Free Legal Defense Case Evaluation on Florida Heroin Drug Possession Charges
The embarrassment and frustration that go along with being accused of heroin possession can be life changing, and that doesn’t even take into consideration the penalties you could be facing. A heroin possession charge has the potential to change your life in a variety of ways. Avoiding the direst consequences may be possible with an aggressive attorney on your side.
In order to convict you of a heroin possession charge, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were in possession of a substance and that the substance was heroin. If this is achieved and you are convicted, the penalties you face are severe.
Florida Heroin Possession Penalties
Under Florida law, possession of heroin is classified as a 3rd degree felony charge. This is a serious offense and carries the following maximum potential penalties in the case of a conviction:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- $5,000 in fines
- Driver’s license suspension
- Permanent criminal record
More often than not, heroin possession cases are resolved in a plea agreement, which can lessen the prison time or eliminate it altogether, instead leaving you with a period of probation. The chances of you receiving a favorable plea bargain are dependent on your criminal history and the facts of your case. Discussing this option with a defense lawyer will provide you with insight into the possibility of avoiding jail time and serving probation instead.
Florida Drug Courts
In the state of Florida, there are a series of drug courts. These courts are specifically arranged to help people accused of drug crimes like heroin possession. Unlike criminal courts, the focus in these courts isrehabilitation, not punishment. For that reason, they involve drug treatment and many other approaches to reduce the likelihood that you will offend again.
Drug courts are not available in all jurisdictions and are not available in all cases. You can determine your eligibility for drug court by discussing your case with a local defense lawyer. What you’ll find is that these courts require intensive supervision, similar to a strict probation. They also include:
- Frequent court check-ins
- Random drug testing
- Drug treatment
- Employment/education requirements
When you are accused of possessing heroin, you do have options. How your case is resolved depends on the specific facts that led to your arrest. Your attorney is not only interested in getting you the most favorable outcome, but in protecting your rights throughout the criminal justice process.
Free Criminal Defense Case Evaluation on Florida Heroin Drug Laws
Call our Florida defense lawyers now to talk about any heroin possession or drug related criminal charge in Florida. We will offer you a case evaluation on your legal defense options, answer any questions you may have, and give you an honest assessment of what may happen to you, and the most likely results in your specific circumstances.
Then you can make an informed decision as to how to proceed. You can decide whether you want to fight the charges, or work out a plea deal for a no contest. Whatever you decide to do, we can help.
Call (877) 394-6959 for no obligation legal defense advice from an experienced Florida lawyer who knows how to fight drug possession charges.