Orlando Drug Crime Lawyers

Experienced Orlando Drug Crime Lawyers Ready To Serve You

A conviction for a drug-related charge can result in serious penalties. The State of Florida has some of the toughest drug laws in the country. A drug charge conviction can result in prison time, a criminal record, probation, and even a driver’s license suspension. If you face a drug crime charge in central Florida, you need an experienced Orlando drug crime lawyer who will protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

At the Orlando, Florida, law firm of Moses and Rooth, Attorneys at Law, we bring a unique perspective to the defense of drug charges. How?

• Both of our criminal defense attorneys have practiced criminal law exclusively for the duration of their legal careers.
• Both members of our lawyer team are former prosecutors. We understand how prosecutors approach cases and factor this knowledge in when strategizing the defense of clients’ drug crime charges.

Contact Moses and Rooth, Attorneys at Law for experienced criminal defense legal assistance following drug crime charges in central Florida. Call us at 407-377-0150.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
10/10 Andrew Moses is a professional hard working lawyer who goes above and beyond for his clients. If you’re scared about the legal system and in a bind look no further he will give you a clear view.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 veronica heissner 
 
2023-04-01
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Paul Ghezzi took his time and listened to my issue AND did exactly what he said he would do. If you want someone who will listen and follow their word, then call Paul.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jordan Cristwell 
 
2023-03-23
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Absolutely tremendous staff (Tracy was Great 👍🏾). Attorney Rooth gave me a layout of the charges I was facing and he was able to successfully fight my tickets that would've jeopardized my driving record. Highly recommended. Can't thank ya enough
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Emmanuel Rogers 
 
2023-03-23
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
This law firm went on a 2 year roller coaster ride with me. They kept me from going to prison. They got me into rehab. I can say for certain that I am sober and intend to stay this way. Thanks to Mr. Jay Rooth , THE ORLANDO BRIDGE, My family and friends and above all myself. I can finally close this chapter in my life. Thanks again
Moses and Rooth.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 robert carlin 
 
2023-02-23
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
A wealth of legal expertise coupled with a make it happen professional attitude is exactly what you get when you hire Attorney Paul E. Ghezzi, Esq., of Moses & Rooth, to represent you. From my initial consultation Paul exuded an air of overwhelming confidence in his ability to get the Court to grant my motion for early termination of probation. Mom always said to me that God gave us all 2 ears to listen twice as much as we talk. Paul did just that, he listened intently to my intricate predicament which is a major attribute in the legal world. Having said that, when he spoke, I hung on every word and the motion was granted. Thank you Paul.

Ladies and gentlemen, to regain your peace of mind in tough legal times, get yourself a magnificently savvy go-getter type of attorney.......Call Moses & Rooth and ask for Attorney Paul Ghezzi. With Paul, failure is NOT an option!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Byrd Risner 
 
2023-02-02
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Paul Ghezzi, ESQ. represented me for a felony criminal defense case. He was able to get my 2 felonies dismissed & arrived at a plea for a misdemeanor with minimal fine and time served. He spent the time searching through my discovery and watching body cam footage to find my defense. An iron clad one at that That left the prosecution confused on why I was getting the deal of a lifetime. His knowledge on case law, his dedication of time to his clients and his empathy are unmatched. He is even trying to help me find an attorney to help me with a case I have in another state. Above & beyond is an understatement and the retainer was more than reasonable and well worth it. As somebody whose criminal history is as tall as me I have never had a lawyer fight for me, until now. If you find yourself in the position to need a power house attorney, look no further. You found him.

to put this into full view for you, a case I could have done 5 years in prison for and have been sentenced to that for similar cases in the past, he was able to get me time served (for two days I spent in county awaiting bond), less than a $1,000 fine and NO PROBATION. When I have priors. I’m going to say it again, LOOK NO FURTHER.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ashley Renee 
 
2023-01-28
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I have hired attorneys in the past and I have to share that I’ve never had an attorney like Paul Ghezzi from Moses & Rooth, Attorneys at Law. Paul kept in contact with us through the entire process. Paul was always available for any questions we had and was always willing to go the extra mile. From my family to you Paul you are more than just attorney your now my friend. You are so much appreciated. Thank you Paul for being you! I strongly recommend this law firm if any of these attorneys give you 50% of what Paul has done for my family you will be in great shape!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Vicente Vigil 
 
2023-01-27
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I had an excellent experience with Moses and Rooth. From beginning to end I felt I had trusted the right firm. Jay Rooth represented me in my case and having an attorney who was pleasant, professional, and very experienced was everything. During a stressful time, I feel much of the stress was reduced due to the fact I made a good decision going with Jay. What is also important is everyone at this office is fantastic and helpful throughout the process. Many thanks !
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Erin Meaney 
 
