Getting arrested for drug possession or distribution in Broward County, FL, can feel like your world has suddenly stopped. Between the flashing blue lights of the BSO cruiser and the cold reality of the North Broward Bureau jail, the stress is overwhelming.
When you are caught in the gears of the Florida legal system, you aren’t just a case number. You are a person whose future, career, and family are at stake. This guide explores the reality of drug arrests in South Florida and how our criminal defense attorney fights to protect your rights.
The Landscape of Drug Arrests in South Florida
Broward County, FL, is a major hub for international travel and commerce, which unfortunately makes it a primary focus for state and federal drug task forces. From Fort Lauderdale Beach to the residential streets of Pembroke Pines, law enforcement is constantly looking for drug-related activity.
Common Drug Charges in Broward County, FL
In South Florida, drug arrests typically fall into a few primary categories. The severity of your case depends on the substance involved and the quantity found in your possession.
The Florida Statutes categorize drug offenses based on the schedule of the drug and the quantity involved. Understanding these tiers is the first step in building a defense.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of most illegal drugs—such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl—is classified as a third-degree felony. This carries a penalty of up to 5 years in Florida State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Even possessing a single pill like Xanax or Oxycodone without a prescription falls into this category.
Marijuana Possession
Florida’s cannabis laws are tiered by weight:
- Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession: Possessing 20 grams or less is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Felony Marijuana Possession: Possessing more than 20 grams is a third-degree felony.
Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver
This charge is more serious than simple possession. Law enforcement does not need to witness a sale to charge you with “intent.” They look for indicators like:
- Drugs divided into multiple small baggies.
- The presence of digital scales and packaging materials.
- Large amounts of cash in small denominations.
Multiple cell phones.
Aggravated Battery
If the incident involves a deadly weapon or results in “great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement,” the charge is elevated to aggravated battery. This is a high-level felony with significant prison time attached.
Drug Trafficking
In Florida, “trafficking” is not defined by your actions (like selling), but by the weight of the drug. Trafficking charges are first-degree felonies and come with mandatory minimum prison sentences that a judge cannot reduce.
| Drug | Trafficking Threshold | Mandatory Minimum Sentence |
| Cocaine | 28 Grams | 3 Years |
| Fentanyl | 4 Grams | 7 Years |
| Cannabis | 25 Pounds / 300 Plants | 3 Years |
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Items used to plant, propagate, grow, harvest, manufacture, or ingest drugs are considered paraphernalia. This includes pipes, needles, bongs, or even the baggies used to hold the drugs. This is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail
Prescription Drug Fraud
This includes obtaining controlled substances through forged prescriptions, altering a valid prescription, or “doctor shopping” (seeing multiple doctors to get multiple scripts). These are typically prosecuted as third-degree felonies.
The Rise of Fentanyl and Synthetic Drugs
Recent years have seen a massive shift in how Broward County prosecutors handle drug cases, largely due to the fentanyl crisis. Because fentanyl is often mixed into other substances, many people are arrested for drug trafficking without even realizing the potency or weight of what they carried. Prosecutors are aggressive in these cases, often seeking maximum penalties.
Why You Need a Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
Florida has some of the harshest drug laws in the United States. A conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, and the inability to hold certain professional licenses.
Navigating the First 24 Hours After Being Arrested for a Drug Crime
After an arrest for a drug crime, you will be taken to booking. Within 24 hours, you will have a “First Appearance” hearing. This is where a judge determines if there was probable cause for your arrest and sets your bond. Having a criminal defense lawyer present at this stage can be the difference between going home to your family or sitting in jail for weeks while your case
Criminal Defense Lawyer Challenging Unlawful Searches
Many drug arrests in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood stem from traffic stops or “knock and talk” investigations. Your Fourth Amendment rights protect you against unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police searched your car or home without a warrant or a valid exception to the warrant requirement, the evidence they found might be suppressed.
Note: If the evidence is suppressed, the prosecution’s case often falls apart, leading to a dismissal of all charges.
Strategic Defense Options in Broward County, Florida
Every drug charge in Broward County, FL, is different, and a blanket approach does not work in the South Florida legal landscape. Our criminal defense attorney will look at the specific facts of your arrest in Broward County, FL, to build a defense that targets the weaknesses in the state’s evidence.
Lack of Knowledge or Possession
To convict you of drug possession, the state must prove that you knew the substance was there and that you had “dominion and control” over it.
