Tampa Drug Possession Lawyer

Stechschulte Nell is led by lead attorney and firm founder Ben Stechschulte, who is a board-certified criminal defense attorney that understands how the other side operates. He and his team represent clients who have been arrested or charged with a crime. If you are looking for one of the best defense law firms in the Tampa area, your search can stop here. We are prepared to defend you against any criminal accusation, whether that is a petty misdemeanor or capital felony. Our Tampa drug possession lawyer knows that your future and freedom may be on the line. It is our primary motivation to protect you. Please do not delay in recruiting help from a legal team. The sooner we begin working on your defense, the better.

Florida Drug Possession Charges

Our drug possession attorney is well aware that the drug laws for the state of Florida are some of the harshest across the country. Possessing a controlled substance can be punishable as a third-degree felony. This can carry a prison term of up to five years along with costly monetary fines. As our Tampa drug possession lawyer explains, there are two types of drug possession charges: actual possession and constructive possession.

Actual possession happens when an officer finds drugs on you. Whether you are the owner of the drug is not relevant for the charge. But for the officer to have stopped you, there must have been reasonable suspicion that you were about to commit, or had committed, a crime. If the arresting officer did not have probable cause to do a search, then our drug possession attorney may be able to get the charges dismissed.

Constructive possession is when drugs were not found on you, but were located in a common area. And that you knew the drugs were in this location and had the ability to utilize control over them. So for instance, you may be charged with constructive possession if you were just a passenger in a vehicle where drugs were found in the trunk or glove compartment. Our drug possession attorney knows that for the prosecution to be successful in this charge, they must prove the following:

• You knew that the controlled substance was present where police found them
• You knew that the controlled substance was against the law
• You had control and dominion over the controlled substance

Contact Us At Stechschulte Nell Today

At Stechschulte Nell, we know that the situation you are going through can be stressful, as you worry about what may come. Not every attorney is equipped to handle criminal defenses. After we learn more about what has happened, we can quickly get to work on your defense strategy. You do not have to deal with a criminal case alone. We are powerful allies for clients who are in need of protection. Please do not risk your freedom and future. Contact our Tampa drug possession lawyer today so we can start working relentlessly for your benefit. We are prepared to begin now.

Types Of Drug Possession Cases We Handle

Facing a drug possession charge can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what the future holds. At Stechschulte Nell, we’re here to provide support and reliable representation. We work with individuals across a wide range of drug-related cases and understand that each situation involves its own facts, substances, and legal circumstances. As a Tampa, FL drug possession lawyer, we bring experience in courtroom strategy and case preparation to protect our clients’ rights at every stage.

Simple Possession Charges

We regularly handle simple possession cases involving controlled substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and prescription medications without a valid prescription. These charges often stem from a small amount of drugs found on a person or in a vehicle. While they may appear minor, the consequences can include jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Our approach focuses on identifying any search and seizure issues or procedural errors that can influence the outcome of the case.

Possession With Intent To Distribute

Some cases involve larger quantities of a drug or other indicators such as packaging materials, cash, or digital evidence suggesting that the drugs were not for personal use. These factors can lead to more serious charges like possession with intent to distribute. These cases tend to carry stiffer penalties, and we know how to examine the evidence critically. Our team reviews police conduct and aims to challenge any assumptions made by law enforcement based on quantity alone.

Constructive Possession Cases

In situations where drugs are not found directly on a person but rather in a shared space—such as a car, home, or apartment—prosecutors may rely on the theory of constructive possession. This means they must prove a person had control over the substance and knowledge it was present. These cases often rest on circumstantial evidence, and we carefully analyze every detail to dispute the connection between our client and the drugs.

Juvenile Possession Offenses

Young people charged with possession can face serious consequences that impact their education and future employment. We represent minors in both juvenile and adult courts, depending on how their case is charged. Our focus is on minimizing the long-term effects of the charge and looking for resolutions that emphasize rehabilitation over punishment.

Prescription Drug Possession

We also work with clients charged with illegal possession of prescription medications such as OxyContin, Xanax, Adderall, and others. These cases may involve a lack of valid documentation or allegations of using someone else’s prescription. We look into the origin of the prescription, any misunderstandings, and the legitimacy of the search that led to the arrest.

Possession Within Drug-Free Zones

Possession charges that occur near schools, parks, or daycare centers can trigger enhanced penalties due to drug-free zone laws. These enhancements are often automatic and don’t always reflect the individual’s intent. In these cases, we investigate whether the enhanced charge was applied correctly and examine the geographic location relative to the statute.

We understand that drug possession cases affect every part of a person’s life—home, work, and future goals. Whether you’re facing your first charge or have prior offenses, we’re here to advocate for your rights and offer legal guidance backed by experience and care. If you’re in need of defense, reach out to Stechschulte Nell today and let us help you take the next step toward resolution.