Drug Possession

Published on: October 22, 2013

Manatee County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Bradenton Man Arrested after Leading Police on Slow-Speed Chase

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Manatee County man was arrested shortly before 2:00 p.m. Thursday after Bradenton police claim he lead them on an unusual “leisurely” car chase.

The slow-speed car chase, described by police as “like the movie, ‘Driving Miss Daisy,'” took about 15 minutes to resolve in a serpentine loop around the 1700 block of 14th Street West.

The chase started shortly after a BPD officer saw the 24-year-old man drive by as he was patrolling the intersection of 21st Avenue West and 13th Street West on foot.

The officer apparently noted that the man was wanted on a warrant and called headquarters as another officer attempted to pull the man and his 24-year-old passenger over.

Police claim that the man failed to pull over even after seeing the flashing lights provide by the cop car. He allegedly continued driving through neighborhood streets, obeying stop signs and lights.

The man finally hit a dead end in the 3600 block of 18th Street West. A total of six officers were traveling around the chase, including a K-9 unit.

Upon reaching the dead end, the man apparently got out of the car and put his hands up.

His warrant was for failure to pay child support, but now he will be charged with a slow-speed chase, according to police.

The man faces charges of fleeing to elude, resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license and not paying child support. He was being held at Manatee County jail with bail set at $2,610.

The 24-year-old passenger has pending charged of possession of narcotics. He was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment following the chase.

Under Florida Statutes, it is considered a third-degree felony for any driver to fail to stop after he or she has knowledge of being ordered to stop by a law enforcement officer. Fleeing or attempting to elude police is punishable by up to five years in prison, and if convicted of this offense, the court will revoke the driver’s license for 1 to 5 years. If you have been charged with this serious criminal offense, you must act fast and contact a criminal defense lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected. Prosecuting attorneys with the State Attorney’s Office in Manatee County take charges of this nature quite seriously and will seek maximum penalties. That is why these charges must not be taken lightly. In order to avoid an unfortunate outcome, you must prepare the strongest possible defense.

Published on: October 9, 2013

Collier & Lee County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Southwest Florida Couple Arrested for Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A joint investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Ft. Myers Regional Operations Center and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in August resulted in the arrest of a Collier County Corrections Corporal and his wife on numerous charges of prescription drug offenses.

Agents arrested the 44-year-old Fort Myers woman on 23 counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud and two counts of principal in the first degree for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Her husband, a 29-year-old Correctional Corporal for the
Collier County Sheriff’s Office was arrested on two counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud and two counts of principal in the first degree for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

The investigation apparently began in January 2012 after the FDLE received information from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office that the alleged suspects were fraudulently obtaining numerous controlled substances at pharmacies in Lee and Collier counties.

Police claim that the woman fraudulently called in prescriptions and/or refills for Xanax, Vicodin and Ambien into various pharmacies for herself and her husband while she was employed at Advanced Medical Center in Naples.

The woman was booked into the Lee County Jail while her husband was booked into the Collier County Jail.

Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud is a third-degree felony in Florida. Fraudulently obtaining medical prescriptions can carry very serious consequences, including multiple years in prison. In order to prove this crime, prosecutors in the state of Florida must prove that the controlled substances were obtained through misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge.

There are many ways to fraudulently obtain medical prescriptions, some of which include:

• Falsifying Prescriptions
• Altering Prescriptions
• Counterfeiting Prescriptions
• Impersonating a Doctor
• Stealing Blank Prescription Pads
• Using One Prescription to Obtain Multiple Refills
• Visiting Multiple Doctors for Medical Prescriptions, also known as “Doctor Shopping”

Published on: October 2, 2013

Hardee County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Hardee Junior High Teacher Arrested for Smoking Pot on Campus

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Anytime a public or private school teacher is arrested for a criminal offense, such as a drug crime, he or she could face consequences that not only affect their personal life, but their future careers in education as well. A Hardee County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help all certified educators fight any criminal charge in Bowling Green, Wauchula, Zolfo Springs and the surrounding areas.

Recently, a Hardee County Junior High teacher was arrested after she was allegedly caught smoking marijuana on campus.

According to a Hardee County Sheriff’s report, an anonymous tipster clued officials in that the 26-year-old teacher had marijuana inside her car that was parked at the school.

