St. Petersburg Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

Fighting Drug Accusations Throughout Pinellas County

The penalties for Florida drug crimes vary, ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charge to a first-degree felony drug trafficking charge. As a result, drug charges can result in a minimum mandatory prison sentence and other harsh penalties. While the consequences for a drug conviction vary, the mere possession of any controlled substance other than marijuana is a felony punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years. Further, your driver’s license may be suspended for at least one year as a result of a drug conviction.

Don’t let a drug charge ruin your future. Let Anita help.

At McNulty Parker Law, PLLC, Anita’s mission is to build a strong defense for cases involving any type of drug, including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, oxycodone, crystal meth, Xanax/Alprazolam, and other prescription drugs.

Drug Charges Anita Handles

Regardless of whether you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug crime, McNulty Parker Law, PLLC is equipped to handle your drug case. Anita handles a wide variety of drug cases involving:

• Drug possession
• Possession with intent to sell
• Sale of narcotics
• Drug trafficking
• Drug paraphernalia

Drug Court Program

In some instances, you may qualify for the drug court program. In the drug court program, you will be required to go through a drug treatment plan and comply with various requirements. If you graduate from the program successfully, your charges may be dismissed, and you will not have a conviction on your record.

Drug Crime Penalties

The severity of drug crime penalties in Florida depends on the amount of drugs involved and whether the drugs in question were possessed for personal use or intended to be sold. If charged with a drug crime, it is crucial to speak with a knowledgeable Florida drug crime attorney who will zealously defend your rights.

Florida has set forth harsh minimum mandatory sentences for drug trafficking:

Marijuana

• 25+ pounds (or 300 plants) but less than 2,000 pounds/plants = 3-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and $25,000 fine.
• 2,000+ pounds/plants but less than 10,000 pounds/plants = 7-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and a $50,000 fine.
• 10,000+ pounds/plants = 15-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and $ 200,000 fine.

Cocaine

• 28 grams - 200 grams = 3-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and a $50,000 fine.
• 200 grams - 400 grams = 7-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and a $100,000 fine.
• 400 grams - 150 kilograms = 15-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and a $250,000 fine.
• 150+ kilograms = life sentence.

Amphetamine and Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)

• 14 grams - 28 grams = 3-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and a $50.000.00 fine.
• 28 grams - 200 grams = 7-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and a $100,000.00 fine.
• 200+ grams = 15-year minimum mandatory sentence in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.

Defenses to Florida Drug Charges

Unlawful Search and Seizure:

In some instances, officers may obtain evidence through an unlawful search or seizure. Evidence obtained illegally can be challenged in court.

For example, Anita may argue that the evidence, likely the drugs, were obtained illegally due to an:

• Unlawful traffic stop of your vehicle
• Illegal search of your person
• Illegal search of your home
• Illegal search of your vehicle without probable cause
• A legally insufficient warrant

Constructive Possession:

To prove that you were in constructive possession of a drug, the State must show that you knew that the drug was present, the substance was a drug (“illicit in nature”), and had “dominion and control” over the drug.

Depending on the facts surrounding your case, an attorney may be able to argue that just because you were near the drug when it was found does not mean that you actually “possessed” the drug as defined under Florida drug laws.

Contact a Drug Crime Attorney Immediately

Drug charges of any kind require urgency and personalized attention, which is why you can depend on Anita to represent you. She handles each case herself, rather than passing it off to support staff, meaning you’ll get the one-on-one, client-centered defense your future depends on. Having handled thousands of cases, Anita knows what’s required to help put your drug charges behind you.

At McNulty Parker Law, PLLC, a lawyer can help you find your voice. Thus, you should not hesitate to contact a drug crimes defense attorney at (727) 610-8933 to discuss your options during a free case review.