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Hire an Experienced Drug Lawyer in Palm Beach County. Kevin has been involved with thousands of cases in Florida.
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561-300-4890
Hire an Experienced Drug Defense Lawyer in Florida Kevin has been involved with thousands of cases in Florida.
Kevin Peterford is a drug lawyer in Palm Beach County and has handled thousands of cases within the local court systems. He KNOWS the system in Peterford Law better than anyone. Most of all, he knows how to defend you against drug charges successfully.
Drug Defense in Palm Beach County If you are facing drug charges in Florida, you need a talented lawyer on your side.
Florida law imposes strict penalties for all drug charges. Individuals convicted of drug crimes in Florida face potential minimum prison sentences, as well having their driving privileges suspended. To defend your drug case, you need an experienced Palm Beach County drug lawyer.
Kevin Peterford, a dedicated drug lawyer with a background in prosecution, has the experience and knowledge you need to build a solid defense. Don’t let a mistake ruin your life! Kevin has your back.
To protect our communities, laws are designed to enforce strict consequences for drug crimes. Unfortunately however, sometimes individuals caught up in drug addiction or other circumstances are charged with drug crimes. However, involvement in a drug crime should not mean you should automatically be punished - but instead need treatment or other rehabilitative efforts. Kevin Peterford sees his clients as the people they are. Through Kevin’s experience, he knows how to make sure your case is resolved appropriately.
Types of Drug Offense in Florida
There are four different categories of drug crimes in Florida, each carrying its own set of penalties.
Paraphernalia
Florida drug paraphernalia laws encompass all “equipment, products, and materials of any kind” used to consume, grow, measure, process, prepare, contain, and transport any type of illegal drug. That means possession of anything from a syringe to a scale could land you a paraphernalia charge.
Possible penalties for paraphernalia charges include up to a year in jail; 12 months of probation; and/or fines of up to $1000.
Simple Possession
Possession charges refer to a person’s ownership of a controlled substance. To convict on this charge, prosecutors must be able to prove the individual had the “ability to exercise the right of ownership, management, or control” over the substance in question.
Penalties for charges depend on the type and amount of controlled substance. Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana is a first degree misdemeanor that carries consequences of one year in jail; one year of probation; a six month license suspension; and/or fines of up to $1000.
Possession With Intent To Sell
Florida law prohibits the sale, manufacturing, and delivery of controlled substances. Individuals can also be charged with “possession with intent to sell” crimes - the actual sale doesn’t have to take place; if the state can prove you had an intent to sell, you face felony charges. The intent to sell can be proven by simply possessing an amount of controlled substances too large for personal use; certain communications with customers; and/or large amounts of money also in your possession.
Penalties include a potential minimum prison sentence, which is determined by the controlled substance in question and the amount in possession.
Trafficking
Trafficking charges carry the most severe consequences. Mere possession of excessive amounts of controlled substances is enough evidence to land you with a trafficking charge.
Penalties vary depending on the substance but carry minimum prison sentences and hefty fines.
What Are Mandatory Minimum Sentences?
Mandatory minimums are sentences that must be given to an individual accused of a crime, no matter the unique circumstances of the crime. This means that many first-time and nonviolent offenders face long prison sentences. If you are charged with a drug crime in Florida, you must hire an experienced drug lawyer . Attorney Kevin Peterford handled close to a thousand drug crimes as a prosecutor and knows specifically what to look for when reviewing and defending your case.
Contact an Attorney
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.
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Peterford Law Top Google-Rated DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Palm Beach County
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases and tried over 25 trials to verdict. With his extensive experience in criminal and DUI prosecution, Kevin presents a winning argument every time.
25+ Jury Trials
Kevin has tried over 25 cases to verdict. In 2018 he was recognized for handling the most trials in Palm Beach County.
3+ Years Former Prosecutor
Extensive knowledge of the court system which helps provide clients with the best defense possible.
2000+ Cases Handled
As a former prosecutor and now defense attorney, Kevin has been involved with hundreds of cases in Florida.
First Appearance - Within 24 Hours
If you have been arrested for any type of criminal charge in Florida, time is of the essence. Court proceedings move quickly, so it is important to find an attorney as soon as possible. If you or someone you know needs a criminal defense attorney for their First Appearance, don’t hesitate to call on Kevin Peterford. The First Appearance occurs within 24 hours of an arrest.
Florida Drug Charge Laws
Marijuana Laws
While Florida has approved the legal use of medical marijuana with a medical license, recreational use is still illegal. The possession or intent to sell recreational marijuana carries heavy penalties.
- Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment and $1000 in fines.
- Possession of 20 grams or more is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and $5000 in fines.
- Prison sentences and fines increase with the amount of marijuana in possession.
The state of Florida prohibits “drugged driving,” or driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana. Individuals convicted of a marijuana DUI face similar consequences to those convicted of an alcohol related DUI.
Cocaine Laws
Florida has a lengthy history with cocaine trafficking, causing the state legislature to enact harsh penalties for cocaine-related crimes. Possession of fewer than 28 grams of cocaine is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and $5000 in fines. Possession of more than 28 grams is considered trafficking, a first-degree felony punishable by a minimum of 3 years and up to a life sentence in prison, and at least $50,000 and up to $250,000 in fines.
Felony Drug Charges
Consequences for drug charges depend on a variety of factors, from the type of substance and the amount possessed to the location where the arrest occurred. Prosecutors will seize every chance they can to up drug charges and push for higher sentencing. Some instances that can push a misdemeanor drug charge to a felony charge include:
- Prior convictions
- The presence of weapons at the scene of the crime
- Charges of drug conspiracy
- Proximity to a school, church, or other “drug-free zones”
- Weight of the controlled substance, regardless of whether the drug contains additional, legal substances
A felony charge is serious and not something you want on your record. Don’t let the Florida drug system take advantage of your case!
Hire Kevin Peterford Today
We all make mistakes, and Kevin Peterford understands that the penalties for drug charges are often harsher than necessary. Many individuals charged with drug crimes are caught up in addiction, have made a mistake, or were trying to support their families. The unique consequences of your case do matter, and Kevin is here to help you defend yourself.
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Contact an Attorney
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.