Are you facing criminal charges related to drug trafficking or drug distribution in Florida? Many aspects of your life, including your personal freedom, are on the line. You will want to present a strong defense, but where should you start? One of the first steps you may want to take is to learn more about the charges against you.
Drug trafficking and distribution is the transportation, illegal importation or selling of controlled substances. If convicted of these crimes, you could face extensive time behind bars and other penalties that could forever alter the direction of your life. These are serious charges, and they merit a serious defense strategy. It is in your interests to start this process as soon as possible after an arrest or as soon as you learn you are under investigation.
Types of controlled substances
The severity of the drug charges you are facing depends on the type of drugs you allegedly distributed or trafficked. Controlled substances are those controlled by certain laws. Illegally possessing, importing or selling controlled substances is a serious criminal offense. There are different levels, or schedules, that classify controlled substances and determine the severity of the charges against you. They are as follows:
- Schedule IV and V — These are drugs that are likely not to cause addition and have specific uses for medical reasons.
- Schedule III — These drugs may have some potential for dependence, but they also have specific medical uses.
- Schedule II — While these drugs do have specific medical uses, they also have a strong likelihood of causing dependence and are highly addictive.
- Schedule I — These are drugs that have no medical uses, are highly addictive and are dangerous to use in any circumstance.
The more serious and dangerous the drug, the more serious the repercussions will be if convicted. It is possible that both state and federal laws will pertain to your case, depending on where the trafficking and distribution allegedly took place.
The right defense for your unique case
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all defense strategy. Yours should suit your unique needs and be appropriate for the charges you are facing. No case is insurmountable, and you would be wise not to assume that a guilty plea or conviction is your only option. An assessment of your case is a simple way for you to understand the options you have and learn how you can proceed with the right defense plan.