A K9 narcotics dog was brought to the parking lot and apparently sniffed out the scent and led detectives to the woman’s car. A search of her vehicle allegedly revealed marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

According to deputies, she was arrested at the school and transported to the Hardee County Jail.

The most common criminal charges filed against teachers and educators in Hardee County include:

• Possession of Marijuana
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Driving on a Suspended License (DWLS)
• Petit Theft
• Disorderly Conduct
• Domestic Violence
• Battery
• Resisting an Officer without Violence
If you are a teacher or certified educator that has been arrested for a crime in Hardee County, the Florida Department of Education will send you written notice of a preliminary investigation once a case has been opened against you. This letter will explain the criminal allegations against you, whether charges were filed and the date the alleged criminal misconduct occurred. Additionally, the letter will explain that if the allegations are substantiated disciplinary action could be taken. This could mean permanent revocation of your teaching certificate. However, there are certain steps that you can take during the preliminary investigation phase that can help you combat any allegations of misconduct.

Published on: September 18, 2013

Hendry County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: LaBelle Man Held with No Bond After 17 Pounds of Marijuana Found

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 24-year-old LaBelle man was arrested and held without bond last month after members of the Hendry County Narcotics Unit conducted a controlled delivery of a package suspected of containing marijuana at the man’s North LaBelle home.

Posing as a parcel serviceman, an undercover narcotics investigator delivered the package to the man’s home, which he apparently rents.

Narcotics Investigators claim that after a short period of time they witnessed the man driving a white Jeep and pull into the driveway of the home.

The man allegedly picked up the package and carried it inside the home. About 15 minutes later a guest apparently arrived at the home and the man stepped outside to speak with the person. Investigators then arrested the man inside the home.

Once inside the home, investigators searched the premises and allegedly found approximately 17 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of $17,000.00, inside a red duffle bag.

The man was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell and Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams. He is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail without bond.

While some states have legalized the simple possession of marijuana, this remains a criminal offense in Florida. Any person accused of possession with the intent to sell or distribute will face felony charges in Florida that can include penalties as high 30 years in prison. Possession with intent to sell is a much more serious offense than just a simple possession charge as it involves a larger quantity of drugs.

When investigators believe that a person is in possession of drugs with the intent to sell or distribute, they do not have to actually prove that any drugs were sold. In fact, all they have to demonstrate is that the person intended to sell the drugs in his or her possession. There are certain factors that investigators will look at when determining whether or not to charge someone with possession with intent to sell, including:

• The amount of drugs in the person’s possession
• The amount of cash a person has on them
• How the drugs are packed (Generally, law enforcement presumes a person intends to sell drugs if the drugs are individually packaged.)

Published on: September 12, 2013

Florida Criminal Defense Attorney :: Two Florida Residents Accused of Hiding Crack Pipes in Their Bodies

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two Floridians were caught hiding crack pipes in their bodies last month after police arrested a man and woman in two separate incidents, according to authorities with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

On Aug. 16, a 46-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly swallowed a crack pipe. Fort Pierce police claim jail X-rays confirm the allegations. The man had previously been arrested for possession of crack cocaine on Aug. 1.

Authorities claim that when they confronted the man, he attempted to throw something under a car and then tried hiding something underneath his hat. Police confiscated what was in his hat, which according to the arrest report, tested positive for crack cocaine.

The man was arrested and taken to the St. Lucie County jail. He apparently told authorities he was not hiding any illicit drugs on his person.

However, the police report states that an X-ray showed a crack pipe lodged in the man’s stomach horizontally. The man was taken to the hospital to have the pipe removed.

It is unknown at this time whether or not the man has enlisted the help of an attorney. It should be noted that prosecutors in St. Lucie County take drug charges quite seriously. It is a crime to be in possession of any illegal controlled substances such as cocaine, marijuana, LSD, heroin and methamphetamine. Drug possession laws vary based upon the type of drug and the amount found on the person. Being found in possession of small amounts of a drug may result in “simple” possession charges, whereas being found in possession of large quantities can lead to charges related to drugs sales and distribution.

If you or someone you care for has been arrested on drug charges in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, the Village of St. Lucie or the surrounding area, a St. Lucie County Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can possibly help you avoid a conviction. For a free consultation, contact us today online or call 561-367-8777 to discuss your charges.

In a separate incident on Aug. 14, jail officials conducting a strip search of a Vero Beach woman apparently found a cocaine pipe hidden in the woman’s vagina, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

The 30-year-old was arrested after officers responded to a trespassing complaint at a local Walgreens.

