Jacksonville Drug Crime Attorneys

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If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug crime in Jacksonville or the surrounding areas, contacting seasoned legal representation should be your first and most important priority. Owenby Law, P.A. is backed by more than 20 years of legal experience and handles a wide range of drug cases. When you need someone to safeguard your rights, our team can be there for you.

Common Types of Drug Crimes

Drug-related charges can vary significantly depending on the substance involved, the amount, and the circumstances of the arrest. At Owenby Law, P.A., we defend clients against a wide range of drug offenses, including:

Drug Possession

Possession charges are among the most common drug offenses. You can be charged with either actual possession (drugs found on your person) or constructive possession (drugs found in a location you control). Even small amounts of controlled substances can result in criminal charges.

Possession with Intent to Distribute

If law enforcement believes you intended to sell or distribute drugs, you may face enhanced charges. Evidence such as large quantities, packaging materials, scales, or large sums of cash may be used to support these allegations.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking charges involve the sale, purchase, manufacture, or delivery of controlled substances in significant quantities. Florida imposes mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking offenses, making these cases particularly serious.

Drug Manufacturing

Manufacturing drugs—such as cultivating marijuana or producing illegal substances like methamphetamine—can result in felony charges with harsh penalties.

Prescription Drug Fraud

Illegally obtaining or distributing prescription medications, such as forging prescriptions or “doctor shopping,” can also lead to criminal charges.

No matter the charge, a knowledgeable Jacksonville drug crime lawyer from Owenby Law, P.A. can evaluate your case and develop a strong defense strategy.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Florida

Florida utilizes a "Criminal Punishment Code" score sheet to determine sentencing, but drug crimes are also subject to specific statutory maximums and mandatory minimums.

Beyond jail time, a drug conviction in Jacksonville carries "collateral consequences":

• Driver’s License Suspension: A conviction for any drug offense can result in a mandatory six-month suspension of your driving privileges.
• Employment Barriers: Many employers refuse to hire individuals with felony drug records.
• Professional Licensing: Healthcare workers, teachers, and lawyers may lose their licenses.
• Housing: Federal housing assistance and many private landlords exclude those with drug histories.

Legal Defense to Drug Crimes

Being charged with a drug offense does not mean you are guilty. There are many legal defenses that an experienced Jacksonville drug crime lawyer can use to challenge the prosecution’s case. Some common defenses include:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an unlawful search or seizure, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
• Lack of Knowledge: In some cases, you may not have been aware that drugs were present. Proving lack of knowledge can be a powerful defense, especially in constructive possession cases.
• Lack of Possession: The prosecution must prove that you had control over the drugs. If they cannot establish possession beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges may not hold.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed, you may have a valid entrapment defense.
• Chain of Custody Issues: Evidence must be properly handled and documented. Any gaps or errors in the chain of custody can weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Substance Identification: The prosecution must prove that the substance in question is illegal. Faulty lab testing or procedural errors can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.

At Owenby Law, P.A., we carefully analyze every detail of your case to identify the strongest defense strategies.

Drug Crime FAQs

What should I do if I am arrested for a drug crime?

Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions or make statements without an attorney present. Contact a Jacksonville drug crime lawyer as soon as possible.

Can drug charges be dropped or reduced?

Yes, depending on the circumstances. Weak evidence, constitutional violations, or procedural errors may lead to reduced charges or case dismissal.

Will I go to jail for a first-time drug offense?

Not necessarily. First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs, probation, or other alternatives to incarceration, depending on the charge.

What is a controlled substance in Florida?

Controlled substances are drugs regulated by law, including illegal drugs and certain prescription medications. Florida categorizes these substances into schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use.

How can a lawyer help my case?

An experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify legal issues, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court to achieve the best possible outcome.

Secure Relentless Legal Defense Today

Drug crime charges can lead an accused person to face serious consequences and hefty fines. In addition, a person convicted of a drug crime can face life-altering penalties such as difficulty obtaining employment, difficulty purchasing or renting a home, and more. For this reason, a person accused of a crime should retain experienced legal representation right away. Our legal team at Owenby Law, P.A. is ready to put experienced representation on your side.