Four Corners Drug Crime Lawyer

Aggressive Drug Crime Defense in Four Corners, FL

Facing drug-related charges in Florida is a serious matter that can impact every aspect of your life. A conviction can lead to steep fines, jail or prison time, and a permanent criminal record that affects your ability to work, travel, and maintain your reputation. If you’ve been accused of a drug offense, you need an experienced drug crime lawyer who knows how to fight for your rights. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we provide aggressive legal defense for individuals charged with drug possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and other narcotics-related crimes in the Four Corners area and throughout Central Florida.

Call (888) 835-5840 today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Common Types of Drug Crimes

Florida’s drug laws are among the toughest in the country, and prosecutors often pursue the harshest penalties possible. Drug offenses can vary widely, depending on the type of substance, quantity involved, and your alleged intent. Common drug crimes handled by The Law Offices of Justin Rickman include:

Drug Possession

Drug possession is one of the most frequently charged drug offenses in Florida. It can involve possessing illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or ecstasy—or even prescription medications without a valid prescription. Florida law distinguishes between:

Actual possession, where drugs are found on your person.

Constructive possession, where drugs are found nearby and you’re alleged to have control over them.

Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute

If the amount of drugs in your possession exceeds personal-use quantities or if packaging materials, scales, or cash are found, prosecutors may charge you with intent to sell or distribute. This charge carries much harsher penalties than simple possession.

Drug Trafficking

Trafficking is one of the most severe drug offenses under Florida law. It involves the sale, delivery, manufacture, or importation of controlled substances above certain weight thresholds. Trafficking charges can lead to mandatory minimum prison sentences and substantial fines.

Drug Manufacturing & Cultivation

Manufacturing or growing controlled substances—such as operating a meth lab or cultivating marijuana plants—can result in felony charges. Law enforcement often targets individuals suspected of producing drugs for sale or distribution.

Prescription Drug Crimes

Florida has seen an increase in prescription-related drug crimes. These can include doctor shopping, prescription forgery, or illegal possession or sale of drugs like Oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Florida

Drug crime penalties in Florida vary depending on the type and quantity of the substance, as well as whether the alleged offense involved possession, sale, or trafficking. Controlled substances are categorized into five schedules under the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (Chapter 893, Florida Statutes).

Misdemeanor Drug Charges

Possession of under 20 grams of marijuana is typically a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by:

Up to 1 year in jail

Up to $1,000 in fines

Driver’s license suspension

Felony Drug Charges

Felony charges apply to most drug offenses involving larger quantities or certain controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine. Depending on the charge:

• Third-degree felony: Up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines
• Second-degree felony: Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
• First-degree felony: Up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines

Drug Trafficking Penalties

Drug trafficking carries some of Florida’s harshest sentences, including mandatory minimums such as:

• Cocaine (28 grams or more): Minimum 3 years in prison
• Heroin (4 grams or more): Minimum 3 years in prison
• Methamphetamine (14 grams or more): Minimum 3 years in prison

In addition to prison and fines, a conviction can lead to asset forfeiture, loss of professional licenses, and difficulty obtaining housing or employment.

Legal Defenses to Drug Crimes

At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we believe that every person deserves a strong defense. Our experienced attorneys carefully review every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and protect your constitutional rights. Common defenses to drug charges include:

• Illegal Search and SeizureLaw enforcement officers must follow strict constitutional guidelines when conducting searches. If police obtained evidence without a proper warrant or probable cause, that evidence may be inadmissible in court.
• Lack of Knowledge or Possession: In some cases, a defendant may not have known that drugs were in their possession—especially in shared homes or vehicles. The prosecution must prove you knew of the substance’s presence and had control over it.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced or coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have committed, you may have an entrapment defense.
• Chain of Custody Issues: Evidence handling errors—such as missing documentation or contamination—can weaken the prosecution’s case and lead to suppression of critical evidence.
• Valid Prescription: For cases involving controlled prescription medications, showing proof of a valid prescription can result in the dismissal of charges.

Our Four Corners drug crime attorney from The Law Offices of Justin Rickman will use these and other strategies to seek dismissal, reduction, or acquittal of your charges.

Drug Crime FAQs

Will I go to jail for a first-time drug offense in Florida?

Not always. Depending on the type of charge, you may qualify for pretrial diversion, drug court, or probation instead of jail. A lawyer can help you explore these alternatives.

Can police search my car if they suspect drugs?

Only under certain conditions. Without a warrant, police generally need probable cause—such as visible contraband or the smell of marijuana—to legally search your vehicle.

What if the drugs weren’t mine?

You can still be charged under “constructive possession” laws, but your attorney can argue that you had no control or knowledge of the drugs, which may result in dismissal.

Will a drug conviction stay on my record?

Yes, unless it’s sealed or expunged. Some first-time offenders may be eligible for record sealing after completing probation or diversion programs.

When should I call a lawyer?

Immediately after your arrest or if you believe you are under investigation. Early legal intervention can protect your rights and strengthen your defense.

Contact OurFour Corners Drug Crime Lawyer Today

If you’re facing drug charges in Four Corners, you need a dedicated and knowledgeable defense attorney to stand by your side. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we understand how stressful and intimidating criminal charges can be—and we’re here to fight for your future.

Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome—whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal at trial.

Ready to discuss your situation or have questions for a drug crime attorney in Four Corners? Call (888) 835-5840 today.