Defense for All Types of Drug Related Charges.

How Our Drug Crime Attorneys in Jacksonville Can Help.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a drug-related offense, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about what comes next. This is exactly the time to seek legal guidance from the experienced drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville at McGRATH GIBSON LAW.

Following an arrest, your first court appearance will be an arraignment hearing, during which you are expected to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. While this hearing is supposed to be procedural, it’s not uncommon for judges to offer individuals the opportunity to avoid being held in jail and go home immediately if they plead guilty on the spot. Understandably, many people, especially those without legal counsel may feel pressured to accept this offer just to escape the stress of jail.

However, entering a guilty plea without understanding your rights or the long-term consequences can be a costly mistake. The judge may proceed directly to sentencing, and without proper representation, you could face far harsher penalties than necessary—penalties that might have been avoided or reduced with an informed defense.

That’s why it’s essential to speak with our drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville before entering any plea. We will carefully review the charges against you, explain your legal options, and advise you on the best course of action based on our deep knowledge of Florida drug laws and the prosecution’s likely strategy. If you choose to plead not guilty, we will begin building a strong, evidence-backed defense, challenge any procedural errors or unlawful conduct, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf with prosecutors in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

Don’t face this situation alone. Contact McGRATH GIBSON LAW today to speak with one of our experienced drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville. Your initial consultation is free and can provide the answers, clarity, and direction you need at this critical time.

Florida’s Drug Laws and Possible Penalties.

One of the most common questions we hear from individuals arrested for a drug-related offense is, “What will happen if I’m found guilty?” The honest answer is, it depends. The outcome of your case is influenced by many factors, including the nature of the charges, the circumstances of your arrest, your criminal history, and the strength of your legal defense. While Florida Statute 893.13 outlines the minimum and maximum penalties for drug crimes, the actual sentence handed down by a judge can vary greatly. In some cases, charges can be reduced or even dismissed entirely with an effective legal strategy.

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our experienced drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville have successfully defended clients against a wide range of controlled substance charges. We understand how Florida drug laws work, and we know what it takes to challenge evidence, question police procedures, and negotiate with prosecutors for favorable outcomes.

Below are some of the most common drug charges we defend, along with their maximum penalties:

Possession of Marijuana

In Florida, the penalties for marijuana possession depend primarily on the amount found in your possession at the time of arrest. According to state law, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.

However, if you are found with more than 20 grams, the charge escalates to a third-degree felony. A felony conviction for marijuana possession carries much steeper consequences, including up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Possession of a Controlled Substance

In Florida, the penalties for possession of a controlled substance vary depending on the drug’s classification under the state’s drug schedules. Controlled substances are categorized into five classes (Schedules I through V), with Schedule I substances carrying the most severe legal consequences due to their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use.

Most possession-related arrests involve Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances, both of which can result in felony charges, significant fines, and lengthy prison sentences, even for first-time offenders.

Below is a partial list of commonly prosecuted Schedule I and II controlled substances in Florida:

Class I

• Marijuana (Pot)
• Heroin
• Ecstasy (Molly)
• Peyote (Mescaline)
• Methaqualone (Quaalude)

Class II

• Cocaine (Blow)
• Methamphetamine (Meth)
• Fentanyl (Fetty)
• Hydrocodone (Hydro)

Possession with Intent to Distribute

In Florida, the penalties for possession with intent to distribute vary significantly based on the type of controlled substance involved. While distributing marijuana may result in a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, the stakes are much higher for more dangerous substances.

If you’re convicted of distributing Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, or methamphetamine, you could be facing a second-degree felony, which carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Additional factors, such as the quantity of the substance, location of the offense (e.g., near a school or park), and prior criminal history, can further enhance the charges and penalties.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug-related offense, it’s crucial to act quickly. Our drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville at McGRATH GIBSON LAW have the experience, knowledge, and resources to challenge the prosecution’s case, suppress illegally obtained evidence, and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.

Your future is on the line. Don’t face these charges alone. Contact our drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville today for a free and confidential consultation. We will defend your rights and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome in your case.

What Makes A Drug Crime an “Aggravated” Drug Crime

Not all drug charges are treated equally under Florida law. Some drug offenses can be elevated to aggravated drug crimes based on specific circumstances that increase the severity of the offense, and the potential penalties. Our experienced drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville understand the legal factors that can turn a standard possession or distribution charge into an aggravated offense and the serious consequences that follow.

