Jacksonville Drug Defense Attorneys

Effective Defense Strategies for All Types of Drug Charges 

Jacksonville Drug Crime Attorneys | McGRATH GIBSONThe war on drugs is not over. Law enforcement and prosecutors continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute drug offenses of all types and at every level, and they consistently seek the maximum penalties in court. And make no mistake, if you or a loved one is facing drug related charges, you’ll need equally aggressive Jacksonville drug dense attorneys that know how to build effective defense strategies to limit and possibly avoid the harsh state and federal penalties for drug related charges.

The Jacksonville drug defense attorneys at McGRATH GIBSON have extensive experience in defending clients charged with drug crimes and assuring that their rights are protected through every step of their defense. Our drug defense attorneys defend clients who have been charged with all types drug crimes, from simple drug possession charges to charges for drug distribution and drug trafficking. Regardless of the charges, it is your right to mount the strongest possible defense with an experienced defense attorney.

Take Action Now
to Defend Your Own
or Your Loved One’s Rights

If you or a loved one is facing charges for a drug related crime, it is always to your advantage to get experienced legal assistance as soon as possible. Receiving the guidance and representation of an effective defense attorney before the hearing or soon after will assure the best possible outcome.

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(904) 358-3300

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What Drug Crime Defendants Need To Know
about Florida’s Drug Laws

Florida’s Drug Laws are detailed in Chapter 893 of Florida Statutes titled, Drug Abuse, Prevention and Control. The chapter is extensive and covers numerous controlled substances and the various circumstances by which the state of Florida enforces its controlled substance laws and penalizes those who are convicted of violating them. The information below highlights some of the aspects the statute’s chapters that our clients most often have questions about. Read the entire chapter.

Controlled Substances Fines and Penalties

There are literally hundreds of controlled substances in Florida. The below information focuses on the controlled substance violations that lead to the most arrests. These controlled substances are categorized by schedule and felony, representing how dangerous and abused they are, and how serious the penalties can be for those convicted of violating Florida’s drug laws. The below information is also based on small quantities first offenses as apposed to multiple kilograms, pounds or hundreds of doses. Drug related charges that include other felonies such as harming a law enforcement officer, or child, or a previous drug conviction can cause the class of any drug law violation to be increased with much higher fines and prison sentences.

Second Degree Felonies

Conviction of a second degree felony for a drug crime in Florida can result a prison sentence of up to 15 years, and a fine of up to $10,000.00 for the first offense.

Some of the most common violations that are second degree felonies involve the sale of, or trafficking in one of the following controlled substances, or for conspiracy to sell or traffic in one of the following controlled substances:

  • Schedule I
  • Schedule II
    • Opium
    • Codeine
    • Hydrocodone
    • Morphine
    • Oxycodone
    • Cocaine
    • Methamphetamine
    • And many others

Third Degree Felonies

Conviction of a third degree felony for a drug crime in Florida can result a prison sentence of up to 5 years, and a fine of up to $5,000.00 for the first offense.

Some of the most common controlled substance violations that are third degree felonies involve the sale of, or trafficking in one of the following controlled substances, or for conspiracy to sell or traffic in one of the following controlled substances:

Seizure of Property and Loss of Professional Licenses

Contraband; seizure, forfeiture, sale | Florida Statute Chapter 893.12

In summary, this area of Florida law explains that if a person uses their own personal property, vehicle, home or building to produce, sell, or traffic controlled substances, or conspire to produce, sell or traffic controlled substances, the property could be seized and sold by the state of Florida under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act. This also includes the seizure of any financial assets associated to the crime.

Chapter 893.12 States:

(2)(a) Any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, or drug paraphernalia as defined in s. 893.145 which has been or is being used in violation of any provision of this chapter or in, upon, or by means of which any violation of this chapter has taken or is taking place may be seized and forfeited as provided by the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.

(b)   All real property, including any right, title, leasehold interest, and other interest in the whole of any lot or tract of land and any appurtenances or improvements, which real property is used, or intended to be used, in any manner or part, to commit or to facilitate the commission of, or which real property is acquired with proceeds obtained as a result of, a violation of any provision of this chapter related to a controlled substance described in s. 893.03(1) or (2) may be seized and forfeited as provided by the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.

(c) All moneys, negotiable instruments, securities, and other things of value furnished or intended to be furnished by any person in exchange for a controlled substance described in s. 893.03(1) or (2) or a listed chemical in violation of any provision of this chapter, all proceeds traceable to such an exchange, and all moneys, negotiable instruments, and securities used or intended to be used to facilitate any violation of any provision of this chapter or which are acquired with proceeds obtained in violation of any provision of this chapter may be seized and forfeited as provided by the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act

Suspension, revocation, and reinstatement of business and professional licenses. | Florida Statute Chapter 893.11

This chapter of Florida’s controlled substance laws explain that if a person is found guilty and convicted of violating controlled substance laws, the state issuing agency must immediately suspend any and all of the person’s professional licenses.

Chapter 893.11 States:

States: If a person is found guilty and convicted for the sale of, or trafficking in, a controlled substance or for conspiracy to sell, or traffic in, a controlled substance constitutes an immediate serious danger to the public health, safety, or welfare, and is grounds for disciplinary action by the licensing state agency. A state agency shall initiate an immediate emergency suspension of an individual professional license issued by the agency.

Protect Your Rights

Facing any drug charge is a very serious matter that could result in a terrible outcome without an effective defense strategy executed by an experienced defense attorney. Our Jacksonville drug defense attorneys have helped many clients over the years successfully navigate the complexities dramatically improve the outcomes of serious drug charges. Contact us with the details of you or your loved one’s case at (904) 358-3300 and we’ll put our team to work.

McGRATH GIBSON Drug Crime Attorneys in Jacksonville, Attorney Disclaimer:

The Jacksonville drug crime attorneys at McGRATH GIBSON are licensed to practice in the states of Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Additionally, we defend drug crimes throughout the United States pro hoc vice, and with the help of local counsel. While we strive to personally handle all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims there are occasions where cases may be referred to another lawyer. We proudly offer representation to Military Veterans and the Men and Women who currently served our armed forces at the Mayport Naval Station, Naval Air Station of Jacksonville, Camp Blanding, United States Army, Army Reserve, United States Marines, Florida National Guard, Air National Guard, United States Coast Guard, Air Force, and Air Force Reserve. McGRATH GIBSON family law attorneys offer representation in the areas of Family Law, Divorce, Alimony, Child Custody and Child Support throughout Florida. Representation for Military Divorce handled throughout the United States and U.S. Territories independently or with local counsel where required.

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