She allegedly told officers she did not have any drugs on her person, but authorities
claim the strip search showed otherwise.

It is not immediately clear if the woman has an attorney. However, it is important to note that Florida drug possession laws also prohibit possessing drug paraphernalia such as crack pipes, syringes and even bongs. This crime can be charged on its own, but usually accompanies other drug possession or drug sale charges. Drug paraphernalia is classified as anything that can be used to help inject, ingest or inhale an illegal drug into the body. In Florida, possession of drug paraphernalia is a first-degree misdemeanor. Even though this crime is not a felony offense, it still carries very serious ramifications, including up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000. Additionally, the stigma attached to a conviction of this nature can follow you around for the rest of your life making it difficult to find suitable employment and housing.

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores or the surrounding areas, an Indian River County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help. Contact us today online or call 561-367-8777 to schedule a meeting for a free case evaluation.

Published on: August 2, 2013

Seminole County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: 11 Arrested in Altamonte Springs Drug Crackdown

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Altamonte Springs Police Department netted 11 arrests after conducting a three week undercover drug bust at the Remington Inn and Suites.

Detectives claim that multiple, large scale drug purchases were made from various suspects at hotel’s location over the course of the sting operation.

Police arrested 11 different people between Friday and Tuesday, and they expect additional arrests to be made within the next few days.

A 33-year-old man was charged with trafficking opiates, the sale of marijuana, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and violation of probation.

Another man, 28, was charged with the sale of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

A 29-year-old man was charged with the sale of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of marijuana under 20 grams and possession of paraphernalia.

A woman, 27, was charged with the sale of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

A 44-year-old man was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

A 52-year-old woman was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

A man, 49, was charged with the sale of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

A 25-year-old man was charged with the sale of marijuana.

A man, 39, was charged with the sale of crack cocaine.

An 18-year-old was charged with the sale of marijuana.

A 21-year-old male was charged with the sale of barbiturate or Xanax.

If you believe you are under investigation for a drug crime, or if you have already been formally charged, it is vital to the success of your case to seek representation from a criminal defense lawyer right away. A criminal defense attorney can be a huge help during the investigation phase of your criminal matter, so it is best to protect your rights and act fast. By hiring an attorney early on in your arrest, you may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed entirely. A Seminole County Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can provide you with an aggressive defense for the following drug offenses:

• Cultivation
• Distribution
• Importation
• Juvenile Drug Crimes
• Manufacturing
• Possession
• Possession for Sale
• Sale or Distribution
• Trafficking
• Transportation

Published on: July 10, 2012

Two Homosassa Men Charged with Intent to Manufacture Meth :: Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two Citrus County men were arrested Tuesday after Citrus County Sheriff’s deputies claim they purchased items consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Deputies arrested the men after allegedly witnessing them purchase lye, Ephedrine, fertilizer and camping fuel, which are the components known to be used in what is called one-pot meth manufacturing.

The men were stopped by a deputy on patrol after allegedly running a red light.

A K-9 deputy was called to sniff the vehicle. Police apparently uncovered camping fuel, lye, fertilizer and a pill bottle with baggies inside that tested positive for cocaine residue.

Both men were allegedly read their rights, but agreed to speak to law enforcement.

According to police, both men apparently admitted that they had not manufactured any methamphetamine, but intended to. Police claim one of the men told them he had recently lost his job and could not pay his electric bill, so the meth cook was a last-ditch effort to make some money.

After searching one of the men’s home, law enforcement officers allegedly uncovered chemicals and other paraphernalia including two syringes, a spoon and devices used to smoke spice, several marijuana seeds and trace amounts of marijuana.

Both men were arrested and transported to the Citrus County jail.

One of the men was charged with intent to manufacture meth, petit theft, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and listed chemicals intended to manufacture a controlled substance.

The other man was charged with intent to manufacture meth and possession of drug paraphernalia and listed chemicals intended to manufacture a controlled substance.

Both of their bonds were set at $151,250.

Methamphetamine, also called meth, speed or ice has become increasingly popular due to the fact that it is relatively easy to manufacture at homes or backyard meth labs using chemicals that are readily available and perfectly legal to buy. Since the chemicals and components to manufacture this drug are affordable and easy to come by, police have increased their efforts to arrest those suspected of possessing, distributing or manufacturing meth.

