Panama City Drug Crime Lawyer

Understanding Drug Charges in Florida

Drug trafficking in Panama City has historically been a prevalent issue, which has made state and federal law enforcement agencies active and overzealous throughout the region.

According to statistics from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigations 2016 data, there were 114,550 total arrests for drug-related offenses in Florida. The Florida Office of Drug Control estimates at least $300 million are invested in drug control programs statewide each year. If you have been charged with a drug crime, it is important to start building your defense immediately with our team at Shepard Law.

Why Hire Shepard Law?

Below are a few reasons why you should hire Shepard Law:

Proven track record of success
Free case evaluations
Comprehensive experience defending the accused
Handled thousands of criminal cases
Available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
Committed to providing aggressive advocacy

Have you been arrested for a drug crime in Florida? Call Shepard Law today at (850) 290-2505 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our drug crime attorney in Panama City.

Types of Drug Crimes in Florida

Common drug offenses in the Panama City area include:

Possession of a controlled substance
Possession with intent to distribute
Drug manufacturing
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Obtaining a prescription by fraud

Florida Drug Crime Penalties

Penalties for drug-related offenses depend greatly upon the type of drug, the quantity, and whether it is being sold or distributed. Florida classifies drugs according to different "Schedules," a system which groups drugs according to their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs generally carry a tougher penalty than those in Schedule II or III.

Another factor that influences the potential sentence is the quantity (weight) of drugs involved:

Possession of fewer than 20 Grams of Marijuana is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of one year in jail and $1,000 in fines
More than 20 Grams is a felony punishable by five years in prison and a $5,000 fine
Possession of a controlled substance can elevate to trafficking in cases where the weight of the drugs is over a statutorily prescribed amount
In many cases, there are minimum mandatory prison sentences when trafficking is charged.

Will My License Be Suspended For a Drug Charge in FL?

It should be noted that a conviction of any controlled substance charge, even misdemeanor marijuana possession, can lead to a driver's license suspension. This is even true if you hold an out-of-state license, as many states grant reciprocity to Florida's driver's license suspension. If convicted of a DUI involving drugs or alcohol, you could face up to a one-year suspension of your license. Possession of controlled substances such as marijuana or cocaine will likely result in at least three years of suspension.

Contact Our Drug Crime Attorney in Panama City Today

An arrest for a drug crime can have a devastating effect on your future, with potential consequences including imprisonment, steep fines, probation, suspension of your driver's license, as well as a criminal record that could have a negative effect on employment and future career opportunities.

Fortunately, there are ways to fight drug charges, such as by demonstrating that your Constitutional Rights were violated by a warrantless search, an illegal stop, or by raising questions about whether you knew that the drugs were present. Even if it is not possible to beat the charges, it may be possible to negotiate a favorable plea bargain or negotiate a referral to a diversion program (such as Pre-Trial Intervention, "PTI") that could ultimately lead to the charge being dismissed. Attorney Shepard can work with you to achieve a favorable outcome and defend your rights. Schedule a free case review and build your defense now.

Contact Shepard Law today to get started on your defense with our Panama City drug crime lawyer.

No Charges Aggravated Assault
ALLEGATION: Client arrested for drive-by shooting and was facing the possibility of a minimum mandatory 15 year prison sentence under Florida's 10-20-Life Law. RESULT: After consulting with with prosecutors and law enforcement NO CHARGES WERE FILED.
Negotiated Plea DUI Manslaughter
ALLEGATION: Client charged with DUI Manslaughter. Client faced up to 15 years prison and a permanent loss of his drivers' license. RESULT: Client entered negotiated plea to probation and is eligible to drive with a hardship license.
Not Convicted Sexual Battery
ALLEGATION: Client who holds a professional certification and license with the State of Florida was accused of Sexual Battery with the possibility of 15 years prison and mandatory "Sexual Offender" designation. Arrest was reported in the Panama City News Herald. RESULT: Charge reduced without consent of victim to simple battery (misdemeanor). Client NOT CONVICTED of any criminal offense and not designated a Sexual Offender. Client able to return to work without loss of professional certification and license
Client NOT CONVICTED Violation of Probation
ALLEGATION: Client violated probation for a second time by failing to report ("absconding"), committing a new crime of Battery, not completing DUI school and failing to complete court ordered community service hours.
Not Convicted Violation of Probation
ALLEGATION: Client violated probation by failing to report ("absconding") and committing a new felony of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Forgery. Client was on probation for 7 counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud, 6 counts of Forgery, and 6 counts of Criminal Use of Personal Identification.

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Your case is our priority. We aim for the best outcome.

We understand the complexities of the legal system and the impact on your life. Our focus is on securing your future.

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“Shepard Law is truly one of a kind!!! Their team of attorneys and support staff knows criminal law inside and out. They will take a case to trial with no fear and are a force to be seen in the courtroom!!!! They are compassionate and make their clients feel supported every single step of the way. They are flexible with payment options, which allows everyone to be able to receive TOP QUALITY representation. I would absolutely recommend Shepherd Law to any of my friends or family members without hesitation.”

- Vanessa M.
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“Shepard Law is truly one of a kind!!! Their team of attorneys and support staff knows criminal law inside and out. They will take a case to trial with no fear and are a force to be seen in the courtroom!!!! They are compassionate and make their clients feel supported every single step of the way. They are flexible with payment options, which allows everyone to be able to receive TOP QUALITY representation. I would absolutely recommend Shepherd Law to any of my friends or family members without hesitation.”

- Vanessa M.
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- Craig E.

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