A prescription is required for many types of medication, such as Xanax or Percocet. Some individuals have long-term prescriptions for conditions like ADHD, while others may only receive short-term prescriptions, such as painkillers after surgery. If you have gone...
Drug Charges
Why has Florida begun cracking down on fentanyl offenses?
As drug trends change, the laws must change as well. Florida has enacted new laws intended to deter certain types of drug abuse that are particularly dangerous for public health. For example, earlier this year, lawmakers passed a new bill that makes it a criminal...
Can getting help for an overdose protect you from drug charges?
The number of fatal drug overdoses in Florida remains alarmingly high both for those who live in the state and those who visit. In fact, a recent study found that Americans who died while visiting our state were 63% more likely to have been the victim of a drug...
When Is Drug Court an Option for Florida Defendants?
Adults in Florida get arrested for drug offenses every day. Those in the Punta Gorda area may face charges related to the illegal possession of illicit substances or prescription medications. For many people, addiction begins with drugs recommended by a physician....
What if police find drugs in a common area or vehicle?
Most Florida drug charges are straightforward. Police officers search someone and find inappropriate items in their pockets or in their backpack. Other times, the situation may be less clear-cut. For example, police officers may find illegal or controlled substances...
What happens when a minor gets a drug charge conviction?
Drug possession charges and convictions can be traumatic for any person. However, when the accused is a minor, the situation can be uniquely complicated for both the underaged individual and their family. Although juveniles generally go through a different criminal...
Florida drug courts can help eligible defendants avoid a criminal record
Someone who has recently been arrested for a drug offense in Florida probably worries about the potential consequences of their alleged wrongdoing. A Florida drug conviction could lead to fines and probation or incarceration. Even if someone has never violated the law...
2 times that fentanyl charges may lead to more serious penalties
Fentanyl is one of the most powerful and dangerous substances widely available on the unregulated drug market. Fentanyl is an incredibly potent synthetic opioid drug that has a strong association with both a noticeable uptick in opioid addiction and also fatal...
3 actions with prescription drugs that can lead to charges
Prescription drugs are controlled substances rather than prohibited compounds. It is, in theory, legal to possess and use prescription medication provided that someone has a prescription from their doctor and follows the instructions of their physician. However,...
Drug courts play an important role in criminal justice
The concept of drug court isn’t something that’s new to Florida. In fact, this state was a pioneer in the implementation of drug courts by creating the first one in the nation in Miami-Dade County in 1989. Since then, the number of programs in the state and across the...