Sarasota Drug Crime Lawyer

Trusted Drug Crime Attorney in Sarasota, FL

Florida is known for taking drug violations very seriously. With prosecutors working hard to penalize offenders accordingly, it’s a good idea to work closely with a qualified Sarasota drug crime lawyer. No matter the circumstances, you have the right to retain effective counsel to advocate on your behalf and help you understand the legal side of your case. Speak with an experienced Sarasota criminal defense lawyer for representation against drug charges. 

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer Today

You should hire a drug crime lawyer because it can be overwhelming and challenging to face the criminal justice system on your own, especially when you aren’t familiar with the numerous procedures and expectations involved. By working with an experienced defense law professional, you increase your chances of securing a favorable result in your case. 

When you need a competent and experienced Sarasota drug crime attorney, look no further than Atlas Defense Law. We prioritize clear communication with each of our clients, so that they can remain aware of the progress of their case and feel certain with peace of mind. 

Our lead attorney, Benjamin Abdulnour, Esq., also takes care to be as responsive and available as possible, even making a point to answer all calls personally. We believe it’s important to bring our clients an empathetic, personal approach to make them feel reassured and understood.

Understanding Drug Crime Laws in Florida

During fiscal year 2024, of the 2,773 cases involving sentenced individuals in the state of Florida, 28.7 percent were for drug charges, including simple possession and trafficking. This is comparable to the national rate of 29.6 percent that year. 

Some of the most common drug offenses we handle regularly at Atlas Defense Law include:

• Possession: The unlawful possession of a controlled substance, such as marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs, without a proper prescription. Possession can include being on your person or within your personal property, such as your vehicle or home.
  
• Paraphernalia possession: The possession of drug paraphernalia, including pipes, bongs, or syringes intended for unlawful drug use.
  
• Manufacturing: The production or cultivation of controlled substances with the intent to distribute or sell them.
  
• Sales or distribution: The selling or distributing of controlled substances, whether on a small scale or within a larger operation.
  
• Trafficking: The sale, distribution, transportation, or importation of controlled drugs in large quantities.
  
• Prescription fraud: Engaging in fraudulent activities such as forging prescriptions or otherwise obtaining prescription drugs illegally.

Possible Defenses Against a Drug Crime Charge in Sarasota

It is possible to effectively defend against a drug crime charge in Sarasota, Florida, with a skilled defense attorney. Depending on the circumstances, there are several defense strategies your lawyer may choose. Common defenses include:

• Challenging the legality of the arrest, search, and seizure conducted by law enforcement
• Questioning the credibility of the witnesses
• Asserting that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence for a conviction
• Establishing that the defendant lacked knowledge
• Showing that you have a valid prescription for the controlled substance

Where Will My Drug Crime Case Be Handled in Sarasota?

A drug crime case in Sarasota is most likely to be processed by the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court system. The primary courthouse is the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, which is located at 2002 Ringling Boulevard here in Sarasota.

Depending on where the alleged crime took place, whether federal offenses are involved, and other relevant details of your case, the legal venue that oversees your case can vary. Be sure to verify with your defense attorney the addresses of any courthouse or other locations you should expect to interact with over the course of your case.

FAQs

What Is Considered a Drug Crime in Florida?

Under Florida and federal law, a drug crime is considered any activity involving the use or sale of illegal or controlled substances. Examples of drug offenses include simple possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacturing, selling, distribution, trafficking, prescription fraud, and more. 

Drug crimes can often be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type and amount of controlled substance, how many concurrent charges there are, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and more. 

What Is the Punishment for a Drug Crime in FL?

In Florida, the legal punishment for a drug crime can vary depending on your unique situation. Penalties vary depending on the defendant’s prior criminal history, the type of substances involved, the severity of the charges, and other case details. 

Sentencing if convicted of a drug crime often includes prison time, penalty fines, and other restrictions or measures deemed appropriate by the court. You can ask your drug crime defense attorney what penalties you may face if convicted. 

How Long Is a Drug Crime Case in Florida?

How long it may take to complete a drug crime case in Florida varies from case to case, so it’s difficult to estimate a timeline without reviewing the specifics of your situation. Generally, drug offense cases can take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer to fully resolve. The time needed to settle a drug crime proceeding depends on the complexity of the case, what evidence is available, court scheduling, and other factors. 

Can a Drug Crime Be Expunged in Florida?

It is possible for certain drug crimes to be expunged from your criminal record in Florida. However, whether the petition may be successful depends on the nature of the offense itself and the outcome of the criminal proceedings. Expungement is a legal process that effectively erases a criminal record from being viewed by the public, which can vastly improve your personal circumstances. After expungement, finding employment and housing options may become easier. 

Contact a Sarasota Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in 

When you bring your drug crime case to Atlas Defense Law, you can feel confident that your legal defense is in good hands.Reach out to our team today to discuss your situation in a meeting with an experienced and understanding defense law attorney. We can answer any questions you may have and address your legal concerns.