2023-01-24
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
If I could tell Mr. Jay Rooth a million times how much I thank and appreciate him I would ! After being told by three attorneys that my case was complicated and couldn’t be turned around, I almost gave up but my last attempt to fix my situation was the best decision I could have made ! Mr. Rooth worked so efficiently to help me. His knowledge, confidence, and reassurance is truly unbelievable. He updated me, communicated with me and did not miss a beat ! I will forever be grateful, I’ve been bragging on him ever since our first conversation! 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!!!!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Nastashia Kirkwood 
 
2022-08-20
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Andrew is an amazing attorney. He really cares about his clients and goes above and beyond. Finding him was a blessing and my family and I will be forever be grateful to him.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jessy C. 
 
2022-07-11
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

Overview: Orlando Drug Crimes Lawyer Discusses Florida Drug Crime Laws

Florida has strict drug laws. Unlike many states that have started relaxing drug laws, Florida has not. You could face stiff, life-altering penalties after a drug crimes conviction. To help avoid these penalties, you should consult an Orlando drug crimes lawyer with extensive experience fighting for people like you.

Drug Schedules and Penalties

Schedules

Florida classifies drugs based on schedules that classify narcotics based on their potency, the potential for addiction, and medical benefits. 

For example, heroin and fentanyl derivatives are on Schedule I. Cannabis, peyote, and psilocybin also appear in Schedule I.

Schedule II drugs include morphine, hydrocodone (oxycontin), fentanyl, cocaine, and methadone. Schedule III drugs include LSD and small amounts of codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, and steroids. Schedule IV lists prescription drugs like Klonopin. Schedule V includes low doses of Schedule IV drugs and other stimulants.

Penalty Overview

Generally, drug possession is a third-degree felony. However, the drug possession penalty you face depends on a number of variables, such as the classification and amount of drugs found. Third-degree felonies carry up to five years in a Florida prison. However, possessing 10 grams or more of certain Schedule I drugs is a first-degree felony. The maximum penalty for a first-degree felony is life in prison.

On the other hand, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis is a misdemeanor, and possession of a Schedule V drug is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Drug Possession

Florida prohibits possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription. A drug possession lawyer might call this crime “simple possession.” Simple possession is different from possession with the intent to sell, manufacture, or distribute the substance.

In Florida, simple possession refers to both actual and constructive possession. Actual possession refers to having direct physical control over an object that is on your person. An example would be when you are holding your cell phone, or it is on your person. Constructive possession refers to having the intent to exercise dominion and control over a thing that is not actually on your person. For example, you have constructive possession of your cell phone when it is charging in the kitchen, but you are in your bedroom.

Serious Drug Charges Require a Strong Defense – Moses & Rooth Can Help

Distribution or Sale of Narcotics

Florida law severely punishes possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute, manufacture, or sell, as well as selling, manufacturing, and distributing narcotics. The punishment for these acts depends on several factors, including the schedule of the drug.

Moreover, Florida law includes minimum mandatory sentences based on where the crime occurs, such as within 1,000 feet of a school or a daycare facility.

Punishments for these offenses range from first-degree to third-degree felonies, depending on the type of drug. However, possessing with the intent to sell or distribute a Schedule V drug is a first-degree misdemeanor.  

Federal vs. State Drug Crime Laws

Federal and state drug laws overlap. Narcotic possession is a federal crime, as is possession with the intent to sell or manufacture. However, federal prosecutors do not pursue federal charges whenever someone is arrested at the state level for a drug crime. They could, but federal law enforcement authorities target traffickers, importers, and manufacturers of narcotics or people running drug rings rather than going after someone who sells heroin to feed a habit. 

The penalties for federal drug crimes are severe. You’ll need legal assistance from a dedicated and highly-experienced Orlando drug crimes lawyer if you are the subject of a federal drug investigation.

Defending Against Prescription Drug Charges 

Although prescription drugs are legal, only those who have valid prescriptions from duly licensed doctors can possess prescription drugs, and only up to the amount prescribed. There are many different crimes in the context of prescription drugs. Some of the more common prescription drug charges include:

• Possession of Oxycodone / Oxycontin
• Possession of Xanax
• Prescription fraud
• Prescription Drug Sale
• Doctor shopping
• Altering prescriptions
• OxyContin/prescription drug trafficking
• Prescription pad theft

Most people associate drug crimes with illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines. The frequency of drug crimes involving prescriptions has increased tremendously.

