Pensacola Criminal Defense Lawyers for LSD Possession Charges
LSD is categorized as a Schedule I drug. Possession of all drugs classified in this category, such as heroin and ecstasy, is considered a serious criminal offense. Consequently, individuals who are facing LSD possession charges may be subject to both long prison sentences and considerable fines.
If you or a loved one have recently been charged with possession of LSD, you are probably deeply concerned about what this might mean for your freedom and for your future. The Pensacola drug crimes lawyers of The Morris Firm are equipped with the experience and the knowledge necessary to help you protect your liberty and your best interests. We will fight aggressively on your behalf to mitigate the consequences of all charges brought against you. Call us today at (850) 503-2626 for a free consultation.
What Is LSD?
Lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD, is a hallucinogenic drug that causes dissociative responses in users. It is commonly known as acid, and it is well known for its capacity to alter feelings, sensations, and thoughts. It can also warp a person’s awareness of their surroundings and may sometimes cause them to hear and see things that aren’t actually there. LSD is usually found soaked onto blotted papers, but some users also consume it in the liquid, capsule, tablet, or microdot form.
Because it has no accepted medical use and due to its high potential for abuse, LSD is classed as a Schedule I drug.
Florida Penalties for LSD Possession
LSD possession is a criminal offense that does not involve the distribution, manufacture, or sale of the controlled substance. It is simply the possession of the drug for your own personal use.
Possession of LSD is a felony in Florida. Due to its categorization as a Schedule I drug, those who are convicted of possession face the strictest criminal penalties. Prison sentences and fines, which vary based on the amount of the substance in one’s possession, are as follows:
- Less than 1 gram – up to 5 years in prison and a 2-year driver’s license suspension
- 1 to 5 grams – 3 to 30 years in prison
- 5 to 7 grams – a minimum of 7 years in prison and a fine of $100,000
- Over 7 grams – a minimum of 15 years in prison and a fine of $500,000
The burden of proving criminal possession of LSD is on the State. If they cannot prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the court can dismiss the charges against you and have the case thrown out. However, if the court does convict you, the judge is required to sentence you to the mandatory minimum as indicated above. In most cases, judges do not have the discretion to sentence a convicted party for less than the mandatory minimum for the particular weight.
To get a conviction, the State must prove the following three things:
- You had conscious knowledge that the drug was in your possession
- The material seized by the authorities is a controlled substance under Florida law
- You had control of the drug
The prosecution will do everything in their power to achieve a conviction, so you will want a team of seasoned Pensacola possession defense attorneys on your side. The lawyers of The Morris Firm will fight to keep you from being subject to the harsh penalties that the court prescribes for LSD possession.
Florida Defenses for the Possession of LSD
Several criminal defenses can help mitigate the penalties you face after having been charged with LSD possession. The defense we decide to use will depend on the unique circumstances of your individual case. The following criminal defense strategies for possession of drugs are among the most effective:
Constructive Possession – This refers to a situation in which more than one person had access to the location where the authorities discovered the LSD. To refute this defense, the State must prove both that you knew about the presence of the LSD and that you had dominion and control over the substance.
Temporary Possession – Your possession of the drug was only transitory, momentary, or temporary. You never had complete dominion or control over the LSD.
Illegal Search & Seizure – The law enforcement authorities overstepped their legal boundaries by requiring you to submit to a search or by coercing you to agree to a search. For example, if they made a traffic stop without reasonably suspecting that a crime had been committed, was in the course of being committed, or would be committed, the stop is in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. If this was the case, the judge can suppress any evidence discovered during the search.
Lack of Knowledge – You were not conscious of the fact that you were in possession of the LSD. If you use a lack of knowledge defense, you also need to testify that you were not aware that the substance itself was illegal.
Contact a Pensacola LSD Possession Defense Attorney Today
At The Morris Firm, we understand the distress you are experiencing if you or a loved one has been charged with LSD possession. In addition to the potential length of the prison sentence and the hefty fines you are facing, a drug possession conviction can have a devastating effect on other areas of your life as well, such as your ability to drive your car or to get hired for a job.
For more than a decade, we have been committed to fighting aggressively on behalf of those who are charged with criminal offenses. Unlike firms that practice several areas of law, we devote all our time and resources to criminal defense. This means that we have been able to build relationships with judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement throughout the Pensacola area. We will work tirelessly to keep you from the harsh penalties that LSD possession can lead to.
The team at The Morris Firm is ready to help you reach the most favorable outcome that your legal issue permits. Call us today at (850) 503-2626 for a consultation.
