Charged with Drug Possession? Here’s What to Expect

If you’ve been charged with drug possession, you’ve found yourself in a terrifying situation. Florida’s lawmakers have taken a hard stance against anyone caught carrying an illegal substance, so you should expect to face serious penalties such as jail time, exorbitant fines, and an extensive parole period.

However, your situation may not be as hopeless as it seems. Taking the right steps after the arrest could help you build a strong defense and dismantle the state’s case against you.

What Is Drug Possession?

Under Florida’s laws, drug possession is defined as holding an illegal substance either for personal use or with the intent of selling or distributing it. If you did intend to distribute the drug, you will face stricter penalties as the state wants to clamp down on those caught dealing to curb the circulation of banned substances.

However, to prove that you intended to sell drugs, the prosecutor will need to show that you were holding a considerable amount of the substance, owned tools needed to sell it, or someone saw you selling the drugs. Keep in mind that while you won’t necessarily be charged with possession if you’re caught with drug paraphernalia, if there is any proof that you used this equipment to consume illegal substances—such as residue on a pipe—this could also be used as proof to secure a conviction.

What Steps Should I Take after the Arrest?

If you’ve been arrested, you should never assume that you will be convicted. There are many steps you can take that might help you fight the charges and have your penalties reduced or the charges dismissed. As such, you need to consider your next actions carefully as one wrong move could do irreparable damage to your case in the blink of an eye.

Let’s look at a few steps you should take after a drug possession arrest:

• Preserve Important Evidence: Whether you have copies of correspondence between you and the arresting officers or videos of the arrest taking place, such proof could help support your defense. You should make copies of any important evidence and compile it in a safe place ready to share with your drug crime lawyer.
• Deactivate Your Social Media Accounts: In a bid to secure a conviction, the prosecution may look into your social media activity for evidence to help support the case against you. As such, anything you post online could leave you unable to fight the charges. In most cases, it’s best to deactivate your accounts for the duration of proceedings. If this isn’t possible in your situation, you should ramp up your privacy settings and avoid posting anything until your case has been resolved.
• Reach Out to a Criminal Defense Lawyer: A conviction for drug possession won’t just lead to harsh penalties, but could also haunt you for the rest of your life. For instance, a conviction on your criminal record could leave you unable to find work as employers routinely conduct background checks on potential candidates before hiring someone. A drug crime attorney can investigate the arrest, collect the necessary proof to fight your charges, and provide representation throughout proceedings.

Speak to a Drug Crime Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens Today

If you were arrested for drug possession, it may be in your best interests to speak to a skilled drug crime lawyer. Attorney Todd A. Kawecki is ready to assess your situation and help you make the right decisions for your future. Contact us today at 772-485-4500 or send us a message using our contact form HERE to lock in a free case review.