Due to overdoses, prescription drug fatalities, and addiction, prescription drug crimes have become one of the most important targets for law enforcement in recent years.

Many people are surprised to find themselves charged with prescription drug crimes. They feel that they obtained valid prescriptions from doctors, so they should not be in violation of any laws. Many people begin taking pharmaceutical drugs for legitimate reasons. Some pain medications are highly addictive, and patients find that they become dependent on these medications, even after using them for a short time.

However, Florida laws are becoming stricter regarding the quantity of the pharmaceuticals possessed and the details surrounding the acquisition of prescription drugs.

Our Orlando drug crime lawyers will look at the facts of your case, research the specific incidents surrounding the state’s investigations, the stop and arrest, and review every aspect of the state’s interactions with you regarding the prescription drug charges. We will do everything we can to help you obtain the best results possible in your case.

Prescription drug arrests often begin with a vehicle stop. Police officers may search the vehicle in which pharmaceutical drugs are found in an incorrect prescription bottle. Prosecutors may bring charges even if you had a valid prescription and just happened to have switched bottles for your own convenience.

The State of Florida is taking a hard stance regarding possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Florida has consistently modified the laws regarding the amount or weight of drugs in your possession to reach the trafficking amount.

Many people do not realize that, whether you buy drugs off the street or obtain them in a doctor’s office, the consequences of involvement with prescription narcotics are serious. Unfortunately, this is a lesson that is often learned too late.

Some of the most common defenses for prescription drug charges include:

• Illegal Search and Seizure
• Valid Prescription
• Warrantless Stop
• Entrapment
• Speedy Trial
• Statute of Limitations

Contact Moses and Rooth to discuss how we can build a tailored defense strategy unique to your criminal charges.

PERSONALIZED LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR DRUG RELATED-CHARGES 

At Moses & Rooth, we understand that every drug-related case has a unique set of circumstances and challenges. Our approach to defending clients against drug charges in Orlando is deeply personalized, starting with a comprehensive assessment of each case. Here’s how we tailor our defense strategies to meet our clients’ specific needs and objectives. 

Initial Case Review and Strategy Development

Our process begins with an in-depth review of the charges and evidence against you. This review includes examining police reports, witness statements, and any physical evidence. Understanding the full context of the case allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments and potential defenses.

We will discuss your personal circumstances, legal goals, and any concerns you might have. Whether you’re facing minor possession charges or more severe allegations like trafficking, we formulate a strategy to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Defense Tailored to Your Case

We always look for defense strategies that fit your case scenario. We will explore every option to increase your chances of an acquittal. Here are some of the most common ways we can help.

Challenging the evidence

We scrutinize the methods by which the evidence was collected and handled. Common defenses include challenging the legality of a drug search or seizure and arguing that it violated your constitutional rights. If the evidence is found to be improperly obtained, it can be deemed inadmissible in court, which can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Negotiating plea deals

When appropriate, negotiating a plea deal can be a strategic move to reduce your charges or penalties. We leverage our extensive knowledge of local legal practices and our professional relationships to negotiate the best possible terms for you.

Exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or establishing mitigating factors

We explore all avenues to poke holes in the State’s case. If we can show that the case is weak, this enhances our bargaining power and diminishes theirs. That could result in a better plea deal or a reduction of your charges. We also present mitigating factors that might reduce your sentence. To weaken the State’s case, we can demonstrate a lack of intent, dispute ownership or access to the controlled substances, or highlight your background and character in a favorable light.

Diverse defense strategies

Depending on the specifics of your case, our defense strategies may also include demonstrating that the drugs belonged to another person, proving entrapment by law enforcement, or disputing the type or amount of substance involved.

Expert testimonies and forensic evidence

We employ expert witnesses in fields such as chemical analysis and drug recognition to contest the nature and amount of the drug or to challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence.

Continuous client communication

Throughout your case, we maintain open lines of communication. You’ll always be informed about the latest developments and our ongoing strategy adjustments. This collaborative approach ensures that you are involved in the decision-making process and fully aware of your legal options at every turn.

Our commitment to providing personalized legal representation in drug-related charges helps ensure that our clients receive not just a defense—but the proper defense tailored to their specific situation and legal needs. At Moses & Rooth, your defense strategy is crafted with precision, care, and legal expertise to safeguard your future.

WHY HIRE A DRUG CRIMES ATTORNEY IN ORLANDO?

Representation from a skilled drug charge lawyer in Orlando can help you get the best possible defense for your case. Search and seizure issues are routinely present in drug cases. However, we look at other avenues of defense for all of our clients to ensure they get the defense that best suits them.

