Possession of a Controlled Substance
The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience in Drug crimes defense. Possession of a Controlled Substance offense can be pressed when an individual has power over a controlled substance or gains access and retain controlled substances lacking the suitable right. Melinda Morris, managing partner of The Morris Law Firm, is an experienced Drug lawyer who was a State Attorney and was responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious Drug Offenses from investigation through trial. For a Drug lawyer, this inside experience is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.
Controlled substances are non-prescribed prescription medication, illegal drugs, physical and mental restricting or controlling substances. Possessing a controlled substance while driving, regardless of the rightful owner can result in the Possession of a Controlled Substance charge if you knowledgeable of the substance being in the vehicle.
Potential Penalties
- Suspended sentence with guilty plea
- Probation
- Community service
- Jail time
- Parole
- Alternative drug rehabilitation programs
- Random drug testing
Most Drug crimes result in felony charges; courts are typically lenient for first time offenders charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. The substance volume and the establishing of the intent to sell will influence the potential penalties.
Potential Sentencing
Often drug rehabilitation programs but no sentencing or suspended sentencing with a guilty plea are ordered to first time offenders. As long as the offender complies will the stated requirements, they will be safe of felony sentencing. Failure to comply with the program or records positive drug testing results in a sentencing including jail time and a felony charge on permanent record. Occasionally for first time offenders, The Morris Law Firm may be able to work with the prosecuting agency to assemble for a marginal sentencing concurrent with community service and random drug testing.
§893.1351 Ownership, lease, rental, or possession for trafficking in or manufacturing a controlled substance.--
- A person may not own, lease, or rent any place, structure, or part thereof, trailer, or other conveyance with the knowledge that the place, structure, trailer, or conveyance will be used for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance, as provided in s. 893.135; for the sale of a controlled substance, as provided in s. 893.13; or for the manufacture of a controlled substance intended for sale or distribution to another. A person who violates this subsection commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
- A person may not knowingly be in actual or constructive possession of any place, structure, or part thereof, trailer, or other conveyance with the knowledge that the place, structure, or part thereof, trailer, or conveyance will be used for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance, as provided in s. 893.135; for the sale of a controlled substance, as provided in s. 893.13; or for the manufacture of a controlled substance intended for sale or distribution to another. A person who violates this subsection commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
- A person who is in actual or constructive possession of a place, structure, trailer, or conveyance with the knowledge that the place, structure, trailer, or conveyance is being used to manufacture a controlled substance intended for sale or distribution to another and who knew or should have known that a minor is present or resides in the place, structure, trailer, or conveyance commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
- For the purposes of this section, proof of the possession of 25 or more cannabis plants constitutes prima facie evidence that the cannabis is intended for sale or distribution.
Morris Law Firm | How We Can Help You
Morris Law Firm represents clients as the Drug Crime attorney / Drug Offense lawyer throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay, FL Area (St. Petersburg, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk). Drug Offenses such as Possession of a Controlled Substance charges are very severe and may seriously affect your social life. Attorney Melinda Morris have years of practical and functional knowledge when it comes to Drug crimes in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Pinellas County.
If you are facing a Possession of a Controlled Substance charge, you need an attorney. Contact Clearwater’s Drug Crime attorney for more information about your case throughout the Tampa Bay area including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bartow, New Port Richey, Dade City, Plant City, including the counties of Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, and Pinellas or the surrounding areas. Contact Attorney Melinda Morris with The Morris Law to get assistance with your legal needs.