Alternative Sentencing Options for Florida Drug Crimes
Florida law is not sympathetic to people involved in prohibited drugs. There are severe penalties for all the different kinds of drug crimes, whether it is driving while under the influence of a prohibited drug, being in possession, or even distributing and selling to others. One thing which is a certainty in Florida it has some of the harshest penalties in the country and no one in their right minds would defend themselves if charged but would ask an experienced criminal defense attorney like Albert Quirantes to guide them through the legal process.
The types of drug crimes classified in Florida
• possessing illegal drugs; • possessing with the intention to distribute; • illegal possession and use of prescription drugs; • trafficking or distributing of drugs; • cultivating illegal drugs; • manufacturing of illegal drugs; • sale of controlled substances. • transporting illegal drugs.
Fortunately, just because you have been arrested you cannot be convicted on the spot and you are given the chance to remain silent so that you do not unknowingly incriminate yourself. According to the 5th Amendment, you can remain silent until your attorney is available and can represent you on your behalf. You need an attorney because a conviction for a drug crime can change your life forever. Once convicted, you could face a jail or prison term and a criminal record. This sort of unwanted burden could prevent you getting a job or a much needed loan to pay off your house.
Drug crimes in Florida and alternative sentencing
It is not all bad in Florida because If the drug crime has a low-priority tag and no violence was involved there are some Florida laws recently introduced which offer rehabilitation and opportunity and not just stiff, life altering penalties.
Alternative sentencing examples include:
• attending drug court; • counseling and treatment; • probation or supervised release; • community service.
In Florida, an eligible drug offender could have his/her sentence withheld in place of complying successfully with any court order imposed that could be counseling and/or treatment, community service as well as the payment of fees. For a few lucky individuals successfully completing a diversion program could allow the individual the opportunity to avoid a conviction and therefore a criminal record.
Factors that could determine if alternative sentencing could be an option include:
• The type of drug crime • The type and amount of drug involved • The criminal history of the defendant • Any previous drug convictions.
There is no way of knowing if you fall in the category of alternative sentencing as each offense has unique characteristics. Sometimes an overzealous police officer may violate the correct procedure, either while searching and seizure or throughout the arrest. These sorts of things may be revealed after your criminal defense attorney has examined the evidence and discovered unacceptable flaws that will help you fit into the category of alternative sentencing.
The circumstances surrounding your arrest must be meticulously reviewed by Albert Quirantes, Esq., a leading Florida criminal defense attorney based in Miami. You can contact him at his Law Firm at 305-644-1800.
Albert Quirantes: Your Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer & DUI Lawyer
For over 30 years, Miami criminal defense attorney Albert M. Quirantes has been aggressively and zealously defending the rights of those accused of felony and misdemeanor crimesthroughout South Florida. With his dedicated team, reasonable legal fees, and a well-earned reputation for challenging prosecutors at every turn, he has protected over 8,000 clients during some of the roughest times of their lives.
Increase your knowledge! If you want to know more about how to resolve the problems you face when charged with a criminal offense in Florida, then you can follow Miami Criminal Attorney Albert M. Quirantes on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, please call us today at (305) 644-1800 or fill out our online form to arrange for your free, confidential initial consultation.
If you have any questions about this or any other criminal accusation, call Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer Albert Quirantes at: (305) 644-1800 or visit our homepage www.CriminalDefendant.com for a direct link to the office or a text message or a map and directions to our office.
