A drug conviction could have dire consequences. Working with criminal attorneys in Miami can help ensure that you are properly represented if you find yourself in this situation. Among the possible penalties are jail time and hefty fines.
You know that you could be arrested and face drug charges for possessing any amount of heroin inFlorida. In an effort to crack down on drugs, lawmakers have made it a crime to possess even a small amount of heroin, though the charges and penalties vary, based on the specific amount of the drug the police find.
Heroin Possession
Heroin possession is classified as a felony offense inFlorida. You can be charged with possession for having any amount of heroin on you or in your control (such as in your bedroom or glove compartment); in fact, the police can charge you even if they find a spoon or plastic bag that contains heroin residue.
The penalties for a heroin possession drug conviction are severe. If you are found guilty, you could be sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, five years’ probation, and/or a maximum fine of $5,000. In addition, your Florida driver’s license could be suspended for two years, even if you weren’t operating a vehicle when you were arrested.
Heroin Trafficking
If the police find a large amount of heroin on you – that is, more than intended for personal use – you could be charged with heroin trafficking. The penalties for this drug conviction depend on the amount of heroin you were trafficking.
If you were found with four to less than 14 grams of heroin, you could be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of three years in jail as well as pay up to a $50,000 fine. For 14 grams of heroin or more, you could face a mandatory minimum of 15 years behind bars and up to $100,000 in fines. If you are caught with 28 grams or more, the penalties could include a mandatory minimum 25-year prison sentence and up to $500,000 in fines. If you are found with 30 kilograms or more, you could face life in prison.
Heroin Charge Enhancements
Depending on the specific charge, heroin possession typically is considered a third-degree felony. However, if you are caught possessing or selling heroin within 1,000 feet of a school, public park, church or movie theater, you could be charged with a first-degree felony. This could have a significant impact on the penalties you may face for a drug conviction.
Our Criminal Attorneys in Miami Can Help
When you face a drug conviction as serious as heroin possession or trafficking, hire an attorney to provide legal guidance. At The Falk & Ross Law Firm in Miami, our criminal attorneys have represented clients facing various drug charges. To learn how having a criminal defense attorney by your side can benefit your case, please contact our law office at 1-305-741-6997 or 1-877-663-5110 to set up an appointment for your free initial consultation.