Depending on the facts of your case, we might be able to get the case thrown out because you have no connection to the drugs. Or you might have a case that stands a good chance of getting an acquittal if we take it to trial. Finally, entering into plea negotiations with the prosecutor might be the best way to reduce your exposure to Florida’s harsh drug penalties. 

No matter your charges, you can rest assured that our Orlando drug crime lawyers will examine every avenue of defense for you. Our team has decades of legal experience as prosecutors and defense attorneys. You can rely on us to help when you need it the most.

Florida Drug Crimes: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Hire an Orlando Drug Defense Lawyer?

You should hire a drug crime defense lawyer as early on in your case as possible. One of the biggest mistakes that criminal defendants make in drug cases is waiting to seek professional legal representation.

If the police are questioning you about drugs or any other type of crime, you should consider yourself a suspect. Anything that you say can be used against you in court.

Unfortunately, your words may even get twisted around and turned into something that you did not intend. The sooner you get an Orlando drug crime defense attorney by your side, the better off you will be.

What are the Penalties for a Drug Crime Case in Florida?

The penalties for a drug-related offense vary dramatically. Ultimately, the penalties depend entirely on the specific nature of the charges against you. Generally, possession charges are less severe than distribution or manufacturing charges. Still, there is truly no such thing as a minor drug offense.

If you have been arrested for any type of drug crime in Orange County, Florida, you need to get your case into the hands of an experienced Orlando drug charge lawyer as soon as possible.

How Will a Drug Charges Attorney Protect My Rights?

All drug crime cases are different. The steps that your Orlando, FL, drug charges attorney will take to protect your rights will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. It is important to work with a criminal legal practitioner that can offer you a fully individualized legal defense.

To start, a drug charges defense attorney will often review your case to determine if your rights were violated. For example, if the police did not have probable cause to conduct a search of you or your home, any evidence that they obtained against you might not be admissible in a court of law.

In reviewing the evidence in your case, your Orlando drug crime defense attorney will also need to determine whether or not prosecutors can prove all of the elements of the charges being brought against you. If the charges are invalid due to a lack of evidence or other reasons, then the proper legal strategy may be to mount an aggressive defense.

Of course, an aggressive defense strategy is not appropriate in every case. In some cases, it is far more sensible to focus on reducing punishment. If you are being charged with drug possession, there may be pre-trial intervention options available to you. You may be eligible to seek treatment, and you may be able to avoid any time in jail.

ORLANDO DRUG CRIMES LAWYERS: ANDREW MOSES AND JAY R. BOOTH 

Andrew Moses

Andrew Moses has a strong background in criminal law, having devoted his entire career to the practice. He began his legal journey as an intern with the State Attorney’s Office in Alachua County while still in law school at the University of Florida. After graduating, he served as an Assistant State Attorney in Orange and Osceola Counties, where he prosecuted cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including drug trafficking. This role provided him with invaluable insight into the workings of the criminal justice system from a prosecutorial perspective. Since then, Andrew has continued to focus on criminal defense, leveraging his comprehensive understanding of the law to defend clients accused of various drug-related crimes.

Jay R. Rooth

Jay R. Rooth is a distinguished criminal defense attorney with a robust educational background, including a law degree from Barry University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Stetson University. Throughout his career, Jay has been recognized for his excellence, being named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” multiple times and a Super Lawyer in 2016. His perfect peer review rating and high client satisfaction underscore his expertise and dedication. As an active member of several professional associations, Jay remains deeply involved in the legal community. His experience and recognition make him a formidable advocate for clients facing drug crime charges in Orlando, FL.

Together, Andrew and Jay leverage their specialized knowledge and extensive courtroom experience to offer nuanced and effective legal strategies. Their proactive approach involves a thorough analysis of each case, meticulous evidence review, and aggressive defense strategies aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes for their clients.

At Moses & Rooth, clients facing drug charges can expect dedicated, high-caliber advocacy that seeks to protect their rights and future.

Contact Our Orlando Drug Crime Lawyers Today

Do not face your drug charges alone. If you were arrested for a drug-related offense in Central Florida, you need to be prepared to seek aggressive legal representation. Your freedom may be at stake. You should not trust your case to an amateur.

At Moses & Rooth Attorneys at Law, our top-rated Orlando drug crime defense lawyers are standing by, ready to advocate for your best interests. Call us to speak with an experienced Orlando drug crime attorney at our Orlando law office for a no-charge initial consultation and for experienced and committed legal help.

Drug Case Types We Handle

We have handled many drug crime charges and are highly experienced in handling virtually all types of drug violations. Case types we commonly handle include: