We Aggressively Defend the Rights
of those Accused of Drug Crimes

Drug crimes are related to the possession, manufacturing, or distribution of potentially harmful illegal substances. These are controlled substances governed by state and federal laws that a medical provider has not prescribed to a patient for a specific medical condition. The most prevalent drug crime at the Florida state level is possession and the most common federal drug crime is trafficking across state lines.
Whether an arrest involves simple drug possession or a complex federal felony drug crime, Sparrow Law Office, P.A. can effectively defend its clients’ interests. Attorney Jimmie Sparrow has been on all sides of criminal proceedings as a prior State Prosecutor and Police Officer. He knows the criminal trial process and can identify the weaknesses in a case. With his representation, a client has the best opportunity to avoid a conviction and the subsequent consequences that a conviction will bring.

Impacts of a Drug Conviction

Drug convictions carry a broad range of penalties, including fines, probation, suspension of driver’s licenses, ineligibility for government jobs and college financial aid, inability to qualify for public housing, and incarceration. Sanctions depend on the drug classification, the quantity, the defendant’s prior criminal record, and the circumstances surrounding the crime. A conviction will have a life-changing impact on your career and personal relationships. For those with children, it can even be a factor in child custody and visitation rights. Having the right attorney is a crucial factor in protecting your future.

Classifications of Drugs

Lawmakers have classified drugs according to their potential for abuse and addiction. There are five controlled substances schedules. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous with the most potential for illegal usage. These include drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, crystal meth, fentanyl, and heroin. Other classifications of drugs include medicinally prescribed medications such as anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, various painkillers, medical marijuana, and others.

State and Federal Penalties for Drug Crimes Differ

Generally, penalties for federal drug crimes are felonies and have severe mandatory sentences. State drug charges can be misdemeanors or felonies and usually carry a lesser sentence. However, having a history of repeat offenses can drastically increase a sentence.
A Drug Arrest is often compounded with Additional Charges such as:
  • Weapons charges
  • Vehicular homicide
  • Conspiracy charges
  • Possession of paraphernalia
  • The sale of drugs within a school zone
  • The sale of drugs to minors
  • Overdose death charges

Elements of a Drug Crime

A prosecutor must establish certain elements to convict for a drug crime. The defendant must have knowledge and control of the drug, and it must be identified as a controlled substance under Florida or federal law. If charged with the intent to sell, there must be evidence to substantiate the charge.
A distinguishing factor is actual possession versus constructive possession. Actual possession occurs when an illegal drug is on the physical person. Constructive possession is the knowledge of the illegal substance without physical contact but the ability to control the drug.
There are Various Defenses used to Challenge Drug Crime Allegations, including but not limited to:
  • Illegal search and seizure
  • Entrapment
  • Lack of knowledge or intent
  • Planted evidence
  • Evidence of drug being prescribed by a licensed medical doctor
  • Chain of custody and crime lab errors
  • Invalid search warrant or invalid execution of the search warrant
  • Failure to be read Miranda Rights

Sparrow Law Office, P.A. offers Aggressive Legal Defense

Attorney Jimmie Sparrow will diligently investigate every aspect of your case. He will take all appropriate actions to protect your rights. He can aggressively challenge search warrants, file motions to suppress evidence for illegal search and seizures and engage in negotiations with prosecutors to mitigate or dismiss charges. At Sparrow Law Office, P.A., we believe that everyone makes mistakes and needs someone to fight for them.

Contact the Sparrow Law Office, P.A. at 352-421-9261. Attorney Jimmie Sparrow is available to speak with his clients 24/7 to discuss State and Federal drug charge strategies. We represent clients in Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus, and Alachua Counties, Florida.

Call the
Sparrow Law Office, P.A.

(352) 421-9261

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