Florida has some of the harshest drug laws in the nation, and the Tampa area, in particular, has a high rate of drug crimes. Both the police and criminal prosecutors feel immense public pressure to crack down on drug crimes, making the situation even more difficult for those facing drug crime charges. Drug crimes often involve many unique issues, such as police potentially discovering evidence through an illegal search, the use of confidential informants, and possible entrapment by undercover police officers. In the complex and perilous world of drug crime prosecutions, the accused person needs a top-flight Tampa drug crimes attorney by their side.
As a Tampa drug crimes attorney with over 18 years of experience, Marc A. Joseph, P.A. is the tough advocate you need. In the interests of prosecuting drug crimes aggressively, police can violate your constitutional protections, but Mr. Joseph will ensure your rights are protected. Marc A. Joseph also has the knowledge, experience, and skills to determine whether key drug crime defense strategies can be used, such as excluding seized items from evidence or undermining the credibility of confidential informants. For those facing drug crime charges in the Tampa area, there can be no better choice than Marc A. Joseph, P.A. as their Tampa drug crimes attorney.
With the complexity of Florida’s drug laws and the harsh punishment for convicts, people charged with drug crimes in the Tampa area will need a criminal attorney experienced in drug crimes. Tampa drug crimes attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has this experience, including his defense of the following types of drug crime charges:
Possession of a Controlled Substance: A person can be charged with possession of a controlled substance in Florida for possession of both illegal drugs and legal controlled substances without a prescription. So it is not only marijuana and cocaine possession that could result in charges, but also codeine or OxyContin if the person charged does not have a doctor’s prescription. Possession of a controlled substance is a serious crime but still minor compared to other drug offenses, so it may be possible to avoid jail time with the help of a skilled Tampa drug crimes lawyer.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: In Florida, you can be convicted of this crime for possessing drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it for an unlawful purpose. The term “paraphernalia” can include bongs, pipes, scales, and plastic baggies. This crime is often charged along with drug possession, as it is common to find both during a single police bust.
Possession of Cocaine: The penalties in Florida for a conviction of cocaine possession are extremely harsh, since cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance. Even a simple possession conviction, for less than 28 grams of cocaine, can result in up to five years of prison time, while possession of more than 28 grams could result in 30 years to life imprisonment. If an expert Tampa drug crimes lawyer cannot obtain a dismissal, he or she could then aim to negotiate the best outcome possible with the prosecution, while fighting for and protecting your rights.
Possession of Marijuana: Although marijuana use is not as taboo in Florida society as it once was, and a majority of voters voted for legalization of medical marijuana in 2014, it remains an illegal controlled substance in Florida. And unfortunately, the punishment for marijuana possession is still quite harsh compared to other states. Even possession of twenty grams or less is punishable by up to a year of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000, with even tougher sentences for possession of more than twenty grams or possession of marijuana plants.
If you are facing drug charges, including any of those listed above, you will need a skilled Tampa drug crimes lawyer to fight for your rights, ensure the prosecution can prove their case, and negotiate, if necessary, to reduce your punishment. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has all the knowledge, tools, and resources to obtain the best outcome possible in your Tampa drug crime matter.
With his skills and knowledge honed by almost two decades of experience as a criminal attorney, Marc A. Joseph is your best choice for a Tampa drug crimes lawyer. Unlike many other criminal defense attorneys who are former prosecutors, Mr. Joseph has never prosecuted somebody accused of a crime, instead choosing to concentrate on defending the rights of the criminally accused. When you are accused of a drug crime, you need an attorney who has always focused on individual rights, and Mr. Joseph is that attorney. Mr. Joseph is also extremely familiar with the local court systems in the Tampa area, including the prosecutors and judges that will likely be handling your case. This type of “inside” information that only a local attorney can provide could make the difference when negotiating a reduced sentence or even a potential dismissal of your drug charges.
No matter what drug charges you are facing, the consequences of a conviction are huge. The Florida drug laws remain very harsh, even as the public attitude toward drug use changes. But you often have many potential defenses in drug crime cases, and a highly competent Tampa drug crimes attorney can identify and use those defenses to obtain the best possible outcome. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. can protect your rights, navigate the legal system for you, and fight for you to move past your drug charges and on with your life.
Call Marc A. Joseph today if you are facing drug crime charges in the Tampa area. Mr. Joseph will provide a consultation absolutely free of charge, where he will analyze the facts of your case and explain the criminal process. If you end up hiring Mr. Joseph as your attorney, he will be available 24/7 for your questions and concerns while he fights for your rights under the law. To schedule your free consultation, call Tampa drug crimes attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. at (813) 234-6374 today.
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