Protect Your Future From Charges of Drug & Narcotics Crimes

Types of Drug Crimes We Defend

At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we represent clients facing a wide range of drug-related charges under Florida and federal law.

Each case is different, and the penalties depend on the drug type, quantity, and surrounding circumstances. Below are the most common types of drug offenses we handle:

Possession of a Controlled Substance

We defend both actual and constructive possession charges. Actual possession means the drug was found on your person, while constructive possession refers to drugs found in a place you had access to. 

Possession can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the type and amount of the substance.

Possession with Intent to Sell

Prosecutors may file this charge if they believe you intended to distribute the substance. Evidence often includes packaging materials, cash, or how the drugs were stored. Enhanced penalties apply if the arrest happened near schools, parks, or childcare centers.

Drug Trafficking

In Florida, trafficking is charged based on the weight of the drug, not whether you intended to sell it. These cases often carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, even for first offenses. We work to challenge the search, seizure, and testing methods used to support these serious charges.

Prescription Drug Crimes

You can be charged for possessing medications like OxyContin, Adderall, or Xanax without a valid prescription. Other offenses include doctor shopping, forging prescriptions, or trafficking in pills.

These cases are often complex and require a focused legal defense.

Federal Drug Charges

Federal charges may apply in cases involving interstate distribution, large quantities, or DEA investigations. Penalties are typically more severe and require a defense attorney experienced in federal court procedure.

We’re prepared to take on federal prosecutors and protect your rights at every stage.

Why Choose Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite for Drug Crime Defense

At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we bring deep experience handling complex drug cases in Duval County courts.

From misdemeanor possession to serious federal trafficking charges, our team fights aggressively to protect your rights.

We build tailored legal strategies based on the facts of your case and the applicable Florida or federal laws. Our goal is always to seek reduced charges, dismissed cases, or the best possible outcome for your situation.

Call (904) 619-1386 today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Jacksonville drug crime attorney who knows how to fight for you.

Florida Drug Schedules and Penalties

Florida classifies controlled substances into five schedules under the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. These categories reflect the drug’s accepted medical use and potential for abuse – directly impacting the severity of criminal penalties.

Schedule I

No accepted medical use and a high risk of abuse. Includes heroin, LSD, MDMA, and synthetic drugs like flakka or bath salts.

Schedule II

Accepted medical use but high potential for abuse and addiction. Includes cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, morphine, and Adderall.

Schedule III

Moderate risk of abuse and dependency. Includes anabolic steroids, ketamine, and some combination medications with codeine.

Schedule IV

Lower abuse potential and widely prescribed. Includes Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan.

Schedule V

Lowest risk of abuse and typically used for medical purposes. Includes cough syrups with small amounts of codeine and medications with limited narcotics.

Common Penalties

Drug charges in Florida carry serious legal and personal consequences.

• Misdemeanor convictions can lead to up to 1 year in jail and fines.
• Felony charges may result in 5 to 30 years in prison, or life sentences for high-level trafficking.

In addition to incarceration, most convictions trigger a mandatory driver’s license suspension, even for first-time offenders. A felony drug conviction can also lead to the loss of your right to own or possess firearms under both state and federal law.

For non-citizens, any drug conviction (misdemeanor or felony) can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation or inadmissibility to the U.S. 

These hidden penalties make it critical to fight drug charges with the help of an experienced defense attorney.

Drug Court & First-Time Offender Options

If you’re facing a first-time drug charge in Jacksonville, you may qualify for an alternative sentence that avoids jail time. Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite can help determine if you’re eligible for programs that prioritize treatment over punishment.

Duval County Drug Court

This court-supervised program is available to certain non-violent offenders struggling with addiction. Participants must meet strict conditions, including counseling, treatment, and court check-ins.

Upon successful completion, charges may be dismissed, leaving you without a conviction.

Pretrial Diversion

First-time offenders charged with simple possession may be offered this option. It typically includes drug education, random testing, and community service. 

If completed, the case is dropped and no conviction appears on your record.

How a Jacksonville Drug Crime Lawyer Can Help

Hiring an experienced drug crime attorney is critical when your future is on the line. Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite will evaluate every angle of your case and develop a focused defense strategy aimed at protecting your rights.

Suppression of Illegally Obtained Evidence

We examine whether police conducted an unlawful search or seizure. If evidence was collected improperly, we can file a motion to suppress, which may weaken or eliminate the case entirely.

Negotiating Reduced Charges

We work directly with prosecutors to seek plea deals, reduced charges, or alternate sentencing – especially for first-time offenders.

Trial Defense

We build doubt around key issues like possession, intent, and the reliability of lab results. Our team challenges officer credibility, tests procedural errors, and raises constitutional defenses to fight for a better outcome.

Florida Drug Offenses FAQ

If you’re facing a drug charge in Florida, you likely have questions about what comes next. At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we guide clients through every stage of the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear:

Can I be charged with trafficking if I wasn’t selling?

Yes. Under Florida law, trafficking is based on drug weight, not whether you intended to sell. You can face serious penalties even without proof of distribution.

What is the difference between actual and constructive possession?

Actual possession means the drugs were physically on you – like in your pocket.

Constructive possession means the drugs were in a place you had control over, like your car or home.

Is drug court available for felony charges?

Yes, but only for non-violent first-time offenders with qualifying charges. Drug court can lead to a dismissal after successful completion.

What if my arrest involved a warrantless search?

If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, we may be able to file a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?

Absolutely. A skilled lawyer can reduce charges, challenge evidence, or uncover defenses you may not know exist.

Speak with a Jacksonville Drug Crime Attorney Today

Facing a drug charge can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The attorneys at Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite have the experience and commitment to protect your rights and guide you through the process.

From simple possession to complex trafficking or federal charges, we know how to build a strong defense.

Let us fight for your future. Call now to schedule your confidential consultation with a Jacksonville drug crime lawyer.