Myths About Drug Crimes In Florida
Florida has some of the harshest drug laws in the United States, and too often, the average person may not know the specifics of the law until it is too late. Myths and misunderstandings float around, repeated as gospel when the person speaking may not know the truth. If you have been charged with a drug offense in Florida, it is crucial that you be aware that some of these common myths are, well, myths.
MYTH: “If it’s cannabis, it won’t be that serious.”
FACT: Even a charge of possessing or trafficking in cannabis can lead to serious consequences. While possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis is a first-degree misdemeanor, as opposed to a more serious felony charge, it still carries fines and court costs, plus up to a year in jail. In addition, drug charges cannot generally be expunged in Florida, meaning the offense will remain on a person’s record.
MYTH: “I can talk about this stuff on my social media.”
FACT: Social media, particularly public social media, is a gold mine of information that is available to state’s attorneys, either via subpoena or simply by looking at your public posts. If obtained legally, social media posts can be strong evidence for guilt – for many, it is better to temporarily deactivate your accounts until your legal troubles have passed.
MYTH: “Even if I’m convicted, my sentence can be reduced.”
FACT: While it may be possible to serve a reduced sentence due to a plea-bargain made before the conclusion of a trial, a judge cannot generally reduce the jail term for a drug-related offense in Florida at sentencing. Most drug offenses carry what are known as mandatory minimum sentences, where a judge has no discretion to alter a person’s sentence. This is left over from the heyday of the so-called “War on Drugs,” but Florida still retains it.
MYTH: “It’s my first offense; I won’t get in real trouble.”
FACT: If a first offense is serious enough, the sentence will be serious to match. For example, if a person is stopped carrying a small amount of a Schedule I drug, the penalty may be equal or greater to the penalty for someone with a large amount of a Schedule IV or V drug.
Contact A West Palm Beach Drug Offenses Attorney
It can be easier and less worrisome to believe in myths, but when a person is sitting in front of a judge, it is important that they know what they are facing. A West Palm Beach drug offenses attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help ensure your rights are protected in court – call our office today to speak to an attorney.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0893/Sections/0893.13.html
