- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession, Marijuana, Prescription Drug Violations on Monday, January 14, 2019
The nation is gripped in an opioid epidemic. Overdose deaths have made the news, not just because of their prevalence, but because they can affect all communities. While groups attempt to curb the use of opioids and provide help or treatment to addicts, the possession of opioids without a prescription remains illegal leaving law enforcement to crack down in an attempt to save lives and get illegal opioids off the streets. Simultaneously, more states are approving medical marijuana (including Florida) and even recreational marijuana for adult use. What does this mean for drug possession laws? Is it ok to possess marijuana but not fentanyl or oxycodone? Is possession of particular drugs punished more harshly than possession of other drugs? What... Read More »
When charged with federal drug crimes, having an experienced Tampa defense lawyer who can properly represent you in court is essential. A federal drug crime charge will lead to a tough prosecution and heavy penalties if convicted. To ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best legal defense, you’ll need a lawyer with experience at the federal level. Public defenders are often overworked and ill-equipped to handle individual defenses. Seeking qualified representation can help you fight a charge or seek a plea agreement that results in a reduced sentenced. Here’s what you need to know about being charged with a federal drug crime and what your next step should be. The Difference Between Federal and State... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession on Friday, June 23, 2017
The growing danger of drugged driving leading accidents continues to be a concern for law enforcement agencies across Florida. It is also widely viewed as a reason against the legalization of marijuana for recreational use even though a number of surveys and polls suggest that many more Americans would not oppose its legalization. Despite this sentiment, there is still the looming danger of people being injured and losing their lives in crashes ostensibly caused by drugged driving. In fact, the number of people found to be impaired by prescription or illegal drugs while behind the wheel has increased. A USA Today.com report found that at least two in ten drivers involved in accidents in 2015 were found to have Xanax,... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession on Monday, March 27, 2017
From Florida to New York to Wisconsin and beyond, people struggle with substance abuse. Men and women and teenagers from all demographics can find themselves battling addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. It is a physical, emotional and societal problem. Addiction is also the cause of other situations that get people into trouble with the law. One example of a criminal charge that an addict is more likely to face is domestic violence. Research shows an alarming connection between the use of drugs and someone’s chance of engaging in violent behaviors toward family members or partners. The U.S. National Library of medicine cites research showing that as many as half of domestic violence cases involving men as the alleged perpetrators include... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession on Sunday, March 19, 2017
If you are reading this blog, maybe you are not facing legal trouble but a loved one is. Did you just learn that a family member or friend was arrested? Did this news make you anxious, worried and wondering what the legal options are? At the beginning of a criminal arrest experience, two things can come into play: bail and bonds. There is also the entire booking experience that you might wonder about. The following are some basics to learn about these matters according to FindLaw. You’ve received a call informing you that someone you love was arrested. You might wonder, "Now what?" The next step will depend on a few things. How serious was the alleged offense for which... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession on Sunday, March 19, 2017
Friday began what was likely a variety of St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans in Tampa and greater Florida. The day for the Irish serves as more than a holiday for them; people of all backgrounds love a reason to celebrate not just that part of our nation’s past, but also the arrival of spring. But as drug crime defense attorneys see so often, holiday celebrations can be capped off with bittersweet endings when something like a St. Paddy’s celebration results in a drug arrest or other criminal allegation. It isn’t just criminal defense lawyers who see that reality play out. There is a study out suggesting the risk of getting into trouble in Florida on St. Patrick’s Day. A source compiled... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession on Thursday, March 2, 2017
Why is there a fear about getting arrested and charged with a crime? For most, the instant anxiety likely stems from the fear of losing one’s freedom. Being locked up in jail or prison and unable to live your life based on your whims is a scary threat. As if incarceration were not enough to fear, there are different kinds of consequences tied to run-ins with the criminal justice system. Evidence of this comes from a famous source, a once-super star athlete in the NFL. Recent NFL Ravens player Matt Elam was arrested in Florida last month and charged with multiple drug offenses. His Florida drug arrest reportedly started as a traffic stop after law enforcement allegedly found him driving... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession on Friday, February 24, 2017
Various drugs fall under the taboo umbrella of controlled substances. But a controlled substance can vary greatly in terms of regulations compared to another controlled substance. In fact, you probably know that the U.S. criminal justice system classifies drugs quite specifically. How does the drug classification work and why is it set up the way it is? Lawmakers in the U.S. as well as in individual states classify drugs in order to set up potential legal consequences according to the system. Someone caught in illegal possession of a Schedule II drug would face “x” consequence, while someone caught in illegal possession of a Schedule V substance would face “y.” What is a Schedule II drug versus a Schedule V drug?... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession on Saturday, February 4, 2017
Various posts on our drug crimes defense blog have touched on the important truth that so many drug cases are tied to medical afflictions, such as mental illness and addiction. Incarceration often doesn’t help society or the person who is locked away. There are alternative options in drug cases here in Florida and throughout the country. Drug courts attempt to address the deeper factors connected to the cases at-hand. They can be a more productive way for society to respond to drug activity. Did you know that Florida is the home of the first official drug court? It was introduced into the state’s criminal justice system in 1989. With that seemingly long history, many might wonder why the option isn’t... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Drug Possession on Wednesday, January 25, 2017
This post continues the conversation of the medical aspects of drug use. As we have shared in prior posts, many men and women get wrapped up in Florida’s criminal justice system not because they are drug criminals, but essentially because they are living with mental illness. According to the NIH, those struggling with drug addiction are about twice as likely compared to non-addicts to have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety disorders. Beyond the mental health link, there is another link that could predispose people to become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Scientists suggest that genetics are another significant factor that increases a person’s risk of abusing drugs. Researchers continue to investigate the exact cause of the genetic... Read More »
