Ocala Drug Possession Defense Lawyers
Experienced Marion County Drug Crimes Lawyers
You may be charged with the crime of possession if you have knowingly possessed a controlled substance for the purpose of personal consumption or with intent to sell. Most accused individuals are under the mistaken belief that being caught with a little bit of cocaine or couple of joints in your pocket or purse is an event of small consequence.
This is not the case; being convicted of drug possession may adversely affect your life for some time:
- You may lose your job
- Your driver's license may be suspended
- Your car insurance will probably go up
- You may not be hired when applying for a job
- You may not be allowed to enter graduate school
- You will not be eligible for federal student aid
Understanding Florida’s Drug Possession Laws
In the state of Florida, ownership of an illegal drug has basically nothing to do with possession of that drug. Criminal drug laws in Florida do not take this into consideration. The only thing that is considered important is if you were actually in possession of the drug. There are two kinds of possession, actual or constructive.
Actual possession occurs when someone has the illegal drug on their person, such as some crack cocaine in their pocket. Constructive possession is when an individual has knowledge of the drug and also the ability to access it. This may make drug possession cases complicated.
Steps to Take If Charged With Drug Possession
Being charged with drug possession can be an overwhelming experience, but it is crucial to act swiftly and cautiously to protect your legal rights. The first step is to avoid making any statements to law enforcement. Anything said during questioning could potentially be used against the accused in court. It is important to exercise the right to remain silent until legal representation is secured.
Contacting a defense attorney as soon as possible is essential. An experienced lawyer will be able to assess the circumstances surrounding the arrest, examine whether the search and seizure were conducted legally, and explore potential defenses. One common defense against drug possession charges is challenging the validity of the search, as unlawful searches or improper handling of evidence can lead to the case being dismissed.
Additionally, a lawyer will review the type and amount of the drug involved. Depending on the substance and quantity, penalties can range from fines to incarceration. In some cases, diversion programs or rehabilitation may be an alternative to jail time, especially for first-time offenders.
It is important to gather any evidence or witnesses that can support the case. This includes any video footage, witness statements, or proof that the drugs did not belong to the individual. A skilled attorney will be able to leverage this information to build a strong defense strategy.
Above all, avoid panicking or making impulsive decisions. An attorney with knowledge of Ocala drug possession cases can provide the guidance needed to navigate the legal system, work towards minimizing penalties, and, where possible, seek to have the charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
Contact Dunham & Ingram for Legal Support!
Dunham & Ingram has defended clients against charges of possession of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamines, prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia, and for possession with intent to sell. We are fully committed to protecting your legal rights if you have been charged with a serious drug crime in the Ocala area.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your particular situation and how an Ocala criminal defense attorney from Dunham & Ingram can help, contact our firm today or fill out a case evaluation form to learn more about your rights and legal options.