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 for a specific medical condition. The most prevalent drug crime at the Florida state level is possession, while 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 & Fairchild, Attorneys at Law can effectively defend its clients’ interests.

  • Attorney Jimmie Sparrow: A former State Prosecutor and Police Officer.
  • Attorney Lee Fairchild: A former Public Defender with experience successfully representing countless clients.

They know the criminal trial process and can identify weaknesses in a case. With their representation, you have the best opportunity to avoid a conviction.


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
  • Incarceration

Penalties depend on:

  • Drug classification
  • Quantity of the drug
  • Defendant’s criminal history
  • Circumstances of the crime

A conviction can impact your career and personal relationships and may even affect child custody and visitation rights. Having the right attorney is crucial in protecting your future.


Classifications of Drugs

Lawmakers classify drugs based on their potential for abuse and addiction into five schedules:

  • Schedule I Drugs: The most dangerous, with the highest potential for abuse (e.g., ecstasy, cocaine, crystal meth, fentanyl, heroin).
  • Other schedules include medicinal drugs such as anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, painkillers, and medical marijuana.

State and Federal Penalties for Drug Crimes Differ

  • Federal Drug Crimes: Typically felonies with severe mandatory sentences.
  • State Drug Charges: Can be misdemeanors or felonies, usually with lesser sentences.

However, repeat offenses can drastically increase penalties.

A drug arrest is often accompanied by other charges, including:**

  • Weapons charges
  • Vehicular homicide
  • Conspiracy charges
  • Possession of paraphernalia
  • Sale of drugs within a school zone
  • Sale of drugs to minors
  • Overdose death charges

Elements of a Drug Crime

To secure a conviction, a prosecutor must establish:

  • The defendant had knowledge and control of the drug
  • The substance is classified as a controlled substance under Florida or federal law
  • Evidence supporting intent to sell, if applicable

Types of Possession:**

  • Actual Possession: The illegal drug is on the person physically.
  • Constructive Possession: The individual has knowledge of the substance and the ability to control it, even without direct contact.

Common Defenses Against Drug Crime Allegations:**

  • Illegal search and seizure
  • Entrapment
  • Lack of knowledge or intent
  • Planted evidence
  • Evidence of a valid prescription
  • Chain of custody and crime lab errors
  • Invalid search warrant or improper execution
  • Failure to read Miranda Rights

Sparrow & Fairchild, Attorneys at Law Offers Aggressive Legal Defense

Our law firm will diligently investigate every aspect of your case. We will:

  • Aggressively challenge search warrants
  • File motions to suppress evidence from illegal searches and seizures
  • Negotiate with prosecutors to mitigate or dismiss charges

At Sparrow & Fairchild, Attorneys at Law, we believe that everyone makes mistakes and deserves strong legal representation.

Contact Sparrow & Fairchild, Attorneys at Law at 352-421-9261. Attorneys Jimmie Sparrow and Lee Fairchild are available 24/7 to discuss State and Federal drug charge defense strategies.

We represent clients in Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus, and Alachua Counties, Florida.