Overview
Florida treats drug offenses harshly, and the consequences range widely depending on the substance, the alleged quantity, and what the State says you intended to do with it. The same arrest can be charged as simple possession or, with enough weight, as trafficking — an offense that can carry mandatory-minimum prison time. What happens next often turns on details that are easy to overlook: how the search was conducted, whether the substance was actually yours, and whether the State can prove every element of the charge.
Piotrowski Law Firm defends people accused of drug crimes throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County — in Miami, Hialeah, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines. Whether you are facing a first arrest or a more serious felony allegation, we work to protect your rights and to find the resolution that best fits your situation.
Florida drug charges under Chapter 893
Florida’s drug laws are set out in the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, Fla. Stat. Chapter 893, which classifies controlled substances into schedules and defines the offenses tied to them. Depending on the facts, charges can include:
- Possession — of marijuana, cocaine, prescription pills without a valid prescription, or other controlled substances
- Possession with intent to sell or deliver — often inferred from quantity, packaging, or other circumstances
- Sale, manufacture, or delivery of a controlled substance
- Trafficking — triggered by weight thresholds and frequently carrying mandatory-minimum sentences
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
A drug conviction can mean more than a sentence. It can affect employment, professional licenses, housing, immigration status, and a driver license. We will explain in plain language what the specific charge means for you — rather than leave you guessing.
How we defend drug cases
A charge is not a conviction, and the State carries the burden of proof. Many drug cases turn on how the evidence was obtained, which is exactly where a careful defense begins:
- The search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches. If a stop, search, or warrant was unlawful, we move to suppress the evidence — and without that evidence, a case can weaken or collapse entirely.
- Possession and knowledge. The State must prove the substance was yours and that you knew it was there. “Constructive possession” cases — drugs found in a shared car or home — are often far weaker than they first appear.
- Identity and weight of the substance. Lab testing and the chain of custody must hold up. Weight matters enormously when trafficking thresholds are in play.
- Procedure and rights. We confirm your rights were honored and that proper procedures were followed at every step of the investigation and arrest.
Drug court, diversion & pretrial intervention
For many people — particularly first-time and non-violent offenders — the goal is not just avoiding jail but avoiding a conviction altogether. Miami-Dade and Broward County offer drug court, pretrial diversion, and pretrial intervention programs that can, on successful completion, lead to dismissal of the charge and keep a conviction off your record. Eligibility depends on the offense, your history, and the prosecutor’s position. We work to determine whether you qualify and to advocate for the option that best protects your future.
Talk to a Miami drug crime attorney today
The earlier you have counsel, the more options you are likely to have — especially when a search or a trafficking threshold is in question. Your initial consultation is free and confidential, and our phones are answered 24/7. Request a consultation.
This page provides general information about drug crime defense in Florida and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. Reading this page or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.