Experienced Florida Lawyer Defends Clients Against Drug Charges

Orlando attorney well-versed in drug trafficking cases

Florida state and federal law enforcement authorities treat drugs offenses very seriously, especially, because the state is a favored route for drug trafficking from overseas. If you are arrested on drug charges, you need capable defense counsel to protect your rights and work towards the best possible resolution of your case. In Orlando and vicinity, The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. will challenge the case against you, including any law enforcement actions that may have violated your constitutional rights. Mr. Yates works towards positive outcomes, which can include dismissal of charges, admission to a diversion program, probation, or lenient sentencing. When justice requires taking the case to trial, he draws on 27 years of courtroom experience to fight aggressively on your behalf.

Lawyer knowledgeable in Florida drug laws

Mr. Yates provides clients with the professional representation they need when charged with:

  • Possession of illegal drugs, as well as the unlawful possession of legal drugs such as prescription medications
  • Sale of illegal drugs and the unlawful sale of prescription drugs
  • Trafficking, which includes manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs as well as possession of large quantities

The drug laws in Florida are extremely severe. All Florida drug offenses result in driver license suspensions upon formal conviction. Facing these charges demands the skill and attention of an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney like Mr. Yates.

Understanding the Florida drug schedules

Florida Statutes §893.03 categorizes illicit drugs, known as controlled dangerous substances, according to the following schedules, depending on their health risks and potential for abuse:

  • Schedule I — Heroin and LSD are among the types of drugs that have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. .
  • Schedule II — Cocaine, methamphetamine, morphine, PCP, and Fentanyl are in this group. They have some accepted medical use but also a high potential for abuse and also for psychic and physical dependence. .
  • Schedule III — Anabolic steroids are examples of drugs with an accepted medical use and with less potential for abuse, though they may lead to low or moderate physical dependence and high psychological dependence.
  • Schedule IV —Valium, Xanax and other tranquilizers have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs and their abuse may lead to limited psychological and physical dependence.
  • Schedule V — This category includes prescription medicines that contain small amounts of narcotics. They have the least potential for abuse and have a limited risk of physical or psychological dependence. .

Marijuana was once a Schedule I drug but now is regulated under its own statute. Possession of small amounts of marijuana for medicinal use may be permitted. However, persons without prescriptions can be criminally charged.

State penalties for possession of controlled dangerous substances

The penalties for possessing, selling or distributing a controlled dangerous substance in Florida can be severe:

  • Marijuana — Except for permitted medicinal use, possession of less than 20 grams is a first degree misdemeanor calling for up to 1 year jail and a $1,000 fine. You can also lose your driver’s license for up to two years. Possession of more than 20 ounces is a felony, with penalties ranging from three to 15 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.
  • Schedule I drug — Possession of more than 10 grams of any Schedule I drug is a first degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
  • Schedules II through V — Possession of any other controlled dangerous substances is a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Drug trafficking, a first degree felony, draws the highest penalties, with prison terms ranging to a maximum of thirty years.

Contact our Orlando office after your drug arrest for a consultation

When facing drug charges, get the criminal defense you deserve. The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates is ready to discuss your case. Call 407-608-7777 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

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Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

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  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

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  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

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  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

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Ratings & Reviews

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
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    — Louis .Tsantes

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
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    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
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    — Farrell Gordon

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    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
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    — Brenden McDaniels

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    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
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    — Leah