Sale or Delivery of Heroin Lawyers in Orlando, FL

Understanding Sale or Delivery of Heroin with an Experienced Orlando Attorney

In Florida, the sale, manufacture, or delivery of heroin, as well as possessing heroin with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, are serious criminal offenses. These activities are governed by Section 893.13 of the Florida Statutes and are classified as second-degree felonies. The implications of being charged with such an offense can be life-altering, involving severe penalties such as substantial fines and extended periods of imprisonment. Given the gravity of these charges, it is imperative to consult an experienced Orlando attorney who specializes in drug-related offenses.

Key Elements of the Offense

Sale

The term “sale” refers to the act of transferring heroin in exchange for money or other forms of compensation. This can include not only direct transactions but also activities like bartering.

Manufacture

Manufacturing heroin involves the production, preparation, or propagation of the drug. This can include activities ranging from growing poppy plants used for heroin production to chemically synthesizing the drug in a lab.

Delivery

Delivery refers to the act of transferring heroin from one person to another, regardless of whether money or other forms of compensation are exchanged. This can include acts such as handing over the drug or even mailing it.

Possession with Intent

Possessing heroin with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver involves not just having the drug but also having equipment, paraphernalia, or circumstances that indicate an intention to engage in one of the aforementioned activities.

Penalties for Sale or Delivery of Heroin in Florida

Understanding the penalties for the sale or delivery of heroin in Florida is crucial, given the grave implications of a conviction. This offense is categorized under a severity level of 5, or 28 points, according to Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code. Penalties may include imprisonment, probation, and hefty fines among other consequences. Below, we take an in-depth look at each aspect of these penalties.

Imprisonment: Up to 15 Years Behind Bars

The sale or delivery of heroin in Florida can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years. It’s important to note that the length of your prison term may vary based on several factors:

Prior Criminal History: A criminal record with previous drug offenses will likely result in a more severe sentence.

Amount of Heroin Involved: Larger quantities can lead to heightened penalties.

Involvement of Minors: If minors were targeted or involved, this could exacerbate the severity of your sentence.

Probation: A Conditional Release

The court may also decide to sentence an individual to probation instead of or in addition to imprisonment, lasting for up to 15 years. Conditions for probation often include:

• Regular meetings with a probation officer
• Mandatory drug testing
• Participation in drug counseling or treatment programs

Failure to adhere to any of these conditions can result in immediate imprisonment.

Financial Penalties: A Lasting Impact

The sale or delivery of heroin also carries a potential fine of up to $10,000. This financial penalty can significantly impact one’s life, affecting:

Housing Eligibility: Your Home at Risk

A significant financial penalty, such as this, can jeopardize your ability to make mortgage or rent payments, putting your housing situation at risk. Furthermore, the criminal record that accompanies a conviction can make finding new housing exceedingly difficult, as many landlords conduct background checks and may be unwilling to rent to someone with a felony conviction.

Employment Opportunities: A Stumbling Block in Your Career

The combined effect of a criminal record and financial instability can significantly hamper your employment prospects. Employers often consider financial stability when making hiring decisions, and a criminal conviction for drug-related offenses can severely limit your options. In many industries, a felony conviction can be an automatic disqualification. Even if you manage to secure a job, wage garnishment to pay off the fine can further strain your financial resources.

Educational Prospects: Limiting Your Future

A fine of $10,000 can be particularly devastating if you’re a student or planning to continue your education. Not only does this amount of money often preclude paying for tuition or educational materials, but a felony conviction can also make you ineligible for many types of financial aid. Scholarships and grants often have stipulations regarding criminal history, and federal student aid is generally unavailable for students with drug-related convictions.

Additional Repercussions: Beyond Prison and Fines

Asset Forfeiture

The court might order the forfeiture of assets associated with the crime. This could involve seizing your vehicle, property, or even freezing your bank accounts.

Permanent Criminal Record

A conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record that could hamper your employment prospects, housing applications, and even your ability to travel overseas.

Loss of Civil Rights

A felony conviction, such as this, can result in the loss of certain civil liberties including:

• The right to vote
• The ability to serve on a jury
• The right to own or carry a firearm

Licensing Penalties

Under Sec. 322.055 of the Florida Statutes, a conviction for the sale or delivery of heroin requires the court to suspend your driver’s license for 6 months. However, the court may grant a restricted business-purposes-only license under “compelling circumstances.”

Why Legal Representation is Essential

Given the severity and broad scope of the penalties, it’s imperative to consult an experienced attorney to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. Skilled legal representation can significantly impact the outcome, potentially leading to reduced penalties or even having the charges dropped altogether.

In summary, the penalties for the sale or delivery of heroin in Florida are severe and life-altering. If you find yourself facing such a charge, securing competent legal representation should be your first step.

Defending a Charge of Sale or Delivery of Heroin in Florida

Facing a charge of Sale or Delivery of Heroin in Florida is a serious matter that can have life-altering consequences. It’s crucial to explore all available defenses to fight these charges effectively. Leppard Law can guide you through this complex legal landscape, helping you understand your options and build a strong defense.

Key Defense Strategies

Proving Intent to Sell

Beyond Mere Possession: The prosecution must prove that you had the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver heroin, which goes beyond mere possession of the drug. For instance, having heroin in your pocket is not enough; the State must establish that you intended to distribute it.

Indicators of Intent: The presence of large amounts of cash, baggies, scales, or other drug paraphernalia can be used by the prosecution as evidence of intent to sell. However, an experienced attorney can challenge the relevance or legality of these items as evidence.

Motion to Suppress

Excluding Illegally Obtained Evidence: A motion to suppress is a powerful legal tool that can be used to exclude evidence obtained through illegal means, such as an unlawful search or seizure. If the motion is successful, the suppressed evidence cannot be used against you, often leading to the dismissal of charges.

