Medical marijuana has just been granted approval to appear on the ballot in Florida for 2014 – but it’s not legal yet. That means that no matter what, if you’re caught in possession of marijuana in FL, you’re likely to get arrested and face criminal charges.
If you find yourself charged with drug possession, DUI, or other felony or misdemeanor offenses, Thompson Law, P.A. can help. Attorney Matt Thompson has been a lawyer in Volusia County for almost 10 years, offering a solid criminal defense strategy and aggressive and thoughtful representation for each and every client. Early in his legal career Matt was a prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office in DeLand, FL, and he now brings knowledge of both sides of the law act in your defense.
Three Things to Remember if You’re Arrested for Drug Possession or DUIDon’t run away, and be polite - This goes without saying, but if you’re stopped by the police for any reason—you should remain on the scene and act appropriately. Getting pulled over (especially if you’ve been drinking or are in possession of a controlled substance)can be scary, and you may not have all of your faculties about you—just know that doing anything other than remaining calm, polite, and present at the scene is a bad idea. Criminal cases are decided partially on individual circumstances, and your actions upon your arrest could come in to play in any subsequent hearing or trial.
Be mindful of your rights - You’ve heard the words a thousand times in every crime show or police movie: “You have the right to remain silent…you have the right to an attorney…” If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of having these words spoken to you by a police officer, PAY ATTENTION. The Miranda warning applies to your 5th Amendment rights against self-incrimination, but it is up to YOU to uphold these rights. If you continue to speak after your rights have been read, or refrain from asking to have an attorney present during questioning, you run the risk of waiving your Miranda rights.
Hire an attorney - Even if you think you have a strong case, unless you have knowledge of the U.S. justice system, Florida statutes and a background in criminal law—chances are you will have a difficult time ensuring that your case receives the best possible outcome. An arrest and conviction for drug possession or DUI can seriously impact your life. Even if the jail time you receive is minimal, it is a charge that will remain on your record and affect your life for years to come. You owe it to yourself to do everything you can to ensure that you receive adequate criminal defense representation to minimize the impression that a bad decision can have on your life, your career, your family, and your future.
Attorney Matt Thompson represents clients throughout Central Florida, including Daytona Beach, DeLand, Sanford, and Lake Mary. If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal felony or misdemeanor offense, Contact Thompson Law, P.A. to schedule a free consultation today.