Possession of Methamphetamines
Methamphetamines also commonly referred to as “meth,” is a type of stimulant that creates a euphoric high when consumed. The drug has been prevalent in the United States for years, but recently it has taken the state of Florida by storm. In 2015, the Department of Health recorded over 1,000 fatalities related to usage of crystal meth.
These shocking statistics have put an overwhelming amount of pressure on state prosecutors. With the public’s outcry behind them, the district attorney will not hesitate to prosecute any methamphetamine offender to the fullest extent of the law. That is why it’s incredibly important you secure legal representation if you’ve been charged with possession of methamphetamines or any drug-related charge. Without proper representation, you could face not just months but years in prison as well as thousand-dollar fines.
Possession of Methamphetamines Defense Lawyer in Gainesville, FL
Many people start using methamphetamines after they’ve been addicted to a prescription painkiller. Most meth users only consume the substance to quell those addictions and are suffering as a result. The state should be doing everything in their power to help users, not criminally charge them. Thankfully, if you’re facing a charge for methamphetamine possession you have options.
You can turn to the Gainesville drug defense lawyers at Galigani Law Firm for excellent and effective legal representation. Our attorneys have defended defendants accused of all sorts of drug crimes including methamphetamine possession, manufacture, sale or trafficking. They understand the intricacies of Florida’s drug laws and can use that information to your advantage.
Call Galigani Law Firm now at (352) 375-0812 to set up your first consultation free of charge. Galigani Law Firm accepts clients throughout the greater Alachua County area including Gainesville, Alachua, Hawthorne, Newberry, Archer, High Springs, and Waldo.
Information Center:
- Meth Possession Charges in FL
- How Much Jail Time for Possessing Meth in FL?
- What Chemicals Are in Methamphetamine?
- Additional Resources
Meth Possession Charges in Florida
Amphetamines were first introduced in 1887 Germany, which was then used to manufacture methamphetamines in 1919 Japan. The drug was initially advertised as a diet aid and to fight ongoing cases of depression. However, abuse became prevalent in the 60’s and the United States ultimately decided to ban the drug in the 70’s. Despite the substance being illegal, methamphetamine use is still prevalent in our society today.
The state of Florida followed the rest of the country’s lead and banned methamphetamines as well. Now, if you’re in constructive or actual possession of the drug you could face criminal charges. Although constructive and actual possession are similar, they have very distinct differences.
Actual possession is when the drugs are found on your person. For instance, you would be found in actual possession of methamphetamines if you had the drug in your pocket. Constructive possession, however, requires the prosecution to prove multiple elements. These elements are listed below:
- You knew of the drug’s presence
- You exercised complete control or ownership of said substance
- The controlled substance was identified as heroin
How Much Jail Time for Possession?
Possession of even trace amounts of methamphetamines is a serious crime in the state of Florida. The penalties for the offense can be found under Florida Statutes Section 893.13(6)(a). An arrest for possession of methamphetamine can result in a third-degree felony charge, which carries the following maximum sentence:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
- A driver’s suspension for up to 12 months
Possession of 14 grams or less of methamphetamines is classified as a trafficking offense. Most importantly, the weight isn’t determined by how much of pure methamphetamine is found present in the substance. It’s actually by how much the mixture that contains methamphetamine weighs.
Essentially, this means you could face methamphetamine trafficking charges for possessing a substance with very minimal amounts of meth. Since most methamphetamines are mixed with other drugs this is a very common phenomenon in Florida courts. Trafficking, selling, delivering, or possessing with intent to sell less than 14 grams of methamphetamine is a third-degree felony. The maximum sentence you can receive for a third-degree felony is:
- Up to 10 years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
- A driver’s suspension for up to 12 months
Ingredients Used in Meth Labs in Florida
It’s very rare to find pure methamphetamines because the drug is often mixed with other chemicals. This means dealers and “meth labs” will use a variety of chemicals to manufacture methamphetamines. As a result, the state of Florida has restricted the purchase of these items and implemented harsh laws for possessing them with the intent to manufacture.
Listed below are precursor chemicals and essential chemicals prohibited under Florida law to possess with the intent to manufacture methamphetamines.
Precursor Chemicals:
- N-Ethylephedrine;
- N-Ethylpseudoephedrine;
- N-Methylephedrine;
- N-Methylpseudoephedrine;
- ANPP (4-Anilino-N-phenethyl-4-piperidine);
- NPP (N-Phenethyl-4-piperidone);
- Ergotamine;
- Ergocristine;
- Ethylamine;
- Iodine tincture above 2.2 percent;
- Isosafrole;
- Methylamine;
- 3, 4-Methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone;
- N-Acetylanthranilic acid;
- Nitroethane;
- Norpseudoephedrine;
- Phenylacetic acid;
- Phenylpropanolamine;
- Anthranilic acid;
- Benzaldehyde;
- Benzyl cyanide;
- Chloroephedrine;
- Chloropseudoephedrine;
- Ephedrine;
- Ergonovine;
- Piperidine;
- Piperonal;
- Propionic anhydride;
- Pseudoephedrine; and
- Safrole
Essential Chemicals:
- Formic acid;
- Hydrochloric acid;
- Hydriodic acid;
- Iodine;
- Lithium;
- Sodium borohydride;
- Sodium cyanoborohydride;
- Sodium hydroxide; and
- Sulfuric acid.
- Organic solvents, including, but not limited to, Coleman Fuel, camping fuel, ether, toluene, or lighter fluid;
- Organic cosolvents, including, but not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol;
- Potassium dichromate;
- Anhydrous ammonia;
- Acetic anhydride;
- Acetone;
- Ammonium salts, including, but not limited to, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, or chloride
- Benzoquinone;
- Benzyl chloride;
- 2-Butanone;
- Ethyl ether;
- Formic acid;
- Potassium permanganate;
- Sodium; and
- Sodium dichromate
Additional Resources
Florida Laws on Possession of Methamphetamine – Visit the official website for the Florida Statues to read up on their laws for drug abuse prevention and control. Access the site to read about why methamphetamine is prohibited, the elements of possession, the penalties for possessing meth and other drugs, as well as other important information.
Alachua County | Drug Courts – Visit the official website for the Alachua County courts to read up on their drug court program. Access the site to see if you’re eligible for drug court, the benefits of participating, and the fees required to qualify.
Drug Attorney for Meth Possession Charges in Gainesville, FL
If you or someone you know has been charged with possession of meth, then it’s within your best interest to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have a strong defense team behind you such as the attorneys at Galigani Law Firm.
Our attorneys at Galigani Law Firm have been practicing collectively for over 30 years and haven’t stopped since. We dedicate 100% of our practice to criminal law, so we know the ins and outs of Florida’s drug statutes. Using our experience and prior courtroom knowledge, our attorneys can formulate a sturdy defense for you designed to undermine the prosecution’s case.
Call Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 to set up your first consultation as soon as possible.
