Being charged with a drug offense in Town ‘n’ Country, FL, can have serious and lasting consequences. Beyond potential jail time and fines, a conviction can create barriers to jobs, education, and future opportunities. Drug charges in Florida carry significant legal and social consequences that can affect your life for years.
You don’t have to face these charges alone. The drug crime defense attorneys at Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A., are ready to fight for your rights. Call (813) 258-4800 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation today.
Why Hire Our Town ‘n’ Country Drug Crime Defense Attorneys
Brett Metcalf is a dedicated and experienced drug crime lawyer serving Hillsborough County. He started his legal career as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office, gaining firsthand insight into how drug cases are investigated and prosecuted. Since founding his own criminal defense and personal injury practice in 2012, Attorney Metcalf has leveraged this experience to build strong defenses and achieve the best possible results for his clients.
Drug Crime Cases Our Town ‘n’ Country Attorneys Handle
At Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A., our team defends clients against a wide variety of drug-related offenses under both Florida and federal law. Here are some of the most common types of drug charges we handle in Town ‘n’ Country:
Drug Possession
Florida prosecutors may charge you with drug possession if you are found with a controlled substance for personal use. Possession can be actual—physically holding the drugs—or constructive, where you have control over them. The severity of the charge depends on the type and amount of the drug.
Possession With Intent to Distribute
When authorities believe you have more than a personal-use quantity, you could be charged with possession with intent to distribute. The threshold amounts vary depending on the substance, and these charges often target suspected dealers even if actual trafficking is not proven.
Marijuana Possession
Marijuana is still considered a controlled substance in Florida. Possessing less than 20 grams is a first-degree misdemeanor, while more than 20 grams can lead to a third-degree felony charge.
Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing
Growing or producing drugs—including marijuana or methamphetamine—is treated as a felony. The penalties depend on the drug type and amount, and can include mandatory prison sentences.
Possession with Intent to Sell
If law enforcement believes you planned to sell controlled substances, you could face serious charges. An experienced drug defense attorney in Town ‘n’ Country can help challenge these allegations and protect your rights.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking charges apply if you are involved in selling, delivering, manufacturing, buying, or possessing large quantities of controlled substances. Trafficking is always treated as a felony, with penalties based on the amount and type of drugs involved.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Even if you are not found using drugs, possession of items used to consume, produce, or store drugs can result in criminal charges. Our drug paraphernalia attorneys help clients navigate these allegations and fight to achieve the best possible outcome.
Prescription Drug Crimes
Violations involving prescription medications carry serious consequences. Metcalf Falls can help you challenge charges related to improper possession, distribution, or use of prescription drugs.
Drug Sales and Delivery
Selling or delivering controlled substances can lead to felony charges, even if no money changes hands. Florida law recognizes exchanges for anything of value as a sale, and intent alone can result in prosecution.
Conspiracy to Commit a Drug Offense
If you and others agree to commit a drug-related crime, you can be charged with conspiracy. Prosecutors only need to show an agreement and intent; no action needs to be taken to bring charges.
Federal Drug Charges
Certain drug offenses fall under federal jurisdiction, such as those involving federal property, crossing state lines, or federal investigations. Federal cases often carry stricter penalties and require experienced legal representation.
Fentanyl Charges
Florida law imposes mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl offenses. Even small amounts—such as four grams—can result in lengthy prison terms. A Town ‘n’ Country drug crime lawyer can help you challenge these charges.
Cocaine Charges
As a Schedule II drug, cocaine carries serious legal consequences. Whether you are charged with possession, distribution, or trafficking, an experienced cocaine charge attorney can help protect your rights and future.
Heroin Charges
Heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, carries severe penalties for possession, sale, or distribution. Our lawyers have experience defending clients against all types of heroin-related charges.
MDMA Charges
MDMA is strictly regulated in Florida due to its recreational use and potential for harm. Charges involving MDMA, whether possession or trafficking, require a knowledgeable defense attorney to minimize legal consequences.
Methamphetamine Charges
Methamphetamine is a highly controlled stimulant. Possession, manufacture, or distribution charges carry significant penalties. A drug crime defense lawyer can help you navigate these cases and fight for the best possible outcome.
Possible Defenses Against Drug Charges
Challenging a drug charge in Town ‘n’ Country requires the guidance of experienced criminal defense attorneys. A skilled lawyer will carefully investigate the circumstances, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build a defense tailored to your situation. The goal is to secure a dismissal, reduction, or not guilty verdict.
Common defenses our Town ‘n’ Country drug crime attorneys evaluate include:
- No Actual Possession – Arguing that you never had control over or access to the alleged drugs.
- Weak or Insufficient Evidence – Challenging the prosecution’s proof or demonstrating that the evidence does not meet the required legal standard.
- Mistaken Identity – Showing that you were incorrectly identified as the person involved in the alleged offense.
- Illegal Search or Seizure – Contesting evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment.
- Entrapment – Proving that law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed.
- Faulty or Unreliable Testing – Questioning the accuracy of lab results, field tests, or other evidence used against you.
Our team examines every detail to determine which defenses offer the strongest chance of protecting your freedom and future.
Florida Drug Crime FAQs
Facing drug charges in Town ‘n’ Country, Florida, can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to have questions about your situation and your legal options. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our clients have about drug offenses in Florida. For guidance specific to your case, contact our experienced drug defense attorneys.
Can I be arrested for a small amount of drugs in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows for arrests even for small amounts of controlled substances, regardless of whether you have a clean record or prior convictions. While the quantity may affect the severity of your penalties, possessing any illegal drug is a crime. With a strong legal defense, charges may be reduced or even dismissed depending on the circumstances.
Will I go to jail if I’m convicted of a drug crime?
Jail time is a possibility, but not every case results in incarceration. First-time offenders sometimes avoid prison, while repeat offenders are more likely to face harsher penalties. A skilled Town ‘n’ Country drug defense attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal, potentially allowing you to serve probation, complete a rehabilitation program, or perform community service instead of going to jail.
What are drug schedules?
Controlled substances in Florida are classified into five schedules, I through V, based on their medical use and potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs have no recognized medical use and a high potential for addiction, while Schedule V drugs are considered low-risk and may require a prescription. The schedule of the drug involved, along with the quantity, often impacts the severity of your charges and potential sentencing.
What if I have a drug addiction and am arrested?
Florida recognizes that incarceration isn’t always the most effective way to help those struggling with addiction. In some cases, a drug defense lawyer can work with prosecutors to pursue alternative solutions, such as treatment or rehabilitation programs, rather than jail time.
What are the long-term effects of a drug conviction in Florida?
A drug conviction can have consequences far beyond fines or incarceration, affecting multiple areas of life, including:
- Employment and educational opportunities
- Housing applications
- Immigration status
- Child custody or visitation rights
- Travel restrictions
- Firearms ownership
What if the drugs weren’t mine?
The state must prove that you knowingly possessed the drugs in question. If the drugs belonged to someone else, you may have a strong defense. Our attorneys can show that you had neither actual nor constructive possession, which can lead to a dismissal or a not guilty verdict.
What if the drugs were discovered during an illegal search?
Evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure may be excluded from your case. If police violated your rights during the search, this can be a critical point in your defense and may even result in the charges being dropped.
Speak with a Town ‘n’ Country Drug Crime Attorney Today
A skilled drug crime lawyer in Town ‘n’ Country can help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome—whether that’s a dismissal, reduced penalties, or an acquittal. The team at Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A., represents clients in all types of drug cases.
Call us at (813) 258-4800 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation and start your defense today.
