Four Corners Drug Possession Attorney

Charged With Drug Possession In This Area?

If you or someone you care about has been charged with drug possession in the Four Corners area, you are probably worried about what comes next. You may be wondering if you could go to jail, how this will affect your record, and whether you will have to face the court system alone. In a moment like this, you need clear information and a trusted guide, not more confusion.

At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we defend people facing possession charges in the communities that meet at Four Corners. Our office in Clermont puts us close to the county courts that typically handle these cases, and our attorneys bring decades of criminal defense experience to every matter we accept. We work to give you direction from the very first conversation so you can start making informed decisions instead of guessing.

When you reach out to us, you can expect a prompt response, straightforward answers, and a team that treats you with respect. Our goal is to help you understand the stakes, the options, and the realistic paths forward so you do not feel blindsided by the process.

Contact our firm today at (888) 835-5840 to schedule a consultation.

What is Drug Possession?

In Florida, drug possession is defined under Florida Statute § 893.13. To secure a conviction, the state must prove three specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The substance is illegal: The material seized must be a controlled substance as defined by Florida law.
• Knowledge of the substance: You knew, or should have known, of the presence of the substance.
• Control over the substance: You had the power and intent to exercise control over the drug.

It is a common misconception that "possession" only applies if the drugs are in your hand or pocket. Under Florida law, there are two distinct legal theories of possession:

• Actual Possession: The substance is found on your person (e.g., in your pocket, in your hand, or in a bag you are carrying).
• Constructive Possession: The substance is found in a place over which you have control, and you have knowledge of its presence (e.g., in your glove box, under your car seat, or in your bedroom).

Constructive possession cases are often more complex and provide significant opportunities for a skilled Four Corners drug possession lawyer to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Common Ways to Possess Controlled Substances

Controlled substances in Florida are categorized into "Schedules" based on their potential for abuse and medical utility. Our firm handles cases involving a wide variety of substances, including:

• Marijuana (Cannabis): While medical marijuana is legal for qualifying patients, recreational possession remains a crime. Possession of less than 20 grams is typically a misdemeanor, while more than 20 grams is a felony.
• Cocaine and Heroin: These are almost always prosecuted as third-degree felonies, even for very small amounts.
• Prescription Drugs: Possession of pills like Xanax, Oxycodone, or Adderall without a valid prescription is a serious felony offense.
• Synthetic Drugs: This includes substances like "Spice," "K2," or "Molly" (MDMA).
• Drug Paraphernalia: Even if no drugs are found, possessing items like pipes, bongs, or scales can lead to criminal charges.

Drug Possession Penalties in Florida

The penalties for drug possession in Four Corners depend on the type of drug, the amount seized, and your prior criminal record.

Misdemeanor Possession

Possessing 20 grams or less of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanor.

• Jail: Up to 1 year
• Fines: Up to $1,000
• Additional: Mandatory 6-month driver’s license suspension (upon conviction).

Felony Possession

Possession of most other controlled substances (or more than 20 grams of marijuana) is a third-degree felony.

• Prison: Up to 5 years
• Fines: Up to $5,000
• Additional: Permanent criminal record as a convicted felon and a 6-month driver’s license suspension.

Drug Trafficking

If the weight of the drugs exceeds certain thresholds (e.g., 28 grams of cocaine or 4 grams of fentanyl), the charge is elevated to drug trafficking. This carries "mandatory minimum" prison sentences, meaning a judge has no choice but to sentence you to a specific number of years (often 3, 7, or 15 years) if you are convicted.

Drug Possession FAQs

Can I go to jail for a first-time drug possession charge?

While jail is a possibility for any criminal offense, first-time offenders in Four Corners may be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or Drug Court. These are diversion programs that, upon successful completion, result in the total dismissal of your charges.

The drugs weren't mine; they were my friend’s. Can I still be charged?

Yes. Under the theory of "constructive possession," the state can charge you if the drugs were in an area you controlled, such as your car. However, this is a very defendable position if we can show that multiple people had access to the area and there is no evidence (like fingerprints or admissions) linking the drugs specifically to you.

Will I lose my driver's license?

In Florida, a conviction for any drug possession offense triggers a mandatory driver’s license suspension for six months. This is why it is critical to work with a lawyer who can fight for a "withhold of adjudication," which may prevent the suspension and the formal conviction on your record.

Should I talk to the police to explain my side?

No. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and tell the officers you want to speak with your attorney at The Law Offices of Justin Rickman immediately.

How can your team help my drug case?

We review how the police encountered you, examine the search and evidence, and evaluate whether the State can prove possession. We then build a strategy that can include challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, or preparing for trial. Throughout, we keep you informed and prepared for each step.

Is it too late to hire you before my court date?

In many situations, we can step in even when a court date is approaching quickly. The sooner you contact us, the more we can do to review paperwork, prepare you, and address immediate concerns with the court. We act quickly after being retained to start bringing structure to the situation.

Will you keep me updated about my case?

Yes. We make communication a priority. Our attorneys and experienced paralegals work together to return calls promptly, share updates after hearings, and check in during longer matters. Our goal is that you never feel you have to chase your lawyer for information about your own case.

Why You Should Choose Our Team

When you are deciding whom to trust with your future, experience and stability matter. Our firm brings over 40 years of combined legal experience to the table. Our founder has been practicing for more than 20 years, and our litigation attorney spent nearly a decade serving as a public defender handling criminal cases. This background means we have spent years in front of judges, working through real cases with real consequences.

We also have deep jurisdictional experience in the region that surrounds Four Corners. Cases arising here typically move through courts in Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Polk County. We appear in these courthouses regularly, and we understand the procedural quirks, courthouse culture, and general tendencies of the judges and prosecutors you are likely to face. That local knowledge helps us build strategies that fit the reality of your particular courtroom, not a generic idea of how a case might unfold.

Our team structure is another difference you can feel. Experienced paralegals are central to how we work, not just in the background. They help us move cases quickly, keep documents organized, and maintain steady communication. Combined with our attorneys’ trial experience, this gives clients both courtroom strength and day-to-day support. People come to us in difficult chapters of life, and we take our responsibility seriously to provide clear plans, honest expectations, and consistent follow-through.

Call (888) 835-5840 to speak with our team today.