Methamphetamine charges carry severe consequences. Possessing 14 or more grams of methamphetamines, or the chemicals used to make meth is classified as felony trafficking in Florida. The penalties associated with a conviction can range from a minimum mandatory sentence of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine to 15 years behind bars and a $250,000 fine. There are numerous other factors that could increase the consequences related to a methamphetamine case, including the proximity to school property or other locations, the presence of firearms, past criminal convictions, and whether you face state or federal charges.

Because shutting down meth manufacturing operations has been the focus of law enforcement officers throughout the state of Florida in recent years, police may try and perform illegal searches in order to prosecute these crimes. The Florida Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can protect your rights and make sure that law enforcement officials followed the strict state and federal laws for collecting evidence in a meth raid. Drug crimes are incredibly complex in the state of Florida, so it is absolutely vital to have a criminal defense lawyer in your corner. At Whittel & Melton, we can guide you through this difficult experience and work with prosecutors to possibly have the charges against you reduced.

Published on: June 18, 2012

Central Florida Elementary School Principal Arrested in Undercover Drug Bust :: Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 43-year-old elementary school principal was arrested on drug charges Friday after deputies searched his St. Cloud home and allegedly found methamphetamine, marijuana, GHB and drug paraphernalia.

Authorities claim the arrest stems from an undercover sting operation.

The man allegedly provided an undercover agent with drugs, including methamphetamines.

He was charged with possession and delivery of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was transported to the Osceola County Jail.

State and federal prosecutors take drug charges quite seriously. They tend to show no mercy to those suspected of dealing drugs and usually seek heavy jail time for those facing delivery charges. On top of jail time, you could be facing the forfeiture of your home, vehicles and other property. The Florida Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can examine the events leading up to your arrest and review the search and seizure of your property to find any violations of police protocol. In many drug cases, illegal search and seizure has resulted in a suppression of evidence and charges being dismissed entirely.

Selling or distributing drugs in Florida is always a felony offense. The sentencing can vary based on the type of drug and other conditions. The potential penalties associated with a felony drug charge usually involve lengthy prison time and substantial fines. Law enforcement officers as well as prosecutors work vehemently towards obtaining a conviction in all areas of drug delivery or sales. Because of this, it is essential to launch an aggressive line of defense right away. Unfortunately, many people arrested for drug charges fail to secure a criminal defense lawyer’s help because they feel they cannot fight the charges stacked against them. However, a powerful defense strategy may be all that stands between you and your freedom.

The Florida Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton strive to reduce any penalties you may face as a result of drug charges. It is important to understand that early representation is critical to the success of your case.

Published on: April 2, 2012

Florida Illegal Prescription Drug Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Former San Diego Chargers Quarterback Ryan Leaf Accused of Breaking into Montana Home to Steal Drugs

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf was arrested Friday in his hometown of Great Falls, Montana following a month-long investigation regarding accusations he broke into an acquaintances home to steal pain medications.

He was been charged with burglary, possession of a dangerous drug and theft. He is currently free on $76,000 bail and is scheduled to make his first court appearance Monday.

In 2008, Leaf was accused of burglarizing a player’s home while he was a quarterbacks coach for Division II West Texas A&M. The investigation alleged he obtained nearly 1,000 pain pills from area pharmacies in an eight-month span. A plea agreement was reached leaving Leaf with 10 years’ probation.

According to reports, the prosecutor for that case plans to file a motion Monday to revoke Leaf’s probation following his Montana arrest.

The investigation apparently began when postal workers in Great Falls brought it to the police’s attention that Leaf was allegedly receiving c.o.d. packages once or twice a week worth $500 or more.

Police claim the packages were small, rattled and were sent from a Florida address apparently identified as a mailbox company. Police decided the activity was suspicious and decided to watch the man. Authorities apparently made the decision to confront the man after packages allegedly started arriving more frequently.

Leaf’s probation officer was told by police to call the man in. A search of Leaf and his truck allegedly revealed two prescription bottles in a pocket of a golf bag embroidered with the man’s initials.

Officers claim one unlabeled bottle contained 28 pills of oxycodone, which Leaf does not have a valid prescription for. Another bottle was allegedly found empty but its label indicated it was oxycodone prescribed for another person.

Police apparently interviewed the man and owner of the home Leaf is accused of breaking into, his live-in girlfriend and his housekeeper, and gathered that Leaf entered the house without permission on Thursday afternoon and took the man’s prescription drugs.

