Finding the right lawyer can be tough. Especially when you’re facing drug charges.

You want someone who knows the ins-and-outs of Florida drug laws and has experience defending cases like yours. That’s where Fort Lauderdale drug lawyer lawyers can help.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about working with a Fort Lauderdale drug defense attorney. We’ll talk about common drug crimes they handle, legal defenses, what to expect from the legal process, and tips for choosing the right lawyer for you. Let’s dive in!

The Most Common Drug Crimes in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale drug lawyers typically handle a range of drug-related charges. Some of the most common include:

• Possession of Marijuana – Getting caught with pot comes with penalties. The amount you had on you matters. Personal use amounts may lead to misdemeanors. While larger stashes can mean felony possession charges.
• Possession of Cocaine, Heroin, Meth – Hard drugs lead to harsher punishments. Prosecutors often pursue possession with intent to sell or trafficking charges too.
• Prescription Drug Crimes – Things like doctor shopping, forging scripts, or selling your pills illegally can land you in hot water.
• Manufacturing or Cultivating Drugs – Making meth, growing weed, or producing other drugs in Fort Lauderdale will get you arrested.
• Selling, Distributing, Trafficking – Anytime you sell or share illegal drugs you could face criminal charges. Even passing a joint to a friend is considered “distribution.”
• DUI Drugs – You can get a DUI in Florida for driving high or impaired by legal and illegal substances.

These are just a few examples. Other drug crimes include paraphernalia possession, obtaining drugs by fraud, out-of-state smuggling charges, and more.

Common Defenses Fort Lauderdale Drug Lawyers Use

When facing drug charges, your lawyer’s job is to raise reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s case. Some strategies criminal defense attorneys frequently use include:

Illegal Search & Seizure – If police didn’t have probable cause or a warrant, evidence from searches may get thrown out. This can destroy the prosecution’s case.

Invalid Traffic Stops – Similarly, evidence from invalid traffic stops often gets excluded. Without it, charges may have to be dropped.

Faulty Drug Tests – Field drug tests are unreliable. Lab tests can have flaws too. Your lawyer can challenge the accuracy of drug test results.

Possession vs Trafficking – There’s a huge difference between having a small amount of drugs for personal use vs. dealing. Your attorney will argue charges overstate the situation.

Entrapment – Undercover operations sometimes cross the line. If police coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t, that’s entrapment.

Mistaken Identity – Sometimes you get arrested for drugs that don’t belong to you. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A good drug crimes lawyer will dig deep into the details of your case to figure out what mistakes police made and how to get charges reduced or dismissed.

What to Expect From the Legal Process

Here’s an overview of what you can expect if you’re facing drug charges in Broward County:

Arrest & Booking – You’ll be handcuffed, photographed, fingerprinted, and held until you can post bond. Police will seize any drugs, paraphernalia, weapons, cash, etc.

First Appearance – Within 24 hours of arrest, you’ll appear before a judge who informs you of the charges and sets bond. This happens even if you’ve already bonded out.

Filing of Formal Charges – The prosecutor will file formal charges with the court. For felonies, this happens through an indictment or information. Misdemeanors get filed directly.

Arraignment – At your arraignment you’ll enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. This must happen within 30 days of arrest.

Pretrial Motions – Your lawyer will file motions asking the judge to throw out evidence, dismiss charges, suppress confessions, and more.

Plea Bargaining – Many drug cases get resolved through plea deals. You plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence.

Trial – If no plea deal, your case will go to trial. The prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, otherwise you should be acquitted.

Having an experienced drug crimes lawyer in your corner during this process is critical. They’ll advocate for your rights, negotiate with the prosecution, and defend you in court if necessary.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Lawyer

Not all attorneys are equal when it comes to drug cases. Here are five tips for finding the right Fort Lauderdale drug lawyer lawyer for your situation:

1. Look for Extensive Drug Case Experience – You want someone well-versed in Florida’s complex drug laws and penalties. Ask about their track record with similar cases.

2. Select a Local Broward County Attorney – Local lawyers know the judges, prosecutors, and system inside and out. This homefield advantage helps get better results.

3. Find Someone Aggressive Yet Strategic – Understands when to fight hard (e.g. file motions, go to trial) and when to negotiate (e.g. plea bargain) tactically.

4. Consider Their Resources – Do they have the money and staff needed to build the strongest defense? Big firms boast teams of ex-prosecutors.

5. Gauge Their Personality – Most importantly, choose a lawyer you feel comfortable opening up to and who will fight passionately for you.

Finding the Right Fit

I hope this overview gives you a better understanding of how Fort Lauderdale drug defense lawyers can help if you’re facing charges. Every case is different, but an experienced local attorney who gets to know you and your situation can make all the difference.

Take your time interviewing lawyers to find someone you click with and trust. Most offer free consultations, so take advantage to ask questions and see if they’re the right fit. Don’t take chances with your future – the right guidance can help get charges reduced or dismissed so you can move on with life.