Drug Possession Lawyer

It starts with flashing lights. A routine stop. Maybe a search you didn’t see coming. Next thing you know, you’re in cuffs—for a baggie in the glovebox, a pipe in your backpack, maybe a single pill without a prescription. Whatever the details, the charge sticks fast: drug possession or paraphernalia.

In Florida, the laws around controlled substances are some of the toughest in the country. They don’t just target large-scale traffickers—they come down hard on regular people, sometimes for simple mistakes or small amounts. Don’t think this is a slap on the wrist.

Under Florida Statutes §893.13 and §893.147, it is illegal to possess, sell, or deliver controlled substances or the tools associated with drug use—paraphernalia like glass pipes, syringes, rolling papers, bongs, digital scales, spoons, baggies. Even a burnt spoon or empty capsule wrapper can lead to a charge.

What Are the Penalties?

Drug Possession Charges can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the type and amount of substance:

• Possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis: First-degree misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine

• Possession of cocaine, heroin, MDMA, or prescription meds (like oxycodone) without prescription: Third-degree felony, up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine

• More than 10 grams of certain narcotics? You could be looking at a first-degree felony, up to 30 years

Paraphernalia Possession may seem minor, but it’s still a first-degree misdemeanor:

• Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine, criminal record

On top of that? You’re facing:

• Driver’s license suspension

• Mandatory drug testing, counseling, probation

• Barriers to employment, housing, and education

• Immigration consequences if you’re not a U.S. citizen

Why You Shouldn’t Face This Alone

Prosecutors love easy convictions. They count on you being overwhelmed, confused, or resigned. They’ll offer a quick plea—but that plea carries a permanent record.

An experienced drug defense lawyer knows how to punch holes in the prosecution’s case. Did the cops have legal grounds to search you? Were your rights violated during the stop? Is the paraphernalia even yours? Were you just in the wrong car at the wrong time?

These cases are winnable. But only if someone who knows Florida criminal procedure is fighting for you.

Why Choose The Ticket Clinic?

We don’t just defend traffic tickets. We fight criminal charges. Thousands of them.

The Ticket Clinic has been battling drug and paraphernalia cases for 35+ years. Our attorneys have secured more than 2,000 victories across Florida. We’re not a startup. We’re not guessing. We’ve seen it all—mischarges, unlawful searches, bad field tests, procedural violations—and we’ve turned them into dismissals.

• 28 offices across Florida, local lawyers in every single courthouse

• We know the judges, prosecutors, court customs

• We offer payment plans that won’t crush your bank account

• Our team includes former prosecutors and trial-tested criminal defense attorneys

We don’t treat your case like a number. We treat it like your future is on the line—because it is.

What Should You Do Now?

Call us. Don’t wait.

If you’re arrested for possession or paraphernalia, every hour matters. Witnesses forget. Evidence gets lost. And deadlines to protect your license and record approach fast.

Let a skilled criminal attorney at The Ticket Clinic review your case now—for free. We’ll help you understand the charges, your options, and what we can do to get your life back on track.

This doesn’t have to define you. But you’ve got to take the first step. Reach out. Let’s fight this together.