Potential Sentences for Drug-Related Crimes in Florida
If you are facing charges for a drug-related crime, there are a variety of penalties if you are found guilty. These penalties vary depending on the severity of the crime and the type of charge. However, there are a few penalties that you may face no matter which type of charge is leveraged against you.
If you have been accused of a drug-related crime, you should contact a drug defense attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm as soon as possible. Your attorney will discuss your legal rights and the best defense for any drug-related crime. In this article, an attorney shares the most common penalties associated with crimes involving drugs.
Monetary Fines
There are several types of drug charges, including:
- Illegal drug possession (including prescription drugs)
- Drug possession with intent to sell or deliver
- Drug cultivation or manufacturing
- Drug house operation
- Drug trafficking
- Sale/Delivery of drugs
In nearly all of these instances there is a fine depending upon the type of drug involved. For instance, a schedule I drug, which is a drug with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (like heroin or LSD) will have a higher fine than a schedule V drug, which has a lower potential for abuse. Fines begin at $1000 and range all the way to $10,000 or more for the first offense, with higher amounts for subsequent offenses. These charges are not part of bail.
Prison Sentence
Of course, when anyone is arrested the first punishment that comes to mind is a prison sentence. Depending on the type of drug involved, prison time may be as low as one year or as high as a life sentence. In the case of drug trafficking, which is a more serious offense, sentences may range from a minimum of three years in prison and/ or a fine of $50,000 to life in prison without parole.
The biggest factor in prison time is the schedule of drug and the amount involved. For example, if you are found guilty of trafficking 25 pounds of marijuana or one gram of LSD, you can be found guilty of drug trafficking which comes with a minimum sentence of three years. But, if you are found with a larger amount, for example 50 pounds of marijuana or three grams of LSD, your prison time may become much longer. A drug defense lawyer in Tampa will help you understand possible prison sentencing for your specific charges.
Drug Rehabilitation
In some cases, a judge may order that you attend a drug rehabilitation program as part of your sentencing. In this case, your attorney will discuss which treatment options are available, the location where rehabilitation may take place, and any other important details pertaining to your case. This is especially important if your children have been taken into the state’s custody due to drug-related charges.
Drug-related crimes are common, but very serious. Contact a drug defense lawyer in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm immediately to discuss the best defense and how to protect your rights. A free consultation with Anthony Rickman is just a phone call away.
For a free consultation with a drug defense attorney in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.