π Fort Lauderdale Drug Possession Lawyer
Arrested in South Florida? Don’t Talk to Police — Talk to Us First.
If you’ve been arrested for drug possession in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. At Michael White, P.A., we aggressively defend clients facing felony and misdemeanor drug charges. Whether itβs cocaine, MDMA, meth, marijuana, or pills, we know how the State builds its case β and how to take it apart.
As a former prosecutor, Michael White has handled thousands of drug cases from both sides. We use that experience to fight for dismissals, diversions, and reduced charges for professionals, students, tourists, and first-time offenders.
π Call (954) 270-0769 or book a confidential consultation.
π South Florida Drug Arrest Statistics
61,000+ drug-related arrests statewide in 2023
4,500+ in Broward County alone β most for personal use
Felony charges are often filed even for nonviolent possession
π Learn how we fight back against these cases — and win.
βοΈ What the State Must Prove
To convict you of drug possession in Florida, the prosecution must show:
You knowingly possessed a controlled substance
The substance is illegal under Florida law
You had actual (on your person) or constructive (in your control) possession
Constructive possession cases — like drugs found in a shared car or apartment — are often weak and ripe for dismissal.
π Drug Possession Charges by Substance
Florida drug laws vary depending on the substance involved. Learn more about how we defend each charge:
π§Ύ Misdemeanor vs. Felony vs. Trafficking
Misdemeanor: <20g marijuana (non-concentrate)
→ Up to 1 year in jail20g>Felony: Cocaine, MDMA, pills, meth, or > 20g marijuana
β Up to 5 years in prisonTrafficking: Based on weight, not intent
β Mandatory minimums begin at 28g cocaine or 25 lbs marijuana
π‘οΈ How We Defend Drug Charges
Every case is different. We tailor your defense based on:
Constructive possession flaws
Lack of knowledge or control
Chain of custody issues
First-time offender programs (PTI, drug court, conditional dismissals
β Drug Possession FAQ – Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
β Will I go to jail for drug possession?
Penalties range from misdemeanor jail time to felony prison terms, depending on the drug type and quantity.
β What is constructive possession?
It means the drugs weren’t on you — but prosecutors claim you had control over them (e.g., in a car or apartment you were using).
β Can I seal or expunge a drug charge?
Only if you avoid a conviction. We often help clients become eligible for record sealing or expungement.
β What if the police searched me illegally?
We file a motion to suppress. If granted, the drugs may be excluded as evidence β and the case gets dropped.
β What should I do after a drug arrest?
Call a lawyer before speaking to police. Your words can be used against you — even if you’re just trying to explain.
What should I do after a drug arrest in Fort Lauderdale?
Call a defense attorneybefore speaking to police. Anything you say can be used against youβeven if youβre trying to explain.