Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Safeguards Your Rights in Orlando

Defending clients accused of drug crimes for more than 30 years

If you’re facing charges for drug possession, distribution, trafficking or any other illegal substance offense, you need seasoned legal counsel. Attorney Neal T. McShane at McShane & McShane Law Firm, P.A. has more than 30 years of experience defending individuals against all types of drug crimes in Florida. Before entering private practice, he prosecuted drug crimes on behalf of the state as a Florida Assistant State Attorney in Orlando and Organized Crime Assistant State Attorney (Prosecutor) for the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation in Orlando. During his years as a prosecuting attorney, he handled cases involving organized crime, narcotics, RICO and intelligence.

Orlando drug defense lawyer — the remedy for your drug case

Florida’s strict laws govern drug crimes, including the trafficking, sale or distribution, and possession of illegal substances. Each offense carries heavy penalties that increase depending on the specific charges and whether you are a repeat offender. At McShane & McShane Law Firm, P.A., our criminal lawyer in Orlando is adept at handling many different drug crime cases, including:

• Marijuana — In Florida, a person may not legally possess, cultivate, sell or otherwise distribute marijuana. If you’re convicted of cultivating cannabis, you’re facing third-degree felony charges, $5,000 in fines and up to five years in prison. Possession of 20 grams or less is a misdemeanor offense and carries a one-year jail sentence. Selling 25 pounds or less of marijuana is a felony penalized by $5,000 and five years in prison.
• Methamphetamine — It is a felony in the third degree to possess less than 14 grams of methamphetamine. Possessing 14 grams or more of methamphetamine triggers a drug trafficking charge, a first-degree felony. Additionally, simply possessing the chemicals used to manufacture meth with the intent to create the drug is a felony. If you cause the death of someone else while manufacturing meth, you’re facing a capital felony.
• Cocaine — Possessing any amount of cocaine, even a bag with residue, is a third-degree felony in the state of Florida. Trafficking 28 grams or more of cocaine is a first-degree felony.

Florida Drug Court

Drug crime offenders and individuals charged with drug-related, nonviolent offenses may qualify for Florida’s Drug Court Program. Drug Court is designed to help rehabilitate substance abuse offenders instead of sending them to jail or prison. The Drug Court judge receives regular updates on each participant and reviews that person’s progress. A participant’s failure to comply with any aspect of the program is reported to the judge immediately, along with a recommendation for consequences. If you successfully complete the Drug Court program, your charges are dropped.

Admission into the Florida Drug Court is not automatic. An experienced and knowledgeable Orlando drug defense attorney who understands the rights and responsibilities of Drug Court participants can explain the process to you and advise you about whether it is the right option for you. At McShane & McShane Law Firm, P.A., we have Drug Court Coordinators working in our office who can help ensure you receive the help you need to win your fight against substance abuse, instead of being incarcerated.

Contact our skilled Orlando drug defense lawyer

If you, a relative or an acquaintance is facing drug charges in Florida, you can rely on our seasoned Orlando drug defense attorney at McShane & McShane Law Firm, P.A. Call us at 407-648-1500 or contact us online today to discuss your case. There is no charge for your first visit. Se habla español.