Aggravating Factors in Florida Drug Cases
Drug charges have serious consequences. You may already be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, but those consequences may get even worse if there are aggravating factors in your Florida drug case. A mistake could land you with more severe penalties that can impact your sentence and your future.
If you’re facing drug charges, you need to speak with a Florida drug lawyer about your case, as well as any aggravating factors that may be involved. Your lawyer may be able to help you avoid more serious penalties caused by those aggravating factors.
Prior Convictions
If you’ve been convicted of a drug-related offense in the past, that can impact your case. Repeat offenders may see harsher sentences. Those charged for the first time may receive lesser penalties because they don’t have a record of these actions.
If you’ve been convicted of a crime in the past, letting your drug lawyer know before your case goes to court can make a big difference for your case. Your lawyer at Hersem Law can help you address these past convictions and the current charges.
Aggravating Factors
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, aggravating factors can enhance the level of the charge and the potential penalty to be imposed. For example, Florida law allows for enhanced penalties if the crime took place within a school zone or if the offense involved the distribution of controlled substances to persons under the age of 18 years.
Let’s say you’ve been accused of selling drugs. The use or employment of persons under the age of 18 years to aid in the distribution of controlled substances is also an aggravating factor to be considered.
Location of the Drugs
When you’re arrested for drug charges, even your location can impact the severity of your charges. For example, drug possession may be a first-degree misdemeanor in some cases. But you may have been arrested and accused of drug possession while near a school, many types of public buildings, or public transit.
In these cases, you may see harsher penalties connected to your charges that you may not have received otherwise. Because of this, you may need to act now with your drug lawyer if you’re accused of possessing or selling drugs in places like these. Your lawyer may be able to help you address these factors and fight evidence against you.
Find Out How a Defense Attorney Can Help Your Drug Case
When you’re accused of drug-related charges, there is the possibility that those charges may be enhanced. If you don’t address aggravating factors in your Florida drug case, you may have difficulties avoiding a more serious conviction.
Your lawyer at Hersem Law is here to help you address the charges and any factors that could hurt your case. They can represent your drug case on your behalf, seeking to get your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re concerned about your future, reach out to a lawyer by calling 813-251-7291 or by completing the online contact form below.
