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:

Possessing drugs
Possessing paraphernalia used to take drugs
Distributing or trafficking controlled substances
Manufacturing, cultivating, or growing controlled substances, including cannabis
Possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription
Possessing controlled substances or prescription drugs with the intent to sell
Illegally using a controlled substance

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.

Understanding Your Rights in Drug Crime Cases

When facing drug crime charges, it's important to understand your rights and options for defense. Our experienced attorneys at Thompson Law, P.A., are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and providing strategic defense strategies to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Every individual accused of a drug crime has fundamental rights that must be protected throughout the legal process. Understanding these rights can be the difference between a solid defense and a weak one. One of these rights includes being informed of your charges promptly and knowing about all legal proceedings that follow. This knowledge empowers you to actively participate in your defense and to understand each stage of the judicial process as it unfolds.

Key aspects of understanding your rights in drug crime cases include:

Knowing your right to remain silent and seek legal representation - It's crucial to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel.
Understanding the potential consequences and penalties of drug crime convictions - Awareness of possible outcomes helps in making informed decisions.
Exploring options for plea bargains, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing - There may be multiple legal avenues available that could result in lesser penalties.
Challenging the evidence and circumstances of your arrest - Scrutinizing evidence may reveal flaws in the prosecution's case, leading to suppression of evidence.
Advocating for your rights in court and during legal proceedings - Vigilant defense advocacy ensures that your case is robustly presented in court.

By partnering with our Daytona Beach drug crime attorneys, you can gain a better understanding of your legal rights and options for defense, empowering you to make informed decisions and navigate the legal process with confidence.

Strategic Defense Against Drug Charges in Daytona Beach

When it comes to drug crime accusations in Florida, you deserve to have an attorney who is committed to your case and puts your needs first. Our drug crime lawyer in Daytona Beach is dedicated to minimizing the penalties you are facing by creating a compelling and persuasive defense on your behalf.

Developing a strategic defense against drug charges involves more than just examining the legal documents. It requires understanding the individual circumstances of each client and tailoring a legal strategy that specifically addresses those unique factors. By doing so, our professionals at Thompson Law, P.A., ensure that we comprehensively tackle any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, advocating not just legally but also providing the emotional and strategic support our clients need.

The Impact of Florida Drug Crime Laws on Your Defense

Florida is known for having some of the strictest drug-related laws in the United States. These laws are in place to combat drug trafficking and use, which are significant issues within the state. Understanding these laws is crucial for anyone charged with a drug crime, as they can significantly impact the outcomes of your legal proceedings. Florida statutes define extensive penalties for a wide range of drug offenses, including mandatory minimum sentences for certain convictions, which means even first-time offenders can face substantial prison time depending on the nature of their charges. We at Thompson Law, P.A. are well-versed in these laws and can navigate them to craft a strong defense for you.

Our team makes it a priority to stay connected with any changes or updates to these laws, ensuring that our defense strategies are always informed by the most relevant legal precedents and statutory amendments. We assess how these laws directly impact your case and work diligently to foresee how a judge might interpret actions in light of state laws. This preparation allows us to predict potential challenges and address them proactively in court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes Defense

What Are Common Defenses Used in Drug Crime Cases?

Common defenses in drug crime cases include arguing that the defendant did not have possession of the drugs or that they were unaware of the drugs’ presence. Another defense might involve questioning the legality of the search and seizure procedures, arguing that the law enforcement officers violated the defendant's Fourth Amendment rights. A strong legal defense might also scrutinize the credibility of informants or witnesses, seek to suppress illegally obtained evidence, or suggest entrapment by officers. At Thompson Law, P.A., our attorneys analyze every detail of the accusation, ensuring that every viable defense route is explored and acted upon to fortify our client’s position.

How Does Plea Bargaining Work in Volusia County?

In Volusia County, as in much of Florida, plea bargaining is a negotiation process between the defendant and the prosecutor. During this process, a defendant may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge to receive a more lenient sentence. Plea bargaining is common in drug cases and can be beneficial in reducing potential penalties or charges. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who leverage our client’s circumstances within the framework of Florida law to attain the most favorable outcome possible through plea bargaining, always ensuring that clients are fully informed and involved every step of the way.

What Role Does Intent Play in Drug Crime Charges?

Intent is a critical factor in drug crime charges in Florida. Prosecutors often aim to prove either the intention to use, distribute, or sell the drugs in question. The element of intent distinguishes between simple possession and more serious charges such as possession with intent to distribute. Demonstrating a lack of intent or challenging the government's evidence regarding intent can reduce the severity of charges. Our team meticulously investigates to identify situations where intent has been wrongly interpreted, aiming to challenge these assertions and seek reduced or dismissed charges when appropriate.

Thompson Law, P.A. has two convenient office locations in Daytona Beach and DeLand. Call us today at (386) 280-4977 or contact us online for the advocacy you deserve. Our Volusia County drug crime lawyers can help.

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View Recent Results

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.