Will a drug crime conviction result in prison time?

Many drug crimes qualify as felony offenses, which means that a court can sentence a convicted defendant to prison for the offense. Some offenses also have mandatory minimum sentences, which eliminate a court’s discretion over whether to impose a prison term. When the court has discretion to imprison a defendant for a drug conviction, it will consider various factors in deciding whether to impose a prison sentence, such as the nature and severity of the defendant’s crime, the defendant’s criminal history, the defendant’s need for rehabilitation, and the need to protect the public from future criminal conduct. However, some defendants facing drug charges in Florida may qualify for the state’s

How can a West Palm Beach drug crime lawyer help me?

Law enforcement and prosecutor’s offices devote substantial resources to investigating and prosecuting drug crimes in South Florida. However, you don’t have to face the criminal justice system alone after getting charged with a drug crime. A criminal defense attorney from BD Law can advocate for your rights and interests by: Independently investigating your charges rather than relying on evidence turned over by the prosecution Evaluating potential defense strategies that may effectively contest the state’s charges Explaining your charges, the potential outcomes, and what to expect during prosecution to help you make informed decisions Fighting the prosecution’s case at each step, including moving to exclude improperly obtained evidence or dismiss your charges for insufficient evidence Vigorously pursuing the best possible resolution to your case, even if that means going to trial

West Palm Beach Drug Crime Lawyer | Drug Charge Attorney West Palm Beach, FL

Brandon Dinetz Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

Drug Charge Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL Fighting Drug-Related Charges with Determination in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and Throughout South Florida

Have you been arrested for a drug offense in South Florida? The law treats many drug crimes as serious offenses and imposes significant penalties for such crimes. A drug conviction can have devastating consequences, including substantial fines, incarceration, and the stigma of a criminal record. When the police and prosecutors have charged you with a drug crime, a conviction can put your freedom and future at risk. Contact BD Law for an initial case review with an experienced West Palm Beach drug crime lawyer to discuss how we can fight for a favorable resolution to your charges. With years of experience as a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, Attorney Brandon Dinetz has the insights needed to identify tailored case strategies to fight the state’s case and pursue the best possible outcome.

Types of Drug Crimes We Handle

At BD Law, a drug charge attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, can help you fight back against drug charges and protect your rights, freedom, and future from the consequences of a conviction. We represent clients facing drug charges involving:

Simple possession of drugs (possession of drugs for personal use)
Possession of drugs with intent to distribute
Drug trafficking/distribution
Drug distribution near a school or childcare facility
Illegal manufacture of drugs
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Drug-induced homicide (death resulting from unlawful distribution of drugs)

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Penalties for Drug Crime Convictions in Florida

The penalties imposed for a drug-related crime in Florida depend on several factors, including the specific charges and the quantity and type of drugs involved. Crimes involving large quantities of the most dangerous drugs, such as methamphetamine, heroin, or fentanyl, carry the harshest penalties. The severity of a drug crime typically corresponds to the grading of the offense. Under Florida law, each grade of criminal charge has a standard sentencing range, such as:

First-degree misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and fines of up to $1,000
Third-degree felony: Up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000
Second-degree felony: Up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000
First-degree felony: Up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000

However, many drug offenses under Florida law have specific sentencing provisions, which may include mandatory minimum terms of incarceration.

Courts can also impose other penalties as part of a sentence for a drug conviction, including a probation term or a community service obligation.

Common Defenses to Drug Charges

Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, a defendant facing drug charges may have several avenues to fight the prosecution’s case. Common defense strategies used in drug cases include:

Lack of possession: Many defendants fight drug charges by arguing that they did not have actual possession (possession on or about one’s person) or constructive possession (exercising custody or control) over the drugs seized by police.
Illegal search/seizure or unlawful questioning: Defendants facing drug charges frequently seek to exclude evidence and inculpatory statements by arguing that law enforcement investigators unlawfully obtained them, such as by initiating a traffic stop without reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal offense, searching a vehicle without probable cause, or questioning the defendant after detention/arrest without advising them of their rights.
Lack of intent to distribute: A defendant may seek to reduce the severity/grading of a drug offense by arguing that they did not intent to distribute or sell the drugs but instead possessed them for personal consumption.
Unreliable lab testing: A defendant might challenge the identity of a substance seized by police by challenging the lack of confirmatory laboratory testing or the reliability of test results.
Chain-of-custody issues: Defendants may seek to exclude drugs from evidence by highlighting breaks in the chain-of-custody that raise questions about the identity/ownership of the drugs.

Contact a Drug Charge Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, Today to Discuss Your Legal Options

After getting arrested on drug charges in South Florida, you need experienced, dedicated legal counsel to protect your rights, reputation, and future. Contact BD Law today for a confidential consultation with West Palm Beach drug crime lawyer Brandon Dinetz to discuss your options for resolving your charges.