal defense attorney when you’re facing felony possession of illegal substances.
You need an attorney with extensive working knowledge of both federal and Florida drug possession courts. Your drug court attorney has to be respected by the local court systems. When you are facing the consequences of a drug arrest and offense, a criminal defense attorney can be helpful.
Florida Cocaine Laws
You must be familiar with Florida’s cocaine laws before fighting to maintain your innocence in your drug possession case. According to Orlando drug laws, possession of cocaine may be actual or constructive.
Actual possession means the cocaine is in the hand of or on the person. This could also mean the cocaine is in a container in the hand of or on the person, or the cocaine is so close as to be within ready reach and is under the control of the person. Mere proximity to cocaine is not sufficient evidence to establish probable cause and control over that cocaine.
Constructive possession, according to the Florida drug court, means the cocaine is in a place over which the person has control, or in which the person has concealed it. To establish this type of possession, the state must prove beyond every reasonable doubt that the person had control over the cocaine and they had knowledge that it was within their presence and its illicit nature.
Cocaine Possession
Possession of cocaine is considered a third-degree felony in Florida. It is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison, five years probation, and/or a $5,000 fine. It is also unlawful for any person to possess cocaine with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver it to someone.
Selling generally means to transfer it to another person in exchange for or the promise of money or something of value. Delivery means the actual or attempted transfer from one person to another. Conviction of drug charges like crack or cocaine possession in Florida can ruin the rest of your life.
Illegal drugs and/or controlled substance is typically categorized as any substance named or described in Schedules I-V of Florida Statute section 893.03. Possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver is a second-degree felony punishable by 15 years in prison, 15 years probation, and/or a $10,000 fine.
Evidence of Cocaine Possession
If the state of Florida wants to prove you committed a drug crime, they need evidence. If you are arrested, the police officer’s report needs to contain a statement of the evidence against you. That’s why it can be essential to work with an experienced drug possession attorney who can ensure your rights aren’t being violated for a bogus conviction.
Your drug crime lawyer in Orlando will help you review all of the evidence submitted in the case, including the search warrant. The United States Constitution and the Florida Constitution outlaw unreasonable seizures and searches. An unlawful stop and/or seizure can cause the proof in your case to be inadmissible.
The law also guarantees that people be free from self-incrimination. If your right against self-incrimination was violated, evidence in your case may be inadmissible. Parikh Law P.A. can help you build a defense against any illegal drug charge.
Answering these questions can help you determine if your constitutional rights haven’t been violated:
- Were you stopped for a lawful reason?
- Did the police officer have the right to search your person, property, or vehicle?
- Did you consent to a search of your person, property, or vehicle?
- Did law enforcement read your Miranda rights?
Penalties in Cocaine Possession Charges
A conviction for possession of cocaine can result in legal penalties. That’s why our attorneys will investigate several factors to ensure that your civil rights under the law are being protected. Some of the penalties for possession of cocaine include:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Mandatory one-year loss of your driving privileges
- Drug counseling
- Random drug screenings
- Community service
- Fines
- Investigation costs
- Prosecution fees
- Court costs
If convicted, you may be forced to spend years behind bars. Cocaine possession convictions will harm your professional, financial, and personal future. A convicted felon could lose their professional license and right to vote, experience job trouble, have problems getting loans, and experience difficulties in their personal life.
How an Orlando Cocaine Possession Attorney Can Help?
The defense attorneys at Parikh Law, P.A.: Criminal Defense Attorney have helped individuals in Orlando, Tampa, and Central Florida avoid prison and other severe consequences related to drug offenses like cocaine possession. These charges are a serious matter, and that’s why Parikh Law P.A. is here to serve as your defender.
We can help when the government unfairly charges you. Our trial attorneys are fully prepared to go to trial to get you ideal results. If you have been charged with possession of cocaine in Orlando and need legal counsel to avoid conviction, contact Parikh Law. We will help you build an effective defense.
One element of a strong defense is a pretrial diversion. If you’re a first-time offender and meet other requirements, you could be eligible to enter a Pretrial Diversion program for cocaine possession, which includes 10 to 24 hours of community service and other stipulations. Completing a pretrial diversion program could get your charges dismissed.
Being illegally pulled over by the police for a cocaine charge can be a violation of your civil rights. That’s why you should consider working with defense attorneys with experience combatting possession of cocaine charges. Contact Parkikh Law P.A. right away for an effective defense in drug court.