Boca Raton Sale of a Controlled Substance Lawyers: Your Guide to Drug Charges Defense
Getting arrested for selling or distributing drugs in Boca Raton can lead to serious criminal charges. But with an experienced drug crimes defense attorney on your side, you may be able to reduce or even avoid penalties. This guide explains Boca Raton drug sale and distribution laws, typical charges, sentencing, and legal defenses to fight your case.
Drug Sale and Distribution Laws in Boca Raton
In Boca Raton, the sale, delivery, distribution, manufacture, and possession with intent to sell controlled substances are prohibited under Florida drug laws. The penalties depend on the type and amount of drug involved.
Some of the most common drug charges for selling or distributing drugs in Boca Raton include:
- Sale, manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to sell marijuana
- Trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, prescription pills like oxycodone
- Sale or delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, college, park, community center, or place of worship (“drug-free zones”)
- Sale or delivery of controlled substances to minors
Penalties are harsher when large amounts of drugs are involved. Trafficking charges have mandatory minimum prison sentences under Florida law. For example, trafficking over 28 grams but less than 200 grams of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum 3 year prison sentence .
Common Drug Sale and Distribution Charges
Some of the most common criminal charges for selling or distributing illegal drugs in Boca Raton include:
- Sale of Marijuana: Selling any amount of marijuana is a felony charge in Florida. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines .
- Cocaine Trafficking: Trafficking over 28 grams but less than 200 grams of cocaine carries mandatory minimum 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Trafficking larger amounts leads to harsher mandatory minimum sentences .
- Sale of Prescription Drugs: Illegally selling prescription medications like oxycodone is a second-degree felony with up to 15 years imprisonment and $10,000 fines .
- Sale of Drugs in a Drug-Free Zone: This can add additional penalties, such as a mandatory minimum 3 year prison sentence for selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or other designated areas .
Because Florida has harsh mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes, the specific charges you face can significantly impact the penalties. An experienced lawyer understands these laws and can fight to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Florida Drug Crime Sentencing and Penalties
A drug conviction in Boca Raton can lead to years behind bars plus substantial fines and a permanent criminal record. Some key things to know about potential sentencing for Florida drug sale and distribution charges:
- Mandatory minimum prison sentences for trafficking and other charges
- Fines up to $250,000 for trafficking
- Driver’s license suspension
- Felony criminal record impacting jobs, housing, professional licensing, and more
- Probation or parole requirements
- Drug counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs
While these penalties seem harsh, a skilled lawyer understands the complexities of Florida’s sentencing laws. Depending on your specific situation, we may be able to get charges reduced to lesser misdemeanors or work for alternative sentencing options like drug court.
Fighting Drug Sale and Distribution Charges
When facing drug dealing charges, your best defense is having an assertive lawyer who knows how to protect your rights, examine the evidence, and build a strong case. Here are some legal defenses we may use:
- Illegal search and seizure: If police conducted an illegal search without probable cause or a warrant, any evidence found may be inadmissible. This could get charges dismissed.
- Entrapment: We can argue you were illegally entrapped if undercover officers pressured you into committing a crime you wouldn’t otherwise have committed.
- Incorrect weight: The exact weight of drugs seized is crucial, as even a few grams can impact mandatory minimums. We scrutinize police measurements for any errors.
- Misidentification: Eyewitness misidentification is common. If witnesses incorrectly identified you, it significantly hurts the prosecution’s case.
An experienced drug crimes lawyer knows how to analyze the evidence, challenge the charges, and build a strong defense to avoid harsh penalties. We have successfully defended hundreds of drug cases in Boca Raton and understand how to fight these complex charges.
Find a Dedicated Boca Raton Drug Crimes Lawyer
Facing drug dealing charges in Boca Raton can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone. With an aggressive lawyer fighting for you, there are always defense options, no matter the situation.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation. An experienced drug crimes attorney will review your charges, explain your rights, and outline the best legal strategies. With our firm on your side, you can feel confident knowing you have strong legal representation.
We understand the urgency of potential prison time and a criminal record. So we encourage you to reach out for help now before it’s too late. Our dedicated defense lawyers are here to answer your questions and start building your defense for the best possible outcome.