Tampa Florida Drug Crimes & Trafficking Information
There are a litany of drug crimes/trafficking charges that a defendant can face in Florida. The overriding message that needs to be heeded in regards to drug-related crimes is that Florida, like most other states, has recently gone through a "get tough" period in regards to the statutes that govern drug crimes/trafficking. Many drug crime in Florida have mandatory prison sentences and almost all drug convictions come with a two year driver's license suspension.
What this means is that if you've been arrested for a drug-related crime in Tampa or the surrounding areas, you need to understand how the process of your prosecution will work. Below you'll find a map of how you should proceed through this stressful process.
Your Drug Arrest
Getting arrested is always a stressful and frightening experience. During your arrest, the best thing you can do is invoke your right to remain silent, and your right to an attorney, and do not resist arrest or attempt to evade the police officer or officers, as this will only make your situation worse. Cooperate with the arresting officer and do not feel guilty about enforcing your rights as they exist under the Constitution and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
After you've been put through the "booking" process at the jail, you will be given an opportunity to contact an attorney. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and to contact a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney from Fluke, Palma & Seiden immediately. An attorney will be available for you as soon as possible, and he or she may be able to get to the jail to make sure that your rights are not violated.
Your First Appearance
Florida law calls for a First Appearance to occur soon after your arrest, and many times this appearance occurs the morning after your arrest. During this hearing, you'll be able to have your attorney argue for you so that you can receive a bond and be released. The presence of a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney from Fluke, Palma & Seiden could be the difference between freedom and being held over until your trial..
Trial Preparation for Drug Crimes
Preparation for trial is the most crucial aspect of your overall defense. Your criminal defense attorney will work with you to prepare you for trial by gathering evidence on your behalf, preparing witnesses and managing your trial, should the case proceed to that end. Statistics show that those who do not have an attorney in criminal trials do not fare nearly as well as those who do, so your freedom may in fact depend on your decision to acquire representation.
Overall, drug crimes/trafficking offenses in Florida are almost always very serious charges that carry heavy prison sentences.
Begin your case review by filling out the form below or call us at 1-866-669-3909
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