Man Charged With Drug Offenses After Stopping To Charge His Phone

In June 2023, a man was arrested after breaking into a Hernando County home, ostensibly to charge his phone. He claimed he had thought the house belonged to his girlfriend, but did not know the address. While being searched, police found both heroin and methamphetamine on the man’s person and in his backpack. The facts of the case resulted in charges of burglary and drug possession.

Potential For Long Sentences

Florida’s drug laws are incredibly strict, requiring very little to impose long jail sentences. Heroin and methamphetamine are two of the most common illicit drugs in the United States, and are among those seen as having the highest potential for abuse (classified as Schedule I and Schedule II respectively). If one is charged with possession of either of these substances, the potential sentence will be significant.

One reason that possession of these substances can carry stiff penalties is that Florida’s drug trafficking laws do not require intent to charge someone. Mere possession of a certain amount of a drug will warrant a trafficking charge, even if that person has no intent to sell or distribute the substance. For example, if one is stopped with more than 28 grams of hydrocodone (Vicodin), they will be charged with drug trafficking, rather than mere possession.

Multiple Charges May Mean Ability To Bargain

The man in this case was charged with drug trafficking, rather than mere possession, implying that he had more than 4 grams of heroin and/or 14 grams of methamphetamine. He was also charged with burglary – under Florida’s burglary statute, the offense is defined as “entering a dwelling, structure, or conveyance” with the intent to commit an offense in that location, and possession of drugs is essentially an ongoing offense.

If you are faced with multiple charges like this man, it is crucial to enlist an attorney immediately. It is not uncommon for state’s attorneys to be willing to deal in a case where multiple charges are on the table (though of course, this is not guaranteed). Trying to navigate this kind of legal trouble on one’s own can result in long-term consequences – having legal help on your side matters.

Call A West Palm Beach Drug Offenses Attorney

While the Hernando County man’s fate remains to be seen, it is important to keep in mind that the charges against him are serious. If you ever find yourself in a similar position, a West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help guide you through the legal process. Call our office today to speak to an attorney.

Source:

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