Leaf is accused of entering the man’s home Thursday, surprising the housekeeper and stealing the man’s prescribed medication.

The man allegedly discovered his pills to be missing Thursday evening and called Leaf to confront him, asking him to return the pills. The man claims Leaf did not return the pills.

A search of Leaf’s home did not yield any more painkillers or any evidence that he was receiving illegal prescriptions via mail.

Leaf allegedly told police that he had been receiving medication through the mail for which he has a prescription, but he did not provide proof.

Leaf had surgery last year to remove a benign tumor from his brain stem and later underwent additional radiation treatments.

Leaf could be looking at a prison sentence of longer than the 10-year probation term, should the Texas judge revoke his probation. Due to the plea deals agreed upon regarding Leaf’s drug charges in Texas — seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance — the judge could treat each count separately.

Some of these charges carry prison sentences up to 20 years.

If convicted of illegally possessing prescription drugs, you face a slew of consequences including expensive fines, prison time and a permanent criminal record. Unfortunately, prescription drugs are highly addictive and many people find themselves struggling with an addiction to pain killers following an injury or surgery. Once their prescription runs out, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal and resort to any means possible to feed their habit – even through illegal means.

The Florida Illegal Prescription Drug Attorneys at Whittel & Melton defend people facing prescription drug charges. In fact, we work together with medical experts and drug counselors in order to convey the addictive qualities found in prescription pills, in addition to their physiological and psychological impacts. Every case is unique and the court may take into consideration the distinct set of circumstances surrounding your case. Our attorneys will make certain the court fully understands your situation as well as the medical and psychological reasons that justify any possible abuse of prescription drugs.

Despite whether you are under investigation or have already been arrested, it is necessary to take the first step towards protecting your rights by contacting the Florida Drug Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton. As with all drug cases, there are various factors that must be discussed. Prosecutors are interested in getting you to talk or admit your guilt to avoid going to trial. Many times these plea deals promise less severe consequences than if you are convicted at trial. However, plea bargains are not always in your best interest. As trial attorneys, we can evaluate your case and any evidence against you to determine the best plan of attack.

Published on: February 24, 2012

Tampa Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Former Rays Outfielder Elijah Dukes Incarcerated Over Drug Charges

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes was arrested Thursday morning after he allegedly attempted to eat a plastic bag filled with marijuana and had a blunt tucked behind his ear.

The 27-year-old man was stopped by an officer around 1 a.m. for apparently committing a traffic violation.

Police claim that after they stopped Dukes, they noticed a small bag of marijuana sitting in his lap. He allegedly tried to stick the bag of marijuana in his mouth.
Police removed the bag from his mouth and placed the man under arrest. After taking the man into custody, police apparently noticed a blunt tucked behind his right ear.

Dukes was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail around 3:30 a.m. and was still being held Thursday morning.

He faces charges of tampering with physical evidence, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a cancelled, suspended or revoked license. In addition, he was also being held on two Hillsborough County warrants for driving with a suspended knowledge and operating with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

His bond was set at $4,750.

In the past year, Dukes has been arrested five times, mostly pertaining to charges of driving with a suspended, cancelled or revoked license.

He was accused of hitting his pregnant ex-girlfriend in March 2011.

Past arrests include contempt of court and failing to appear in a case where he owes an ex-wife child support and alimony.

Possession of Marijuana, also known as cannabis, pot or weed, can be a serious crime in Florida. The penalties associated with a possession of marijuana charge depend on the quantity you were arrested with. Possession of Less Than 20 Grams of Marijuana is known as “simple possession” of marijuana and is a misdemeanor offense that carries up to one year in county jail, probation, fines community service and random urine screenings. Additionally, a conviction for possession of marijuana can tarnish your record and make it difficult to find a job. It is also important to note that a conviction for a drug-related crime, including possession of marijuana, could result in a two year suspension of your Florida driver’s license.

If you have been charged with a drug possession crime anywhere in the state of Florida, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney right away to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Whether your possession case involves marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, prescription pills or any other controlled substance, the Florida Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can work on your side to aggressively defend your case. We are trial attorneys that stand ready to attack your charges in a courtroom, should that be necessary.

While it is important to be aware that the final outcome of your case is contingent upon the unique set of circumstances involved, the Florida Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton will demand that your legal rights are protected and fight for favorable results on your behalf. Depending on the facts associated with your drug case, our attorneys may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to have the charges stacked against you reduced or even dismissed entirely.