Five Reasons Why It’s Smart To Hire a Florida Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
One evening, the police pull you over and arrest you after finding a small amount of drugs in your car. Now, you’re wondering what to do next. You could represent yourself, but is that the smartest thing to do?
Self-representation rarely goes well for those facing drug charges. Instead of risking your future, hiring a Florida drug crime defense lawyer is far better. Learn five reasons why below.
They Can Fight for Lesser Charges
Penalties for drug crimes can vary wildly in Florida. For instance, if you’re caught with 10 grams of marijuana, that’s a first-degree misdemeanor. But if you sold or planned to sell marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, church, or park, that’s a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Needless to say, you don’t want a felony on your record. Your defense attorney for drug charges in Florida will fight aggressively to have your charges and sentence lessened as much as possible.
How Do You Beat a Drug Possession Charge in Florida?
Facing a drug possession charge in Florida can be a daunting and stressful experience, but there are legal strategies that can help you beat the charge. The key to successfully fighting a drug possession charge in Florida lies in the complexity of the case and the evidence presented by the prosecution. One effective tactic is to challenge the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the drugs. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the search, any evidence obtained may be deemed inadmissible in court, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Another strategy is to question the chain of custody of the drugs in question. Establishing doubt about the integrity of the evidence can create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury or judge. Furthermore, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney well-versed in Florida drug possession laws is crucial. A skilled attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument, and build a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Additionally, exploring options for diversion programs or pretrial interventions may allow avoiding a conviction and potentially having the charges dismissed. By employing these legal strategies and seeking the guidance of a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, you can increase your chances of beating a drug possession charge in Florida and moving forward with your life.
They Can Tell You What To Expect in Court
Picture this: You’ve decided to represent yourself in court because you don’t want to pay for drug crime criminal defense lawyer representation in Florida. When the prosecutor talks to you, it sounds like they speak a foreign language. You’re unsure how to answer their questions, and they’re becoming more irate.
The pressure to say the right thing is nearly unbearable. You wish you’d done the smart thing and shelled out for an attorney.
A good criminal defense lawyer in Florida can help you avoid such a situation. They can tell you what to say (and not say) so you don’t tank your case. They can also tell you what to wear to court and how to address the prosecutor and judge.
They’re Familiar With Local Laws
You probably haven’t spent years combing over legal textbooks and cases unless you’re a law student. On the other hand, criminal defense lawyer s have years of experience and are well-versed in local laws. They can look for loopholes and defenses that may lessen your charges or help you avoid a conviction altogether.
When your future is on the line, it pays to have savvy Florida drug crime defense counsel in your corner.
They Have Relationships With Prosecutors and Judges
Many criminal defense attorneys have worked in the Fort Lauderdale area for years, and in that time, they’ve developed friendly relationships with local judges and prosecutors. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll escape a conviction because the prosecutor is buddies with your lawyer, but such a friendship may help your case.
For instance, the prosecutor might be lenient on you, and negotiations can be easier with a criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney may be able to negotiate a favorable plea deal, such as paying a fine instead of spending time in jail.
They Look Out for Your Future
If you’re convicted of a drug crime, the consequences don’t stop at fines and jail time. Convicted people often have a hard time finding work and securing housing. That’s because criminal convictions show up on background checks.
When representing you, a criminal defense lawyer knows that your future hangs in the balance. That’s why they’ll stop at nothing to attempt to reduce your possible sentence.
Hire Drug Crime Legal Representation in Florida
By now, you’re hopefully convinced of the wisdom of hiring a Florida drug crime defense lawyer. For reliable representation, contact Michael White, P.A. at (954) 270-0769. I proudly represent clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties.
