Consequences to a possession of a controlled substance offense can last several years and may result in a felony conviction. A convicted felon may face several life hurdles, like the inability to find stable housing or employment. In Florida, a convicted felon must register in the county they reside with the sheriff’s office to be photographed and finger printed pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 775.13.

Furthermore, if an individual is convicted of a drug conviction in Florida, they may lose their driver’s license for a minimum of two years.

Controlled substances can include doctor prescribed medications and street drugs.

Some examples of these drugs are:

• Cocaine; Heroin; Methamphetamines; Marijuana; Metabolic Steroids; Oxycodone
• Percocet; Codeine; Opium

Florida law has two meanings of possession, constructive and actual.

Actual possession means an individual had physical possession of the drug. This meaning can include:

• The drug was in his/her clothing
• The drug was on his/her body,
• The drug was in his/her hand.
• The drug was within his/her reach.

Constructive possession usually means an individual:

• Had the intent to possess the drug, and/or
• Was aware that the drug was in his/her presence,
• Had the ability to take control of the drug.