- Actual Possession: Found on your person (in your pocket).
- Constructive Possession: Found in a place you occupy (like a glove box or a shared apartment).
If the drugs were found in a common area of a vehicle with multiple passengers, proving constructive possession becomes much harder for the prosecution.
Drug Court and Diversion Programs
Broward County offers a robust “Drug Court” program for certain offenders. This is a court-supervised treatment program that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
- Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): For first-time non-violent offenders, completing a diversion program can result in the charges being dropped entirely.
- Withhold of Adjudication: This allows you to avoid a formal conviction on your record, even if you plead guilty or no contest.
Challenging Laboratory Results
The “white powder” the police found isn’t legally a drug until a state laboratory confirms it. Errors in the chain of custody or testing protocols can lead to the evidence being deemed inadmissible.
The Long-Term Impact of a Drug Conviction in Broward County, Florida
The consequences of a drug arrest extend far beyond the courtroom walls. In Broward County, FL, the “collateral consequences” can haunt you for decades.
Employment and Housing
Many employers in South Florida perform background checks. A felony drug conviction can disqualify you from jobs in healthcare, education, and government. Additionally, many landlords refuse to rent to individuals with drug-related marks on their records.
Finding a “Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me”
When you are searching for a “criminal defense attorney near me,” you need someone who knows the local prosecutors and the specific procedures of the 17th Judicial Circuit.
Why Choose Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew Glassman
- Local Experience: Our criminal defense attorney spends every day in the Broward County Courthouse and understands the tendencies of the local bench.
- Communication: Our criminal defense lawyer answers and returns your calls and explains the legal jargon in plain English.
- Trial Readiness: While many cases are resolved through plea deals, our criminal defense attorney is prepared to take your case to a jury if the state refuses to be fair.
At the Law Office of Matthew Glassman, our focus is on providing a vigorous defense for those facing the weight of the government. Our Broward County criminal defense lawyer understands that an arrest in Broward County, FL, is often the lowest point in a person’s life. Our goal is to provide the steady hand and legal knowledge required to navigate this crisis effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Drug Arrests
Yes. Under the theory of constructive possession, if the police believe you had knowledge of the drugs and the ability to access them, you can be charged even if the drugs weren’t in your pocket.
Failure to read Miranda rights does not automatically mean your case is dismissed. However, it does mean that any statements you made after being taken into custody may be suppressed and cannot be used against you in court.
While some municipalities in Broward County have “decriminalized” small amounts of marijuana via civil citations, it remains illegal under Florida state law. You can still be arrested and prosecuted for possession of cannabis depending on the officer’s discretion and the amount involved.
Because of the high rate of overdoses in South Florida, fentanyl is prosecuted with extreme aggression. If you are found with just 4 to 14 grams of fentanyl, you face a mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison. If the amount is 28 grams or more, the mandatory minimum jumps to 25 years.
Yes, in many cases. Broward County’s Drug Court is designed for non-violent offenders whose crimes are driven by addiction. If your prescription fraud was a result of a substance abuse disorder rather than a commercial enterprise, your criminal defense lawyer may be able to negotiate your entry into a diversion program. Successful completion often leads to the total dismissal of your charges.
Yes. Florida law allows the state to weigh the “mixture” containing the drug. For example, if you have a small amount of cocaine mixed with a large amount of baking soda, the police will weigh the entire bag. If that total weight exceeds 28 grams, you can be charged with drug trafficking even if the actual cocaine content is minimal.
Under Florida law, any conviction for a drug-related offense—whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor—triggers a mandatory six-month suspension of your driver’s license. This is why fighting for a “withhold of adjudication” or a dismissal through a diversion program is so important for your ability to keep working and living your life.
Are You Searching for a “Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me?” Contact Us for a Free Consultation with Our Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney
A drug arrest in Broward County, FL, is a serious matter, but it does not have to define your future. By acting quickly and securing our Broward County criminal defense attorney, you take the first step toward regaining control of your life.
Whether it is fighting for a dismissal, negotiating a diversion program, or taking the case to trial, your defense starts the moment you decide to fight back. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced criminal defense attorney.
A drug arrest in Broward County, FL, is a serious matter, but it does not have to define your future. By acting quickly and securing our Broward County criminal defense attorney, you take the first step toward regaining control of your life.
Whether it is fighting for a dismissal, negotiating a diversion program, or taking the case to trial, your defense starts the moment you decide to fight back. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced criminal defense attorney.