Drug Crimes

An arrest for any drug-related offense is serious, and you need an experienced Orlando drug possession lawyer who understands Florida’s complex drug laws. At the Law Offices of John P. Guidry II, we’ve represented thousands of clients facing every type of drug charge — from simple possession to trafficking and distribution.

Our firm defends clients charged with:

• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Drug distribution or manufacture
• Possession with intent to distribute

Whether your case involves marijuana, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, methamphetamine, LSD, or prescription medication, you can count on our office for skilled, confidential representation and a free initial consultation with an experienced Orlando drug crimes lawyer.

Understanding Drug Crime Penalties in Orlando

Even a small-scale possession charge can carry serious consequences. For example, being caught with less than a gram of marijuana can lead to a six-month driver’s license suspension. While it’s possible to regain your license sooner by completing recommended treatment, the key is to act quickly with legal guidance.

Attorney John Guidry has been defending drug cases since 1993 and carefully examines every aspect of each arrest — from whether police had legal grounds for a vehicle stop to whether a home or person search was lawful. He challenges improper evidence, unlawful detentions, and any violation of your constitutional rights.

Common Law-Enforcement Tactics

Drug cases often involve aggressive police tactics such as undercover “buy-busts” or deceptive questioning to secure a confession or consent to search. Remember: officers can legally lie to you during questioning. Before you speak to law enforcement, talk to an attorney who knows how to protect you.

Florida’s drug laws are also unusual. Since 2002, the state has allowed prosecutors to convict individuals even without proof that the accused knew the substance was illegal — eliminating what’s called the “scienter” or “mens rea” element. Although a federal court once declared this statute unconstitutional, Florida courts have upheld it. A seasoned Orlando drug possession lawyer understands how to challenge such issues and build a strong defense under current state law.

Knowledge, Possession, and Control

In Florida, simply knowing drugs are present isn’t enough for a conviction — prosecutors must also prove “dominion and control.” Countless appellate cases show that mere awareness of a drug’s presence, without control, does not equal possession. Our firm frequently uses these distinctions to defend clients whose charges rest on proximity or association rather than actual control of illegal substances.

Sentencing and Alternatives

Florida law recognizes that many possession defendants struggle with addiction rather than criminal intent. Statute 948.20(1) allows qualifying individuals to receive drug-offender probation instead of mandatory prison time — even without prosecutor approval. Attorney Guidry regularly uses this provision to pursue rehabilitation-based outcomes and minimize penalties. An experienced Orlando drug crime attorney can help you navigate these options and protect your future.

Protect Your Rights Today

If you’re facing charges for possession, trafficking, or manufacturing, don’t navigate the system alone. Contact an experienced Orlando drug possession lawyer at the Law Offices of John P. Guidry II for a free consultation and personalized legal strategy.

For trusted representation in any criminal case, reach out to the best Orlando criminal attorney to discuss your options today.