A recent Tallahassee arrest connected to a “record breaking” drug bust serves as a reminder of the serious charges that can come with allegations of drug crimes. The individual is facing multiple charges for everything from possession to trafficking of copious amounts of drugs including meth and cocaine.
Anyone who finds themselves facing drug charges in Florida may feel scared and overwhelmed. These are normal reactions. It is important to regain some control by realizing that the choices you make over the next few hours matter. These decisions can protect your rights, preserve defenses and reduce the risk of additional charges.
The following steps can help to achieve these goals.
What to do first? The hours after the arrest.
These steps can help to keep the situation from getting worse while your attorney prepares to step in.
- Stay calm. Do not argue, pull away or try to explain. Even if the arrest feels unfair, resistance can lead to new charges and injuries.
- Do not answer questions. Clearly state that you are using the right to remain silent and that you want a lawyer. Then stop talking. Do not discuss the case in the patrol car, holding cell or on jail phones.
- Do not agree to searches. If asked to search your car, phone or home, say, “I do not consent to any searches.” Stay polite. If officers search anyway, your attorney can later challenge whether it was legal.
- Remember details. As soon as you can, write down what happened: where you were stopped, what was said, whether you were read your rights, who was present and any witnesses or cameras nearby. Small details can become major issues in court.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do this before giving any statement. Early legal help can influence bond, protect against damaging interviews and start gathering evidence while it is still available.
Once you have completed these steps, focus on staying quiet and letting your attorney guide the next moves. Legal counsel will review various strategies to fight back and beat the charges.
What are the charges in Florida? Typical examples of drug charges.
There are many different drug charges that are possible, common allegations include:
- Possession (including “constructive possession” where drugs are found nearby)
- Possession with intent to sell or deliver
- Sale, delivery or distribution
- Trafficking (often based on weight thresholds and carries mandatory minimum prison time in many situations)
Penalties vary widely and factors like prior record, proximity to schools, alleged paraphernalia and search legality can change the outcome. In the recent case noted above, the state has charged the man with various criminal offenses including drug trafficking. If the prosecution is able to build a successful case, he could face life imprisonment.
What to do next? Get legal help fast.
If you are dealing with a Florida drug arrest, do not wait. Do not try to talk your way out of it. Contact our firm for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to explain what happens next, protect your rights and start building a defense immediately.