Orlando Drug Possession Attorneys

Understanding Drug Possession in Florida

The state of Florida is dedicated to fighting the war on drugs. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors alike work hard to get convictions against those who commit drug crimes, and very little leniency is granted to those who have been arrested or charged with the commission of a drug-related crime. Even a first-time charge for possession of a single marijuana cigarette means the mandatory suspension of your driver's license for a period of two years. Given these severe repercussions, understanding your legal options and rights is more crucial than ever, especially when faced with strong opposition from legal enforcement.

We do not charge anything for your initial consultation, and we offer several payment plans to make hiring our firm easier for our clients. Our bilingual attorneys and staff provide legal services in both English and Spanish. Get in touch with us today to learn more. Our commitment to breaking down language barriers ensures that we serve a diverse clientele effectively.

Do not let drug charges ruin your life. If you have been charged with possession of an illicit substance, contact an attorney at our firm and schedule your confidential consultation today: (407) 753-1312.

What Constitutes Drug Possession in Florida?

Possession of an illicit substance, or drug possession, is a crime in which the suspect did not necessarily manufacture, distribute, or sell a controlled substance but instead willfully had the controlled substance in his or her possession. The nuanced distinction between possession, distribution, or manufacturing is important, as it affects both the charges and potential penalties you may face.

The law considers a controlled substance to be in someone’s “possession” if they have a reasonable degree of control over the substance. This control can include constructive possession, where the substance is not on your person, but you have the ability to exercise control over it.

In other words, a drug does not need to be on your person for you to be charged with drug possession; you could face charges if the substance was in your vehicle, home, or anywhere in your vicinity where you could reasonably control, access, or use the substance. Understanding these legal definitions ensures that you are fully aware of the scope of your charges.

We defend possession cases involving all types of drugs, including but not limited to:

• Cocaine
• Crystal meth
• Ecstasy/MDMA
• PCP

Defenses for Drug Possession Charges in Orlando

Just because you have been arrested for drug possession does not by any means guarantee that you will be convicted. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Several common defenses to drug possession can be employed on your behalf by a drug possession attorney.  These legal strategies are tailored to each situation, taking into account the unique circumstances surrounding your arrest and the evidence presented against you.

Some common defenses to drug possession charges include: 

• Unlawful search and seizure 
• Miranda rights violations 
• Inaccurate and improper crime lab analyses 
• Illegal entrapment 
• Medical marijuana exemptions 
• Missing or lost evidence 
• Inadmissible evidence 
• Innocence 

The first defense—unlawful search and seizure—has to do with your constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment from illegal searches and seizures. If law enforcement finds drugs in "plain view," they may be seized and used against you; otherwise, the police must obtain a signed warrant to search your home, vehicle, or other personal belongings. Upholding these protections is vital to ensuring your rights are not infringed upon throughout the legal process.

At Ali & Blankner, our experienced drug possession lawyers work to force the prosecution to produce the drugs in question. It is sometimes the case that the prosecution will lose or not be able to produce the substance taken from you by human error. No matter why the drugs cannot be produced, a lack of evidence can hurt the case against you. Our attorneys explore all possible defense strategies and work tirelessly to build powerful defenses on behalf of those accused of drug possession. We understand what is at stake, which is why we do everything possible to achieve the best outcome for our clients. 

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with possession of an illicit substance, we strongly encourage you to contact an Orlando drug possession lawyer at Ali & Blankner right away. We can analyze all evidence against you, challenge any inaccuracies in the prosecution's case, interview witnesses, gather additional information, and advise you of your legal options. 

Do not let drug charges ruin your life. If you have been charged with possession of an illicit substance, contact an attorney at our firm and schedule your confidential consultation today: (407) 753-1312.