The drug charges that are most commonly prosecuted in Tampa include possession, trafficking, and possession with the intent to sell. In 2022, for instance, there were over a dozen drug trafficking prosecutions under Operation Overdrive Tampa. Opioids like fentanyl, cannabis, and cocaine are some of the most commonly abused and sold drugs in Tampa, which constitute many of the drug crimes.
Tampa Drug Crimes Lawyer
Drug Crimes Attorney In Tampa, FL
Florida is one of the largest and most densely populated states. Combine that with its massive coastline, and it becomes a major hub for drug trafficking and related crimes. If you live in Tampa and you are involved in a drug crime, do not lose hope. A skilled and experienced Tampa drug crimes lawyer may be able to help reduce your charges, defend your rights, and set you on the path to freedom.
Drug crimes are serious business in Florida; however, Amarosa Law Firm P.A. is equipped to help you with your case and improve your chances of securing justice. You are not your mistakes, and if you have been wrongly accused, you deserve a fighting chance. Whether we are working to reduce your sentence or to get your case dismissed, you can depend on us to provide aggressive defense.
Drug Crime Rates in Tampa
Drug-related offenses comprise a considerable number of arrests in Florida. In fact, drug-related offenses made up 31.6% of all criminal filings in the state of Florida overall between 2023 and 2024, and there were 3,601 drug offense cases in Hillsborough County during the same year. There are many drug crime hubs in Tampa, including on Nebraska Avenue or in Ybor City, mostly in its nightclubs and bars.
Tampa Drug Crime Laws
There are several types of drug crimes a person can be charged with, and these crimes come with serious consequences in the state of Florida. Generally, in Florida, it is illegal to possess, sell, distribute, or manufacture all controlled substances pursuant to Florida Statutes 893.13. Examples of controlled substances include the following:
- Marijuana (generally in large amounts)
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Ketamine
Drug Crime Penalties
Drug crime penalties can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the nature of the crime. They are largely based upon the amount of the drug that the accused person possesses, the category of the drug crime, and the drug schedule, for example, Schedule I-V. The least harsh drug crime is a first-degree misdemeanor, and the most serious is drug trafficking, which is a first-degree felony and carries a hefty mandatory minimum sentence.
For example, in one Tampa case, a man was arrested for trafficking over 28 grams of fentanyl and over 200 grams of amphetamine, among other drug charges. Ultimately, a decision regarding what kind of penalties a person may face is up to the discretion of the judge.
Knowing Your Rights
If you are arrested for a drug crime, it can be an emotionally charged situation, especially since there is a relatively high rate of drug-related arrests in Florida. However, it is important to know that you have rights and deserve to be protected. Having the Amarosa Law Firm P.A. on retainer can be beneficial to avoid making missteps during any part of the criminal process. Our lawyers can inform you of and defend your rights, including:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to be protected from illegal searches and seizures
- The right to be protected from excessive force
- The right to an attorney
- The right to be informed of your rights
If any of your rights are violated, it can help build a solid defense, which can ultimately protect you from harsh consequences.
Common Defenses Against Drug Crimes
If you are charged with a drug crime in Tampa, there are several defenses available to you. To start, to be charged with a drug crime, the accused must show intent or must have knowingly been in possession of the controlled substance. Failure to prove intent can help build your case. Other common defenses include:
- Illegal searches and seizures
- Lack of or insufficient evidence
- Tampering with evidence
- Coercion
- Prescribed medical usage
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Hire a Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
Drug crime charges can be serious in Florida, but they do not have to be final. You may be able to avoid a conviction with the right representation or get your charges reduced. At Amarosa Law Firm P.A., we offer free consultations because we believe in our clients and our skills as lawyers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you with your drug crime case.
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