Marijuana and Cocaine Arrest Attorney

Sam Masters Legal Defends Individuals in Daytona, Volusia and Flagler Counties, Who Face Marijuana Arrest or Cocaine Arrest Charges.

Being a former drug unit prosecutor, Sam N. Masters, the founder of Sam Masters Legal, is intimately knowledgeable in both Florida and Federal laws dealing with marijuana and Cocaine. Combining this with his more than 35 years of criminal trial experience along with his 30 years of defending people charged with felony or misdemeanor drug charges makes Sam Masters Legal outstandingly qualified to help you or a loved one who may be faced with a Cocaine arrest or marijuana arrest (cannabis arrest).

If you or a family member are under investigation or have been arrested for a marijuana or Cocaine offense, you should be aware of the following:

• Law enforcement and prosecutors are aggressively prosecuting under both Florida and federal laws. Marijuana and Cocaine possession, trafficking or sales could result in misdemeanor and/or felony charges.
• Marijuana and Cocaine penalties can be severe.
• The monetary affect can also be devastating. The Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 provided law enforcement the ability to seize your assets as proceeds from narcotic related offenses.
• Florida state legislature and federal lawmakers have adopted a “zero tolerance” for narcotic crimes.
• Conviction could result in a significant and life altering situation.
• Penalties could involve expensive fines, lengthy probation, jail or prison terms, and could qualify as a “strike” under Florida’s Three Strike Law.
• Even a misdemeanor marijuana possession conviction will result in a one-year driving license suspension.

Types of Marijuana (Cannabis) and Cocaine Offenses per the Florida Criminal Code:

• Marijuana (Cannabis) Cultivation
• Marijuana or Cocaine Distribution or Sales
• Marijuana or Cocaine Importation
• Cocaine Manufacturing
• Cocaine Manufacturing Equipment Possession or Sales
• Marijuana or Cocaine Paraphernalia Possession or Sales
• Marijuana or Cocaine Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver
• Marijuana or Cocaine Possession

Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana (Cannabis) has not been "Decriminalized" in Volusia County or any of its surrounding Cities

It has been widely publicized by local news media that Volusia County passed an ordinance "decriminalizing" Possession of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams in the unincorporated areas of Volusia County. According to what has been published, a Volusia County deputy was given the option of charging a person with Possession of Cannabis under the county ordinance rather than the appropriate Florida Statute. There is the mistaken belief that paying the $100.00 fine pursuant to the county ordinance was like paying a traffic ticket, which is a civil infraction. This is simply not the case. The payment of the $100 fine is treated as an admission of guilt, although it does not require an adjudication of guilt. Consequently, if you are asked by a potential employer whether you have ever plead guilty or no contest to a criminal offense, you would have to answer, "Yes." You would thereafter be required petition to have this criminal record sealed, if you do not want it available to the public. You are only allowed one sealing or expungement in a lifetime. In addition, if you fail to pay the $100 fine within the time allotted, a warrant for your arrest will be issued. If this were indeed a noncriminal infraction as represented by County officials, an arrest warrant could not be issued.

Defense Strategies in Marijuana (Cannabis) and Cocaine Offenses

Not only are there defenses to these charges such as entrapment and lack of knowledge enough to prove possession, but more importantly, most if not all marijuana and Cocaine offenses involve either informants, controlled buys, surveillance, and/or searches/search warrants involving your house, vehicle or person. It is vital to have an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in issues involving Search and Seizure.

The filing of a Motion to Dismiss may result in dismissal of charges based upon the State’s failure to prove actual or constructive possession. The filing of a Motion to Suppress may result in the suppression or exclusion of the evidence against you, which could also ultimately lead to a dismissal or a reduced charge. Sam Masters will thoroughly review all the facts and circumstances of your case and file any of the appropriate pretrial motions.

Drug Addiction and Treatment

If you have been arrested for a marijuana or Cocaine offense involving possession only, you may qualify for several treatment alternatives which may not only help you avoid jail or a criminal conviction, but, in some cases, may also result in dismissal of your charges.

Devastating Impact of a Marijuana or Cocaine Conviction

A drug conviction can have a long-lasting and permanent impact on your everyday life as well as your livelihood. One of the most serious sanctions placed upon you for a drug conviction, aside from incarceration, is a one-year suspension of your driver’s license. Even a conviction for simple misdemeanor possession of cannabis will result in a license suspension. The loss of your driving privileges can be devastating. It may result in loss of employment or employment opportunities. A drug conviction, in and of itself, may also disqualify you from other potential vocations. Sam Masters Legal will attempt to resolve your case with these sensitive issues in mind.

If you or a family member has been accused or have a marijuana arrest, cannabis arrest or a Cocaine arrest you need immediate legal counsel from an experience Daytona Beach drug attorney. Sam Masters Legal will review all the evidence and circumstances of your situation in order to help you determine the most prudent defense strategy.

Sam Masters Legal will use over 35 years of knowledge and experience handling complex Florida state narcotics offenses and federal drug crime laws cases. Sam Masters Legal will work for you by vigorously challenging the evidence and procedural processes used against you. If that you or a loved one has been charged with felony or misdemeanor marijuana or Cocaine crime, you can entrust your legal defense to Mr. Masters' aggressive law firm.

Call (386) 252-4717 today for a free initial consultation with a Daytona Drug Attorney. We are ready to defend your legal rights.