Fort Myers Drug Crimes Lawyer

Guarding Your Rights Against Drug Charges in Lee County

Mr. Edwards is uniquely qualified to represent people in drug crime cases. As a prosecutor, he was assigned to the drug division, which explicitly prosecutes drug crimes. He has prosecuted and defended every type of drug charge in his 20 years as an attorney. He had specific training in things that are involved only with drug crimes. He also became familiar with many Fourth Amendment violation issues commonly seen in drug cases. He now uses those experiences to help people accused of drug crimes.

Are you facing drug charges in Florida? Call Brian L. Edwards, Esq. today at (239) 204-5657 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our drug crimes attorney in Fort Myers! 

Understanding Florida's Drug Laws

In the state of Florida, drug crimes are taken very seriously. The state and federal laws established regarding drug offenses are aggressively prosecuted in court, quite possibly because law enforcement officers have expressed their concern that much of the criminal activity in Florida can be directly related to drug-related activity. The Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 has further enforced this belief, now allowing personal assets to be seized or forfeited when criminal activity is connected to certain drug offenses.

Since the Patriot Act, court systems have shown more and more tolerance for the procedures permitted during an arrest, and practices that were formerly considered unacceptable have become increasingly seen as conventional. Persons against drug crime allegations in Florida need to act immediately because the consequences of a conviction are often severe. Without the experience of a skilled Fort Myers criminal defense attorney, it could be much more challenging to escape persecution for the drug crime charges you are currently up against.

Types of Drug Charges 

The penalties of a drug crime offense can vary greatly, and will largely depend on the nature of the activity involved. Also taken into consideration will be the quantity of the drug and the intended use of the drug. Almost all drug-related offenses are associated with the possession, trafficking, and / or dealing of illicit materials.

To better understand the nature of the charges that have been made against you, the three most common types of drug-related offenses are described below:

• Possession: Florida law states that the simple possession of an illegal substance is enough to incriminate the person in whom possession of the drug was found. Whether or not you were currently using the drug that was found on your possession, you can still be held criminally liable for the offense if your drug crime attorney cannot find a reasonable option for resolution. From cocaine, to heroin, to marijuana, to oxycodone, to Xanax, the possession of any type of narcotic or pharmacological drug can be cited as criminal behavior.
• Trafficking: No matter what role you played in the operation of an elaborate drug trafficking scheme, incriminations of this nature are very serious. Whether or not you are considered to be a true drug dealer, involvement in the organization of a drug trafficking operation will result in imprisonment if you are convicted. Persons facing truck trafficking allegations have been incriminated for the intentional purchase, sale, possession, delivery, manufacture, or transportation of drugs in Florida. Penalties for trafficking charges depend on the type and amount of the drug involved.
• Dealing: Drug dealers can be prosecuted for the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, or sale of an illegal substance, whether it be a narcotic or a prescription medication. The act of dealing an illegal substance is connected to the global black market drug trade, and as such, crimes of this nature are treated with severity. With the right attorney, however, a Motion to Suppress can be implemented which can exclude evidence from a case if it can be proven that it was obtained illegally.

Local Insights on Drug Charges in Fort Myers & Lee County

In Fort Myers and the surrounding areas of Lee County, the impact of drug-related charges is felt deeply within the community. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Lee County Sheriff's Office, are actively engaged in addressing drug-related issues, which can lead to heightened scrutiny and aggressive enforcement of drug laws. This can create a challenging environment for individuals facing drug charges, as the community grapples with the consequences of substance abuse and its associated criminal activities.

Residents may find themselves caught in a web of legal troubles, whether due to possession, trafficking, or dealing. The stress of navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when considering the potential for severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. The Fort Myers community is not immune to the struggles of addiction, and many families are affected by the repercussions of drug-related offenses. Understanding the local landscape is crucial for anyone facing these charges.

At Brian L. Edwards, Esq., we recognize the unique challenges that Fort Myers residents face when dealing with drug arrests. Our commitment to understanding the local context allows us to provide tailored legal strategies that address the specific pain points of our clients. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Lee County, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.

Get Legal Help from Our Fort Myers Drug Crimes Attorney

As you face the potential consequences of an arrest for criminal drug activity, the role of an attorney will be crucial. The criminal justice system does not act kindly toward those accused of drug-related behavior, making your need for aggressive defense all the more necessary. When criminal charges have been pressed for the possession of an illicit drug, the best thing you can do is to employ the defense of an experienced Fort Myers drug crime attorney.

At Brian L. Edwards, Esq., we know how to defend persons facing drug crime allegations effectively. From the utilization of pretrial diversion to the submittal of a Motion to Suppress to the courtroom appearances that could be required of a defendant, we are prepared to represent the individuals who seek our firm for support. Backed by the experience of hundreds of jury trials, we are skilled in our practice and ready to take on the challenges of your case.