Fort Lauderdale Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
Arrested for Drug Possession in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida?
Don’t let a drug charge define your future. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor cannabis possession or a serious felony involving cocaine, MDMA, or prescription pills, criminal defense attorney Michael White is ready to fight for your rights.
As a former prosecutor with years of experience in the South Florida criminal justice system, Michael understands how the State builds drug cases—and how to tear them down. He defends clients throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Davie, and Pompano Beach, as well as surrounding areas like Miami-Dade and Palm Beach.
South Florida Drug Arrests by the Numbers
Florida continues to see a high number of drug-related arrests each year. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE):
- In 2023, law enforcement made over 61,000 drug-related arrests across the state.
- Broward County alone reported more than 4,500 arrests, many involving felony possession charges.
- The majority of arrests involved personal possession, not drug trafficking or sales.
In other words: everyday people are getting swept up in harsh drug enforcement policies. One mistake shouldn’t ruin your life—and with the right defense, it doesn’t have to.
What the Prosecutor Must Prove in a Florida Drug Possession Case
To secure a conviction for drug possession, Florida prosecutors must prove two essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
You knowingly possessed the controlled substance
This can be actual possession (on your person) or constructive possession (in a place you control, like your car or apartment).
The substance is illegal under Florida law
Common controlled substances include marijuana (without a valid medical card), cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and prescription medications without a prescription.
📞 Call Fort Lauderdale drug possession lawyer Michael White today for a free consultation.
Do you need a drug possession lawyer in South Florida? We are here to help!
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Drug Possession in Fort Lauderdale
The type and amount of the drug—and whether the State alleges intent to sell—determines how the charge is classified:
🔸 Misdemeanor Drug Possession
- Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana (non-medical)
- Punishable by up to 1 year in jail, fines, and probation
🔸 Felony Drug Possession
- Possession of cocaine, MDMA, heroin, or any controlled substance other than cannabis
- Also includes more than 20 grams of marijuana
- Charged as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison
🔸 Drug Trafficking Charges
- Based on weight thresholds, not intent
- For example, more than 25 pounds of cannabis or 28 grams of cocaine triggers a trafficking charge
- Carries mandatory minimum prison sentences, even for first-time offenders
Charges for Possession With Intent to Sell or Distribute
Even small amounts of drugs can lead to enhanced charges if the police or prosecutors believe you intended to sell or distribute them.
They may rely on circumstantial evidence like:
- Scales, baggies, or packaging materials
- Large amounts of cash
- Text messages or social media posts
- Firearms or other “tools of the trade”
Michael White knows how to challenge these assumptions. Just because something looks suspicious doesn’t mean it proves criminal intent.
How We Defend Drug Possession Charges in South Florida
Every case is unique—but we take a strategic, aggressive approach to defending drug charges. Common defenses include:
✅ Illegal Search or Seizure
- Was the stop, search, or arrest lawful?
- If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, the evidence may be thrown out.
✅ Lack of Knowledge or Control
- Were the drugs found in a shared space or someone else’s vehicle?
- We may argue constructive possession doesn’t apply.
✅ Chain of Custody Issues
- If the State can’t prove the substance was handled properly, we may be able to suppress the lab results.
✅ Alternative Resolutions
First-time offenders may qualify for pretrial diversion or drug court—allowing you to avoid a conviction and possibly expunge the charge later.
Arrested for Drug Possession in Fort Lauderdale? Act Now.
Drug convictions can carry lifelong consequences: jail, fines, a criminal record, lost job opportunities, and immigration consequences. But with experienced legal counsel, many charges can be reduced—or dismissed entirely.
📞 Call Fort Lauderdale drug possession lawyer Michael White today for a free consultation.
We serve clients across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties and will give your case the attention it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Is drug possession a felony in Florida?
It depends on the drug and amount. Possession of cocaine, MDMA, heroin, or more than 20 grams of marijuana is a felony. Possessing under 20 grams of cannabis is typically a misdemeanor.
❓ Can I go to jail for a first-time drug possession charge?
Yes—but many first-time offenders in Broward County may be eligible for diversion programs or drug court. These alternatives can help you avoid jail time and a permanent record.
❓ What if the drugs weren’t mine?
If the drugs were found in a shared space or someone else’s vehicle, the State must prove you had knowledge and control. This is a common area for defense.
❓ Will a drug possession conviction stay on my record?
Yes, unless the case is dismissed, dropped, or sealed/expunged. That’s why avoiding a conviction is critical—and why you need an experienced defense attorney on your side.
❓ How can a drug lawyer help my case?
A skilled criminal defense lawyer can identify constitutional violations, challenge the evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and potentially get your case dismissed or diverted.
