💊 How Can I Defend Against a Florida Drug Distribution Case?
I recently met with a potential client who needed to defend against a drug distribution case in Florida. After our consultation, he hired me—and one of his first questions was:
“What’s the best way to defend this type of charge?”
If you or someone you know is facing a similar accusation, here’s how we typically approach these high-stakes cases in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.
🔍 Step 1: Review the State’s Evidence (Discovery Phase)
The first step in defending a Florida drug distribution case — as in any drug crimes case — drug case is to obtain discovery from the prosecution. This includes:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage or body cam video
- Lab results (for drug testing and weight)
- Any statements the defendant allegedly made
📑 Understanding what the State intends to use against you is critical to building an effective strategy.
arrested in fort lauderdale or south florida?
🛑 Step 2: Identify Constitutional Violations
If there’s evidence that your constitutional rights were violated, we may file a motion to suppress. Common issues include:
- 🚔 An illegal traffic stop
- 🧳 A warrantless search with no valid exception
- 📱 Improper use of surveillance or GPS data
- 🗣️ Failure to read your Miranda rights before questioning
If successful, suppressed evidence cannot be used against you—which can lead to dismissal or major charge reductions.
🤝 Step 3: Evaluate Plea Options or Prepare for Trial
If suppression isn’t possible, we may:
- Negotiate a plea deal (especially for first-time or non-violent offenders)
- Explore drug diversion or treatment options
- Prepare an aggressive defense for trial, challenging every element of the State’s case
💡 Pro tip: Intent to distribute can be hard to prove without physical evidence (e.g., scales, baggies, large cash amounts, or controlled buys).
🛡️ What You Should Do If You’re Charged
If you’ve been charged with drug distribution, don’t wait to get legal help. You could be facing felony penalties, including:
- Years in prison
- A permanent criminal record
- Loss of professional licenses
- Immigration consequences (if applicable)
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Attorney Michael White defends drug cases in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and all of South Florida.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Drug Distribution Charges
Q1: What is the difference between possession and possession with intent to distribute?
A: Possession means having drugs for personal use. Possession with intent to distribute includes evidence suggesting you planned to sell or deliver the drugs—such as scales, baggies, or large quantities.
Q2: What are common defenses to drug distribution charges in Florida?
A: Common defenses include illegal search and seizure, lack of intent to distribute, lack of knowledge of the drugs, and violations of Miranda rights or chain of custody issues.
Q3: Can drug distribution charges be dismissed in Florida?
A: Yes. Charges may be dismissed if critical evidence is suppressed due to constitutional violations or if the prosecution lacks enough admissible proof to proceed.
Q4: Will I go to jail for drug distribution in Florida?
A: It depends. Drug distribution is a felony, but jail time can be avoided in some cases—especially for first-time offenders or when your lawyer negotiates a favorable plea or diversion program.
Q5: Should I talk to the police if I’m under investigation for drug distribution?
A: No. You should never talk to law enforcement without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you, and early legal guidance is critical.
