Many individuals are unaware that possession of cocaine of any amount is a felony offense in the State of Florida. There are several different types of offenses that an individual may be charged with relating to cocaine:
The laws surrounding cocaine prosecutions in the State of Florida are complex. The facts and circumstances of each case are unique. As a result, defenses available for each case should be individually tailored based on the facts and evidence in each prosecution. Below are common defenses that exist in criminal cases involving cocaine:
It is very common for prosecutors in Pinellas County to seek a sentence that includes random drug testing, a substance abuse evaluation, and counseling or treatment for any type of cocaine offense. Florida law likewise requires a mandatory one-year driver’s license revocation upon conviction for any Possession of Cocaine offense.
Sale of Cocaine is a second-degree felony. Under Florida law, the court must impose a felony conviction for a Sale of Cocaine offense unless mitigation is presented to the Court to justify a “Withholding of Adjudication.” Of course, a conviction for a felony will result in many collateral consequences. These include:
It is not uncommon for the prosecutor to suggest to the Judge that some jail time is appropriate if the individual’s criminal record reflects a prior conviction for drug possession, cultivation, or sale. In felony cases, where the facts are aggravated or the individual’s criminal punishment code “scoresheet” requires, the State will seek a prison sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections. A conviction for Trafficking in Cocaine requires a minimum-mandatory state prison sentence.
Facing a cocaine offense, of any kind, can be stressful and daunting. Put our experience to work for you. Our courtroom-tested lawyers will work with you to evaluate all of the options that exist for defending your case and select the course of action that is best in your unique case. If you have been charged with a cocaine offense in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, Kenneth City, Largo, Gulfport, Treasure Island, Indian Shores, Indian Rocks, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach, Tierra Verde and St. Pete Beach, call our office for a free consultation.
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