A drug crime may be classified as aggravated based on:

• The presence of a firearm: If you are arrested for drug possession and a firearm is found on your person or in your vehicle, the charge may be elevated to aggravated possession, even if the weapon was not used.
• Location of the arrest: Drug crimes committed within 1,000 feet of protected zones such as schools, colleges, childcare centers, public parks, or churches can result in aggravated charges and harsher sentencing. Intent to sell in these areas significantly increases the severity of the crime.
• Involvement of a minor: If a person under the age of 18 is present during the commission of a drug crime, either in your vehicle or at the scene, the charge may also be upgraded to an aggravated offense.

These aggravating factors dramatically increase the legal risks you face, including longer prison sentences, higher fines, and felony convictions that can impact your future employment, housing, and civil rights.

If you’ve been charged with an aggravated drug crime, it’s critical to have an experienced legal team on your side. The drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville at McGRATH GIBSON LAW will review every aspect of your case, challenge unlawful searches or improper procedures, and fight aggressively to protect your rights and reduce or dismiss the charges whenever possible.

Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. Your future may depend on the defense you choose.

How Our Drug Crime Attorneys in Jacksonville Defend Against Drug Charges.

There are numerous possible defense strategies that we can use to negotiate or argue for a reduction in charges and sometimes even have the charges dismissed all together. Which of these strategies depends on the unique aspects of each case. Some of the more common aspects of an effective controlled substance defense may include one or more of the following.

Procedural Errors

Law enforcement officers are required to follow strict legal procedures during drug investigations, arrests, and the documentation process. However, procedural errors are more common than many realize, and even a single mistake can violate your constitutional rights or compromise the integrity of the case against you.

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our experienced drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville are trained to identify these critical errors and use them as part of a strong legal defense. Whether it’s an unlawful search and seizure, failure to read Miranda rights, inaccuracies in police reports, or mishandled evidence, we know how to uncover procedural violations and challenge them in court.

By exposing these flaws, we may be able to suppress key evidence, weaken the prosecution’s case, or even have the charges dismissed entirely. If you’ve been charged with a drug offense, don’t assume that law enforcement got everything right. Let our drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville review your case and fight to protect your rights.

Entrapment

Entrapment is a legal defense that may apply when a person is unlawfully persuaded, coerced, or pressured by law enforcement or an informant into committing a drug-related crime they otherwise would not have committed. This often occurs during undercover operations, where officers or their agents repeatedly encourage someone to break the law, crossing the line from investigation to manipulation.

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville are well-versed in Florida’s entrapment laws and know how to recognize when law enforcement has gone too far. If we can demonstrate that the alleged criminal conduct was the direct result of law enforcement’s undue pressure or inducement, we may be able to persuade the prosecution, or the court that your arrest resulted from entrapment.

When successfully argued, an entrapment defense can lead to a significant reduction of charges, or even a complete dismissal. Our team will thoroughly analyze all communication, recordings, and actions taken by law enforcement to determine whether your rights were violated through improper tactics.

If you believe you were unfairly pressured into committing a crime, don’t wait. Contact our drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and develop the strongest possible defense to protect your freedom and your future.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

One of the most powerful defenses in a drug case is proving that law enforcement violated your constitutional rights through an unlawful search and seizure. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our experienced drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville understand the strict legal procedures officers must follow when conducting searches, making traffic stops, or entering private property.

If you were stopped without probable cause, searched without legal justification, or if your home was entered without a valid warrant, any evidence obtained such as drugs, paraphernalia, or other alleged contraband may be considered illegally obtained and therefore inadmissible in court.

When your rights have been violated, we can file a motion to suppress the evidence, which often results in the prosecution being forced to reduce or even dismiss the charges altogether. Without key evidence, their case may not hold up in court.

If you believe you were the victim of an unlawful search or seizure, contact our experienced drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville today for a free and confidential consultation. We’ll review the circumstances of your arrest and fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future.

These are just a few examples of how our deep knowledge of Florida drug laws and extensive experience in criminal defense enable us to build powerful, strategic defenses for our clients. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville carefully investigate every aspect of your case, including the circumstances of your arrest, the validity of the charges, the reliability of witnesses, and whether law enforcement followed proper legal procedures.

We leave no detail unchecked in our pursuit of the strongest possible defense, because we understand how much is at stake. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor possession charge or a serious felony involving distribution or trafficking, we are prepared to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug-related crime, contact our drug crime attorneys in Jacksonville today at (904) 358-3300. Your initial consultation is free and will give you valuable insight into your case and legal options. Let us stand between you and the full force of the criminal justice system.