Will I Go to Jail for a Possession of Cocaine Charge in Pinellas County?

If you or a loved one has recently been arrested for possession of cocaine in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or any area within Pinellas County, you may be wondering about the potential consequences. As top-rated criminal defense lawyers at Defend Pinellas, PLLC, we understand the fear and uncertainty that accompany such charges. With over 30 years of combined experience, we are here to guide you through this challenging time.

Understanding the Charge

Possession of cocaine is considered a serious felony in Florida. Depending on the amount involved and your previous criminal history, the penalties can range significantly. A first-time offender may face up to five years in prison, while repeat offenders could face much harsher sentences. However, the legal system offers several avenues for defense that can potentially mitigate these consequences.

Common Defense Strategies

When facing a “Possession of Cocaine” charge, it is crucial to engage a skilled drug crime lawyer in Clearwater. At Defend Pinellas, PLLC, we often employ several common defense strategies, including:

1. Challenging the Search and Seizure: If law enforcement did not have probable cause to search you or your belongings, any evidence obtained could be deemed inadmissible in court.
2. Proving Lack of Knowledge: You may not have been aware that the substance in your possession was cocaine. This defense can be effective if you can demonstrate that you did not knowingly possess the drug. This defense is commonly employed when the contraband was located in a “jointly occupied vehicle.”
3. Seeking Acceptance into a Diversion Program: In some cases, we can secure our clients’ acceptance into a diversion program known as Pretrial Intervention (PTI). Successfully completing this program can lead to a dismissal of the charges, allowing you to avoid a felony conviction and possible jail or prison time.
4. Intervening Early with the Prosecutor: If we are retained early in the process, we may be able to intervene with the prosecutor to seek a dismissal of the charges based on legal or factual issues present in your case. 

Protecting Your Future

Our priority at Defend Pinellas, PLLC is to secure the most favorable outcome for our clients. We understand that a drug charge can have lasting impacts on your life, including employment opportunities and personal relationships. That’s why we aim to negotiate resolutions that do not involve jail time whenever possible. 

In many possession of cocaine cases, we can advocate for plea deals or alternative sentencing options that protect your record and keep you out of jail. However, time is of the essence. The sooner you engage a skilled drug crime attorney in Pinellas, the more opportunities we may have to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation

If you are facing a possession of cocaine charge or have a loved one who is, do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your options. Contact us at 727-855-3847 to speak with one of our highly experienced drug charge defense lawyers. 

The path ahead may seem daunting, but with the right legal support, you can navigate this challenging situation and work towards a brighter future. Remember, you are not alone, and we are here to help you every step of the way.