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Drug Crimes

DAYTONA BEACH DRUG CRIME ATTORNEY

Defending Against Drug Crime charges in Daytona Beach, deland, & all of volusia county

If you have been arrested and charged with a drug-related crime, it is important you seek legal representation to protect your rights as soon as possible. You could be facing harsh penalties, including incarceration, fines, court costs, and probation. A conviction may also mean a permanent criminal record, which can affect your ability to obtain employment, housing, and other opportunities in the future.

Thompson Law, P.A. is dedicated to safeguarding your rights by leveraging our knowledge, reputation, and experience as a former prosecutor to help you. Our Daytona Beach drug crime defense attorney knows that good people get caught up in bad situations, and we believe in our clients. That is why we will always work hard to seek reduced or dismissed charges based on the circumstances of your case.

Contact us now at (386) 280-4977 for answers to your questions after an arrest. Get started with a free consultation today. Our Daytona Beach drug crime lawyers can help.

Misdemeanor & Felony Drug Charges in Florida

Law enforcement officials are especially vigilant in making arrests for drug crimes, and if you are found possessing, selling, manufacturing, and/or trafficking a controlled substance, you face a number of potential consequences. There is some variance in these penalties, however, depending on the circumstances of your arrest, the amount and type of drug found in your possession, and other mitigating factors, such as your prior criminal history and whether a weapon or other crime was involved in the arrest. All these factors can influence whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony.

Understanding the distinction between misdemeanor and felony charges is critical. Misdemeanor charges, while serious, generally involve lesser penalties and may not require lengthy imprisonment. Felony charges, on the other hand, tackle more severe issues where the stakes are significantly higher, potentially resulting in long-term imprisonment and overwhelming fines. Each category of charges comes with its own set of challenges, and navigating these requires informed legal counsel ready to provide diligent representation and guidance on possible defense tactics.

These charges involve:

  • Misdemeanors – Though all drug crimes are harshly punished in the State of Florida, misdemeanor drug convictions are generally less severe than felonies. They include up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense without mitigating factors.
  • Felonies - These serious crimes also have more serious penalties. Examples of felonies include possessing drugs with the intent to sell, possessing drugs near a school, distributing or selling drugs to minors, and trafficking drugs over state lines. These offenses can carry a prison sentence of up to 30 years and a $10,000 fine. A serious drug trafficking conviction can even come with a life sentence and up to $500,000 in fines.

Investigating The Circumstances Of Your Arrest

Evidence is always of top priority in all drug-related cases. However, it is also crucial to understand how that supposed evidence was obtained. Sometimes, an arresting officer can be overzealous and forgo the law in their eagerness to make an arrest. This can include illegal searches and seizures, improper evidence or evidence tampering, a lack of a proper warrant, and other procedural lapses. Alternatively, many defendants get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time but are forced to suffer the blame.

Thorough investigation into the arrest circumstances is essential to uncover any procedural missteps that may benefit your defense. Our team at Thompson Law, P.A., meticulously examines each aspect of the arrest. This process not only aids in building a robust defense but also ensures your legal rights are upheld throughout the judicial process.

Thompson Law, P.A. can defend you against many drug-related charges, including:

Controlled substances include a number of illegal drugs and prescription medications, such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, methamphetamines, recreational and medical marijuana, PCP, and all of their derivatives.

Client-Focused. RESULT-DRIVEN.

Working Closely with You To Build a Strong Case
  • Penalties Reduced Grand Theft, Fleeing, Possession of a Fictitious Driver’s License

    Attorney Matt Thompson, through depositions and litigation was able to show that officers did not act according to the warrant by picking up the client immediately upon sight. The charge of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, which carries a mandatory felony conviction, was dismissed by the State and the client was offered probation and no felony conviction.

  • Charges Reduced to Simple Assault Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

    At the time these charges were filed, the State of Florida had a 3-year minimum mandatory for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Neighbors of the Client claimed that he pointed a shot gun at them and fired over their heads when they came onto his property. Police came out the following day and arrested the Client. Attorney Thompson found a CAD report where the police had investigated the crime the night of the incident and determined that there was insufficient evidence of the arrest. Attorney Thompson

  • No Criminal Charges Filed Public Assistance Fraud

    Attorney Thompson and Client reviewed case and met with Department of Revenue investigators to explain the discrepancy. In doing so, the State determined that they would not seek criminal charges, but offered a repayment plan through non-judicial means.

  • All Charges Dismissed Racing on the Highway

    Client was arrested after leaving a car show in a fast vehicle. Officers suspected the client of racing another vehicle and police officers pulled him over, drug him out of his vehicle, and arrested him for both racing on the highway and resisting an officer without violence. Upon review of the body camera video, Attorney Matt Thompson raised an excessive use of force complaint against the arresting officer. All charges against the client were dismissed.

  • Deferred Prosecution Agreement Loitering and Prowling

    Client became disoriented due to a medical condition and entered a car that did not belong to him, but looked just like his car. Attorney Thompson provided mitigation to the State concerning the Defendant’s medical issues and ensured the client would be offered a Deferred Prosecution Agreement by the State wherein all charges would be dismissed upon completion.

  • All Charges Dismissed Domestic Battery

    Defendant was trapped inside car where her boyfriend was acting aggressive. Defendant had to take legal action against the victim to remove him from vehicle. Attorney Thompson sent letter to State early in the case to outline defenses and mitigation and all charges were dismissed prior to filing.