Without a valid prescription, mere possession of a controlled substance is illegal. So-called illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD and ecstasy are also controlled substances under section 893. With the exception of marijuana, possession of any quantity of these prescription drugs or illicit drugs is a felony. Drug laws can be found in chapter 893 of Florida statutes. This list contains controlled substances that are generally illegal, but some of the drugs are only illegal if you don't have a prescription for them.
The most common illegal drugs in the state are cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, pills such as oxycodone and Xanax, designer drugs, heroin and methadone.
Possession of drugs
of any kind generally results in a felony charge in Florida. However, possession of marijuana below 20 grams is only considered a first-degree misdemeanor. Charges may be higher for repeat offenders.This doesn't apply to people approved to use medical marijuana. In a drug possession case, the prosecutor will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knew that the drug was a controlled substance and that he knowingly possessed it. You may need to go to a drug addiction treatment center, do community service, or comply with regular drug screenings, but you won't have to go to jail. In their strictest form, these laws prohibit drivers from driving a motor vehicle if they have a detectable level of an illicit drug or drug metabolite (that is, the third is possession with intent to deliver, sell or distribute; if you get caught with a large amount of drugs, you could be charged with this.
Even if you don't sell the drugs, possession of a CDS that exceeds the legal limit could result in drug trafficking charges. Florida's drug laws are complicated and the consequences of a conviction for possession or trafficking can be serious. If you are charged with a drug possession offense in Florida, it is in your best interest to contact a local drug crime lawyer who can explain the charges to you and help you plan your defense. Possession of drug paraphernalia is also illegal as long as the item was clearly used for drug use or possession (i.
This is because the legal system wants to prevent people from selling drugs and ensure that drugs do not continue to circulate on the streets. If you've been arrested and are dealing with drug possession charges in Florida, then it's time to contact West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys Meltzer & Bell. Drug trafficking charges carry significant penalties that increase with the amount of illegal drugs in your possession. This state has local jurisdictions that have enacted municipal laws or rulings that fully or partially decriminalize misdemeanors of possession of cannabis.
State law allows a first-degree misdemeanor charge for simple possession of cannabis (marijuana) in an amount less than twenty grams (unless legally obtained for medical use). Drug possession could also include drug paraphernalia, but only if there is evidence that the defendant was actually using it to use drugs. If you are facing drug possession or trafficking charges, it's important to hire an experienced lawyer. In legal terms, drug possession means that you own a drug for personal use or intend to distribute it.
