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Narcotics and Drug Offense FAQ Videos

Sam Masters Drug Offense Video FAQs Answers Some of the Most Frequently Asked Questions. See Videos Below.

Should I hire a drug or narcotics attorney?

Should I hire a drug or narcotics attorney?

Absolutely. No matter how minor the drug offense is, even if it is this much cannabis. If you are convicted, first of all, you will lose your driver's license for 6 months in the state of Florida. Also, having a drug offense on your record can affect a lot of business opportunities down the road. Having an experienced attorney that can maybe work out things through a dismissal and diversion, that's what you need.

 

Will my arrest for possession of cannabis stay on my criminal record?

Will my arrest for possession of cannabis stay on my criminal record?

What's important is whether or not you have any prior criminal history. There is a good chance, if you hired experienced counsel, that your charges can be dismissed. If that happens, then we can expunge your record down the road.

 

What should I do if I was charged or indicted for a drug offense?

What should I do if I was charged or indicted for a drug offense?

Immediately hire local counsel and do not speak with law enforcement unless that local counsel is with you. You need to have someone advising you, especially in drug cases, because investigators do want to speak with you and find out what you know. That should not be done without the aid of an experienced attorney who could maybe work out a deal on the front-end before you do say anything to them.

 

What should I do if I was arrested in Florida during Spring Break for possession of cannabis?

What should I do if I was arrested in Florida during Spring Break for possession of cannabis?

Call an attorney who will help you through the process. It's very important that you do not enter a plea to that crime. If you are convicted, you will lose your driver's license for 6 months. It depends on whether you have any prior criminal history. In any event, you need to speak to a local attorney who can tell you about the process. If you were given a ticket, don't pay it, because that will be considered a guilty plea, which could nonetheless result in your license being suspended.

 

What is the potential penalty for an arrest for possession of cannabis?

What is the potential penalty for an arrest for possession of cannabis?

The first question is whether or not it was over 20 grams or under 20 grams. One is a felony; one is a misdemeanor. In either case, it's important to understand that you could be eligible for Pre-Trial Diversion. Regardless of whether it's a misdemeanor or a felony, you can protect your record. If you are convicted of even a minute quantity of cannabis, you lose your driver's license for 6 months not to mention you will still have a drug conviction that will follow you the rest of your life.

 

What are the punishments for drug offenses?

What are the punishments for drug offenses?

First of all, any drug conviction will lead to your license being suspended for 6 months. It can go as far up as minimum mandatory 15 years in prison, or as low as pretrial diversion and probation.

 

My offense is minor. Do I really even need an attorney, or can I just handle this on my own?

My offense is minor. Do I really even need an attorney, or can I just handle this on my own?

Any criminal offense, no matter how minor it is can affect you in your career and later in life. I never recommend anyone going into court without representation. There's no way you will know all the options available to you, and if you make a mistake now, it makes it very difficult to correct later on.

 

What are the consequences of paying a monetary fine after an arrest for possession of alcohol by a minor?

What are the consequences of paying a monetary fine after an arrest for possession of alcohol by a minor?

The biggest mistake spring breakers make when they come to Daytona Beach, they listen to the police officer who says, "Pay the fine. Your parents won't find out and you won't have to come back to Florida." You need to seek legal advice from an attorney in Daytona Beach. If you pay that ticket, you will have entered a plea to a criminal offense. You will then have a record that you will not be able to expunge down the road.

 

Is there any way to fight back if I am arrested after an illegal search?

Is there any way to fight back if I am arrested after an illegal search?

Yes. Any experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to recognize the problems with a search and seizure. You file motions to suppress and let the judge decide. If that evidence is suppressed, then your charge may go away.

 

I was given a ticket and released with a date to appear in court. What do I do?

I was given a ticket and released with a date to appear in court. What do I do?

Whatever you do, do not pay the ticket. That is a huge mistake. You need to hire an experienced attorney, who will be able to handle the case for you. Your appearance will not be required, even if you're from out of state, it can be handled through the mail with the attorney. By paying for the ticket, you may be entering a plea of either guilty or no contest to a criminal offense without you knowing it.

 

Do I have to complete the entire probation time?

Do I have to complete the entire probation time?

Unless there was an agreement with the state ahead of time stating that you would have to go through the entire probationary period, many judges are willing to consider having your probation terminated early after you've served at least half of your probationary time as long as you've completed all the conditions of your probation. Sometimes if you complete your probation early, even if it isn't the halfway point, some judges and even prosecutors will consider terminating your probation early. You need to speak to an experienced attorney to determine whether or not you qualify for that.

 

How can I clear my criminal record in Florida?

How can I clear my criminal record in Florida?

It depends on whether you have a prior criminal record or not. It depends on whether you entered a plea, or your charges were dismissed. If you are convicted of any criminal offense in Florida, there is probably nothing you can do about it. You'll need to consult an attorney who can look at your specific case and tell you whether or not you're eligible to have your record sealed or expunged.

 

What do I do if there is a warrant out for my arrest in Florida?

What do I do if there is a warrant out for my arrest in Florida?

It's important to immediately contact experienced local counsel. They can reach out to the State; they can also determine whether or not we can surrender. You have the bond reduced, maybe even have the warrant recalled depending upon how old it is. In any event, it's important to have an attorney walk you through that process.

 

What should I do if I get a call that a loved one has been arrested?

What should I do if I get a call that a loved one has been arrested?

You need to immediately call local counsel who can explain to you what type of charge it is, whether there was a bond, whether you can post bond, and what they're looking at. Most importantly, you need to set an appointment with an attorney right away because that first part is what's most important, the filing decision by the state. You want to get a lawyer who's going to get in there and help the state make the right decision. You also want to make sure to tell your loved one to not speak with anybody without having an attorney present.

 

Why should I consider hiring you?

Why should I consider hiring you?

I have been in Daytona Beach in Volusia County my entire life. I've practiced in Volusia County in Daytona Beach for 35 years. Five years as a prosecutor, 30 years as a defense lawyer. My assistant has worked with me for 30 years. Unfortunately, that means she can find me no matter where I am. So, you will always get to talk to me. And I will be the one handling your case. You're not going to hire an AV rated lawyer with my experience and then get calls from an associate with two years or experience. We're responding to our clients constantly. We give them answers. And I will create as many options for you as possible, and I will explain those options to you until you understand them.

 

What would your past clients say about you?

What would your past clients say about you?

They'll say that I communicated with them, I answered their questions whenever they called, I made myself available whenever they had questions and concerns. We provide great service. Even my assistant Patty, who's been with me 30 years, always knows where to find me, and my clients get to speak with me whenever they need to. And I think they've felt comfortable and satisfied with the results.

 

What makes working with you different than other lawyers?

What makes working with you different than other lawyers?

Experience and communication. I've been practicing for 35 years. I was a prosecutor for five years. I've been doing criminal defense for 30 years. I've made it my career to make sure my clients understand the process, understand what they're facing. I will explain all the options to them. They can call me, and I'll return their calls. I think those are vital in a representation of a client.