Types of Drug Crime Charges in Florida

There are several different types of drug crime charges, with varying levels of severity and punishments among them. The most common types of drug charges are:

• Distribution and trafficking. These two types of charges are similar in that they involve moving certain quantities of drugs. Distribution charges involve a person delivering, selling or otherwise providing drugs to buyers. Trafficking is often associated with moving drugs across state or federal borders, but it actually generally has more to do with the amount of drugs actually being moved. Where the defendant was actually apprehended in a case will also determine whether the charges are for trafficking or distribution.

• Manufacturing. Anyone who is found to be cultivating or creating a controlled substance will be charged with drug manufacturing. A common example would be people growing marijuana plants, or using chemical processes to create LSD.

• Possession. By far the most common of all drug charges, possession simply involves ownership or possession of a controlled substance. For a person to be convicted on possession charges, the government must be able to prove that the person accused of the crime was knowingly in possession of the substance, did not have a valid prescription for that substance and had enough of it to make it sufficient either for sale or for personal use. Possession charges come in a wide range of severity and can be anything from a misdemeanor to a felony. More serious drug charges often start with charges of possession.

If you have any questions about these common types of drug crime charges and the penalties associated with them, contact the trusted Orlando criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Salazar & Kelly.