Drug Possession Resource Center

Charged with Drug Possession in Tampa?

Dealing with a drug possession charge in Tampa is serious. You can face lengthy jail time and expensive fines if you are convicted. It’s imperative that you understand your situation if you find yourself facing drug charges.

Use this resource center to get information about your situation. Then, contact us to talk to an experienced drug possession attorney in Florida. Schedule your consultation with TJ Grimaldi or call 813-226-1023 today.

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Get Advice from a Drug Possession Attorney in Florida

TJ Grimaldi works with clients who have been charged with drug possession in Florida. Depending on your situation, we can work to lower your charges or have them dismissed entirely.

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The Types of Drug Charges

If you were arrested for drug crimes, you may be charged with the following.

Drug Possession: Being in possession of a controlled substance or a substance that requires a prescription (when you don’t have a prescription)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Being in possession of equipment or tools that are used to prepare, use, or conceal drugs
Drug Possession with Intent to Sell: Being in possession of drugs with additional evidence that shows the drugs are not for personal use but rather for selling to other individuals
Manufacturing: Having tools or a process in place to develop controlled substances
Drug Trafficking/Distribution: Selling, delivering, transporting, or otherwise managing a large amount of a controlled substance

Illegal Drugs in Florida

Street Drugs

Drug charges refer to the possession of illegal substances known as street drugs, such as:

Cocaine
Heroin
Ecstasy (MDMA)
LSD
Methamphetamine
Marijuana

Prescription Drugs

Drug charges may also refer to the possession of legal, controlled substances if the person in possession doesn’t have a prescription. These drugs include:

Marijuana
Oxycodone
Xanax
Morphine
And More

Charged with Drug Possession?

If you are stopped by police for drug charges, you may be charged and allowed to go on your way or you may be immediately arrested and taken to jail.

If you are charged but not arrested, you may still face:

A court summons or notice to appear
A scheduled court date in Hillsborough or Pinellas County
A warrant issued if you fail to respond
The same penalties as an arrest-based drug charge
A permanent criminal record if the case is not resolved properly

The legal process moves forward even without an arrest. Ignoring a summons or delaying action can lead to additional charges or an unexpected arrest later.

Arrested for Drug Charges?

If you have been arrested for drug charges in Florida, you will face the following process.

Arrest and Booking: After an arrest by Tampa Police, Hillsborough County Sheriff, Pinellas County Sheriff, or a local department, you’ll be taken for booking.
Bond Hearing (First Court Date): If you’re arrested, you’ll usually have a first appearance within 24 hours before a judge. In Pinellas County, hearings are often held at the Pinellas County Justice Center. In Hillsborough County, this typically happens at the Tampa Criminal Justice Center.
Arraignment: Usually within thirty days, you will be formally charged and must enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest) at the court. An attorney can appear on your behalf.
Case Works Through Legal System: Depending on your plea, your case will work through the legal system. It may include a pretrial phase that leads to a negotiation for dismissal, diversion program, plea agreement, or trial.
Case Outcome: If the case goes to trial, the court arrives at a judgment in your case and delivers a sentence related to jail time, fines, diversion program attendance, etc.

What Are The Consequences of Drug Charges in Tampa?

Drug charges in Tampa can carry serious consequences and may have a lasting impact on your life. Depending on the type of drug, the amount involved, and the details of your case, drug charges may result in:

Fines
Probation
Jail or prison time
Court-ordered drug treatment or counseling
Driver’s license suspension
A permanent criminal record

The severity of the consequences depends on the seriousness of the charge. Minor possession offenses generally carry fewer penalties than felony drug charges, repeat offenses, or cases involving large quantities or intent to distribute.

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What Are Possible Outcomes After a Drug Charge?

Case Dismissed: You may be able to work with an attorney to challenge the stop, search, or evidence and have the charges dismissed.

Entry Into a Diversion Program: In some cases, especially for first-time or non-violent offenses, you may be eligible for a Florida diversion or drug court program. These programs often involve classes, treatment, or supervision and can result in charges being reduced or dropped after successful completion.

Plea Deal: You may choose to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for reduced charges or penalties, such as probation instead of jail time.

Trial: You can fight the charge and take the case to trial, where the judge or jury will determine whether you are found guilty or not guilty.

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Can You Fight Drug Possession Charges?

If you are charged with a drug offense, your life is not ruined. You can form a defense in your case that limits charges and creates a better outcome. There are four primary arguments that can help you win your case. You can prove that:

You didn’t know the substance was illegal or controlled. Show that you didn’t know the substance was in your possession.
You have a medical prescription for the substance. Show that you have a medical prescription for the substance.
The police used entrapment techniques in the arrest. Law enforcement purposefully encouraged you to commit a crime you would have otherwise not committed.
Unlawful search and seizure were used in the arrest. There was a violation of the Fourth Amendment, and you were unlawfully searched.

Helping You Navigate Drug Possession Charges

It’s not uncommon for clients accused of drug possession to have multiple charges against them. A drug possession charge might also come with criminal charges or a DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) charge. If you have multiple charges against you, we can help.

Whatever your charges, rest assured that you will only pay a flat fee for your case. You won’t have to worry about hourly fees and hidden costs. You will know the estimated expense before you agree to hire us. There is no need to feel overwhelmed by the charges against you. We can work together to confront them head on.

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Your Tampa Drug Possession Attorney

We often have clients come to our firm who have tried to work with other lawyers in the area. They call a big-name law firm and get passed around to different legal teams within the organization. They never feel heard or represented.

When you call TJ Grimaldi, you will reach TJ. He leads every single case and personally represents each client. You can clearly explain your situation and fill in as many details as you can. TJ’s job is to listen to you and use your story to build a successful case.

If you have been accused of drug possession and are potentially facing criminal charges, contact us today. Set up a free consultation with TJ to discuss your case and create a plan of action to address the charges.

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