Facing drug possession charges in Florida is a serious matter, regardless of the circumstances. Florida has some of the strictest drug possession laws in the country, which can make defending yourself a big challenge. Fortunately, you don’t have to represent yourself during a drug possession case. Instead, it’s highly advised to consult with an Orlando drug possession lawyer.
The Kirlew Law Firm has years of experience navigating drug possession cases, so we’re familiar with Florida’s drug laws and, more importantly, how to navigate them when building a defense against drug charges. To top it off, we have experience handling drug cases in federal court, too. While the majority of simple possession cases are likely to stay at the state level, you can count on us to be ready to continue fighting if things escalate.
Florida has some of the toughest laws in the nation regarding drug crimes, which can lead offenders caught with a relatively small quantity of illegal substances to face serious charges. That’s why it’s pertinent to understand Florida’s drug possession laws and the nature of the charges being brought against you.
As of August, the FBI has reported 21,818 drug crimes in Florida in 2025. In a single year, there were 3,119 new commitments to prison for drug-related crimes in Florida. Of those cases, 51 came from Orange County.
Fentanyl is considered to be one of the most dangerous drugs circulating on the market due to its high potency. It can be 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin, and the dosage is just one microgram. Additionally, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has identified 15 other deadly compounds that are related to fentanyl.
This is just one of many drugs that state and federal law enforcement personnel are trying to get control over. Between their combined efforts, there has been a notable decrease in drug crimes in Florida in recent years. Even so, it made up for over one-third of all crimes reported across the state in 2023. Moreover, they made up for 31.6 percent of federal crimes in Florida.
You may be tempted to cut corners and represent yourself in a drug possession case, but this is not advised. For starters, Florida’s drug possession laws are strict, and you can expect to face serious penalties if convicted. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand your charges and present the strongest legal options for getting your sentence reduced or dropped altogether.
The Kirlew Law Firm offers client-focused representation to every client who walks through its doors. We have experience working against both state and federal prosecutors, and we’re ready to put our knowledge to work for you. In the past, we’ve successfully handled:
No matter the nature of your charges, you can count on our team to be by your side until the end. With diverse experience representing clients through all types of charges, we’re confident we can come up with a personalized strategy to strengthen your defense.
Drug possession can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. The Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act outlines drug classifications, penalties, and the thresholds for charges.
Whether a drug possession charge is a misdemeanor or a felony is likely going to depend on the type and schedule of the drug, the quantity involved, and your intent. The intent to sell is automatically a felony, no matter how much you have on you.
You’re not required to hire a drug possession lawyer if you’re facing charges in Florida. However, it is not recommended to represent yourself in a drug possession case. For starters, Florida has some of the strictest drug crime laws in the nation, which make it extremely challenging to fight against your charges without additional legal assistance.
Your lawyer can also launch their own investigation to try to invalidate the prosecution’s claims to get the case thrown out altogether.
The cost of hiring an Orlando drug possession lawyer can vary based on the details of your case. A simple drug possession case involving small quantities of a Schedule V drug is typically going to be less costly than a case seen in front of a federal judge that leads to drug trafficking charges. To get the most accurate estimate, set up an appointment and discuss your case in more detail with an Orlando drug possession attorney.
Drug crimes in Orlando, Florida are among those that are more likely to be escalated to the federal level, but charges like simple drug possession are not commonly brought before a federal court.
You’re most likely to be tried at the federal level for drug possession if you’re caught with a large quantity, you were crossing state lines, or you have some connection to a larger federal investigation.
Even a simple drug possession charge can change your life. You may think you have everything under control, but it can be worth meeting with an Orlando drug possession lawyer and having the extra assurance on your side. No matter the details of your case, you can turn to the legal team at The Kirlew Law Firm to help you through it.
Our team has years of experience navigating drug cases at the state and federal levels, so we’ve got you covered, regardless of the circumstances of your case. If you’re ready to learn more, contact the office to set up an initial consultation with a trusted member of our team today.