Protecting Constitutional Rights: This motion is grounded in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, the evidence collected during that violation may be deemed inadmissible.

Alibi Defense

Establishing Your Whereabouts: An alibi defense involves proving that you were not at the location where the alleged crime occurred, making it impossible for you to have committed the offense. This can be corroborated through witnesses, surveillance footage, or other forms of evidence that prove your whereabouts.

Legal Disposal

Temporary Possession for Disposal: The “legal disposal” defense argues that you possessed the controlled substance only temporarily and solely for the purpose of disposal, destruction, or turning it over to authorities. This defense can be particularly effective if you can prove that you took immediate steps to dispose of the substance.

Other Potential Defenses

Entrapment

If law enforcement induced you to commit an offense you would not have otherwise committed, you may be able to use entrapment as a defense.

Lack of Knowledge

If you were unaware that you were in possession of heroin, this could serve as a defense. However, this is often difficult to prove and usually requires strong evidence.

Medical Necessity

Although rare and difficult to prove, medical necessity can sometimes be used as a defense if you can demonstrate that the possession of heroin was medically necessary and there were no legal alternatives.

When facing a charge of Sale or Delivery of Heroin in Florida, it’s crucial to consult an experienced attorney who can assess your case and determine the best possible defense strategy. Leppard Law can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, potentially leading to reduced charges or even a complete dismissal.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What classifies as a second-degree felony in Florida?

A second-degree felony in Florida is a serious crime that carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.

2. What is the difference between actual possession and constructive possession?

Actual possession refers to a situation where the controlled substance is found on your person (such as in your hand or in your pocket), whereas constructive possession refers to cases where the substance is found in a place over which you have control.

3. How can Leppard Law help me if I’m charged with Sale or Delivery of Heroin?

Leppard Law can review your case thoroughly to identify any potential defenses. Their experience and understanding of Florida law make them a strong choice for your representation.

4. What is the significance of the ‘Legal Disposal’ defense?

The ‘Legal Disposal’ defense allows a person to possess a controlled substance temporarily with the sole intent to dispose of it legally. If this defense is applicable, it can lead to the dismissal of charges.

5. What constitutes as an ‘Alibi Defense’?

An ‘Alibi Defense’ is a defense where the accused provides evidence of being somewhere else at the time the alleged crime took place. This defense can effectively exonerate an individual from criminal charges.

WANT TO GET THE BEST POSSIBLE DEFENSE AGAINST A HEROIN CHARGE?

Facing a heroin charge is a challenging and stressful experience that can impact every aspect of your life. It’s crucial to secure the most effective legal defense to navigate through this challenging time. That’s where Leppard Law: Florida DUI Lawyers & Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC comes in.

Unmatched Expertise: The Leppard Law Advantage

Our firm is not just another name in the legal space; we are a top-rated criminal law firm with a stellar reputation backed by hard numbers:

• Over 300+ 5-star Google Reviews
• Awarded #1 “Best DUI Law in Orlando” by Yelp from 2016-2021
• Recognized as the “Best DWI Lawyers in Orlando, FL” by Three Best Rated from 2017-2023
• Featured among the “20 Best Orlando Criminal Defense Attorneys” by Expertise from 2017-2023
• Ranked #5 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US by Law Firm 500 in 2020
• Recipient of the “Client’s Choice Award” for DUI by Avvo for 2015, 2016, and 2017
• Designated #1 “Best DUI Attorneys in Orlando” by Best DWI Attorneys from 2016-2019

Personalized Defense: Treating Clients Like Family

Wondering what it feels like to have an attorney who genuinely cares? At Leppard Law, we believe in establishing a personal relationship with every client. Your case isn’t just another file; it’s a life impacted, and we fight for the best possible outcome tailored to your unique situation.

Tried and Tested Strategies for Heroin Charges

When it comes to drug charges like heroin possession, the stakes are high, but so are our success rates. We meticulously review your case and the circumstances surrounding it to identify the strongest defense strategies. While every case is unique, our experienced attorneys know which defenses are most likely to succeed.

Complimentary Consultation: Experience the Leppard Law Difference

Don’t just take our word for it; experience our top-notch service yourself. Contact us today for a free consultation. Your trust and support fuel our commitment to excellence, and if the need arises, we’re here to fight for you every step of the way.

Why Trust Leppard Law? Let the Results Speak for Themselves!

• Over 300+ 5-Star Google Reviews!
• Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orlando by Expertise
• Best DUI Lawyers in Orlando by Expertise
• Top 10 Affordable Attorneys Near Orlando, FL by Thumbtack
• Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Orlando, FL by Thumbtack
• Top 10 DUI Attorneys Near Orlando, FL by Thumbtack
• The 10 Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Orlando, FL 2023 by Thumbtack

But don’t just take our word for it. Contact us today and experience our top-notch legal service for yourself.

Experience What True Legal Support Feels Like

At Leppard Law, you’re not just another case. You’re family. When life throws its curveballs, wouldn’t you want a legal team that knows you as well as your case? We fight tooth and nail to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Unparalleled Excellence for Six Straight Years

We’re not just attorneys; we’re your neighbors, committed to helping you navigate life’s toughest moments. Voted the “Best of Orlando” for Criminal and DUI Defense on Thumbtack and Yelp for six years running, we continue to stand by our community.

One Call Can Make All the Difference!

Don’t let legal stress bring you down. Let us make the legal process as painless as possible for you.

Family First, Always

Our clients are our family, and their best interests are always at the forefront of what we do. If you or a loved one face a criminal charge, don’t hesitate.

Contact us now to schedule your free consultation. Let us show you what a personal relationship with your attorney can do for you!