Drug Charges Attorney in Bradenton

Types of Drug Charges in Florida

Florida has strict drug laws that classify offenses based on the type and amount of drugs involved. Understanding the charges you may face is crucial to building a strong defense. Here are some common drug charges in Florida:

• Drug Possession
  Possession charges vary in severity depending on the type and quantity of the controlled substance. There are two primary categories:
  • Simple Possession – When someone is found with a small amount of a controlled substance for personal use. This is usually charged as a misdemeanor but can be elevated to a felony if the substance is more dangerous or if there are aggravating factors.
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute – If law enforcement believes that you intended to sell or distribute the drug, you could face more severe penalties, even if the amount is relatively small.
• Drug Trafficking
  Trafficking involves the sale, transportation, possession, or distribution of large quantities of illegal substances. Florida imposes mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking convictions, making it crucial to have a skilled drug charges attorney to fight for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
• Manufacturing and Cultivation
  If you are accused of producing or growing illegal drugs—such as running a meth lab or cultivating marijuana—you could be facing serious felony charges with lengthy prison sentences.
• Prescription Drug Fraud
  Illegally obtaining, selling, or distributing prescription drugs such as oxycodone, fentanyl, and Xanax is a growing issue in Florida. Charges related to prescription drugs can lead to severe penalties, including federal charges in some cases.

Penalties for Drug Charges in Florida

The consequences of a drug conviction depend on several factors, including the type of drug, the quantity, and prior criminal history. Common penalties include:

• Misdemeanor Charges – Up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Felony Charges – Several years in prison, with fines reaching tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Mandatory Minimum Sentences – Certain drug crimes, such as trafficking, carry minimum sentences of 3, 7, or even 25 years.
• Loss of Driving Privileges– A conviction will result in a suspended license, affecting your ability to work and travel.
• Permanent Criminal Record – A conviction can impact job opportunities, housing, and child custody cases.

Defending Against Drug Charges

A strong defense strategy can mean the difference between a conviction and reduced or dismissed charges. Some common defense tactics include:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an unlawful search or seizure, any evidence obtained could be inadmissible in court.
• Lack of Possession: Proving that the drugs did not belong to you or that you were unaware of their presence can be a valid defense.
• Entrapment: If an undercover officer or informant coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise would not have committed, you may have an entrapment defense.
• Chain of Custody Issues: If the prosecution cannot prove that the evidence against you was handled correctly, the case may be weakened or dismissed.

Why Choose McNary Powers for Your Drug Charges Defense?

At McNary Powers, we provide an aggressive and compassionate defense for clients facing drug-related charges. Our commitment to honesty, integrity, and accountability ensures we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights. Here’s why clients in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota trust us:

1. Extensive Criminal Defense Experience: Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Florida’s drug laws and extensive experience handling cases ranging from minor possession to significant trafficking charges.
2. Personalized Legal Strategies: We understand that every case is unique. We analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and craft a tailored defense strategy.
3. Protecting Your Future: A drug conviction can have lifelong consequences. We work to reduce or dismiss charges or secure alternative sentencing options such as drug diversion programs.
4. Strong Community Ties: As a trusted law firm in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota, we are dedicated to helping our clients and giving back to the community.

Related Legal Services

McNary Powers offers comprehensive legal representation beyond drug charges. We also handle cases in:

• DUI Defense – If you face DUI charges, we can help protect your driving privileges and fight for reduced penalties.
• Juvenile Crimes – We defend minors accused of drug-related offenses, ensuring that their future is not jeopardized by a youthful mistake.
• Family Law – We offer strategic legal support if a drug charge impacts child custody or other family law matters.
• Injunctions and Protective Orders – If drug-related charges involve accusations of domestic violence or other protective orders, we can provide legal representation.

Contact McNary Powers for a Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug-related offense in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, or Sarasota, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you have an experienced drug charges attorney on your side, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact McNary Powers at (941) 345-1662 today for a confidential consultation and let us fight to protect your future.