Bushnell Drug Charge Attorney
Legal Defense & Support for Drug-Related Offenses
Have You or Someone You Know Been Arrested for Drugs?
Getting caught with illegal drugs or paraphernalia can feel like your life is over. Depending on the substance(s), the amount, and what the offender intended to do with the drugs, these crimes can have life-changing consequences including long prison sentences, probation, and difficulty finding employment.
Washo and Spivey is a team of Bushnell drug charge attorneys specializing in 24/7 criminal defense for substance-related offenses from minor marijuana possession to felony trafficking. We will fight to get you the best possible legal outcome in your case! Our law office is conveniently located next to the Sumter County Clerk’s Office and Courthouse, so we are always close by and ready to serve you.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Drug Charges in Florida
The distinction between misdemeanor and felony drug charges depends on the nature of the offense, the quantity of the controlled substance(s) involved, and the defendant’s intent. Misdemeanor drug charges usually involve smaller quantities of drugs that were intended for personal use and carry less severe penalties like short-term jail sentences, fines, or probation.
Felony drug charges are leveraged for more serious offenses including possession of large quantities of drugs, intent to distribute, manufacturing, or trafficking of controlled substances. These charges suggest a higher level of criminal intent and risk to public safety, resulting in harsher penalties like lengthy prison time, expensive fines, and lifetime repercussions like loss of voting rights or difficulty getting a job.
Providing Strong Legal Defense in Bushnell & Sumter County, Florida
Common Drug Charges & Penalties in Florida
Florida drug laws address and categorize all drug-related offenses with their own distinctions and penalties depending on the nature and circumstances of the crime. From possession of controlled substances to the more severe charges of trafficking and manufacturing, the legal system takes a tough stance on drug-related activities.
Simple Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession charges involve having illegal drugs or controlled substances without a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Florida law differentiates between simple possession and possession with intent to sell or distribute based on the quantity of the drug and other circumstantial evidence.
Simple possession is usually considered a misdemeanor if the amount is small (for certain drugs), but possession of larger quantities or possession of certain substances like cocaine or heroin is typically charged as a felony.
Possession With Intent to Sell or Distribute
Possession with intent is more serious than simple possession and indicates that the offender intended to distribute the drugs. Evidence such as large quantities of the drug, scales, bags, and large amounts of cash can lead to this charge. The penalties are more severe than for simple possession and depend on the type of drug and the quantity involved. This charge is almost always classified as a felony.
Manufacturing Drugs
Manufacturing drugs refers to the illegal production, cultivation, or creation of controlled substances including synthetic drugs and the growth of marijuana plants. This is considered a serious felony offense and punishable by hefty prison sentences, fines, and potential forfeiture of any property used in the manufacturing process.
Trafficking Drugs
Drug trafficking involves the illegal sale, transportation, and distribution of large quantities of controlled substances. It is a very serious felony in Florida that often comes with harsh penalties including mandatory minimum prison sentences, crippling legal fines, and asset forfeiture. The severity of punishment depends on the type and quantity of the drugs involved.
Selling or Distributing Drugs
Selling or distributing drugs is defined as the illegal transfer of controlled substances from one individual to another, often on a large scale and for profit. This offense is treated as a serious felony in Florida with life-changing penalties like long-term incarceration, thousands of dollars in fines, and seizing of the involved property or assets.
Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud is when the offender has obtained prescription medications through illegal or deceptive behavior like forging signatures, altering prescriptions, or “doctor shopping.” This crime reflects the misuse of prescription drugs, often for non-medical use or illicit sale. Prescription fraud is taken very seriously in Florida due to its contribution to the opioid crisis and impacts on public health.
Understanding Florida’s Controlled Substance Classifications
In Florida, controlled substances are categorized into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical utility, and safety under medical supervision, aligning with federal classifications to ensure consistency in regulation and enforcement.
- Schedule I substances have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. Examples include heroin, LSD, and marijuana (though state laws regarding marijuana use for medical or recreational purposes may vary).
- Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse but may have accepted medical uses with severe restrictions. These include opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl, stimulants like methamphetamine, and other drugs such as cocaine. Abuse of these substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
- Schedule III substances have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I or II drugs and have accepted medical uses. This category includes products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit, ketamine, and anabolic steroids. Abuse of Schedule III drugs may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
- Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III substances and accepted medical uses. This group includes drugs like diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and other tranquilizers and sedatives. These drugs carry a lower risk of dependency.
- Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. These are often used for antitussive, antidiarrheal, and analgesic purposes, such as cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams.
Find a Bushnell Drug Defense Attorney Near Me
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a drug-related offense in Sumter County, contact Washo and Spivey to schedule a consultation with a Bushnell drug charge attorney, Tavares drug charge attorney or The Villages drug charge attorney. Being caught or arrested for drugs can be a frightening experience that feels like your world is ending, but our defense attorneys can help you find a way forward.
