Florence Drug Crimes Lawyer

Experienced Florence Drug Crimes Attorney

Being accused of a drug crime can be devastating, and it’s easy to feel scared and overwhelmed about your future after being charged. That’s why it’s important to work with a skilled Florence drug crimes lawyer at The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC to receive targeted advice about your situation. They can work with you to either reduce your charges or maybe have them dismissed entirely. A lawyer can be a valuable ally to have on your side during a drug crime case.

Florence Drug Crime Law Firm

It’s our goal at The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, to provide effective legal representation for our clients. We are dedicated to providing open communication and helping our clients present themselves well both in and out of court. Our office is located in Florence, Alabama, but we have experience representing individuals in both Alabama and Tennessee. As a skilled criminal defense lawyer firm, we are committed to protecting your rights and providing strong legal support throughout your case.

What Are Drug Crimes?

There are a variety of types of drug crimes, each with different penalties. Most drug crimes are felony offenses, but depending on the specific drug and the context of the situation, certain crimes might be misdemeanors. Drug crimes include the following:

• Possession. Even being in possession of most drugs can result in a felony in Alabama, with the exception of marijuana intended only for personal use, which is a misdemeanor. If someone has large amounts of certain drugs, the court might even determine that this indicates they were intending to sell them, leading to increased charges.
• Distribution. If someone is trying to sell or distribute drugs, they can be charged with drug distribution. These charges can be heightened if it can be proven that you tried to sell them to someone under 18 or close to a school or college. A college student defense lawyer can provide crucial assistance if you are a student facing serious drug distribution charges near a school or college.
• Manufacturing. There are two different types of charges for manufacturing drugs: first-degree and second-degree. If manufacturing drugs involved minors, weapons, or drug labs that were close to other buildings, like houses or businesses, first-degree charges are assigned. Less serious charges are usually second-degree, including actions like growing marijuana plants.
• Trafficking. These types of charges typically involve a larger amount of drugs than distribution charges and come with severe sentences. The specific amount found in order for trafficking to be charged depends on the type of drug.
• Sale, Manufacture, and Distribution of Consumable Hemp Products. A recent law passed in the state makes it illegal to sell or possess inhalable hemp products such as vapes or pre-rolls. Ingestible products such as THC edibles are limited by the amount of THC they contain and must be purchased in person at an ABC-licensed facility.

Alabama has strict and severe penalties for drug crimes, regardless of the specific crime committed. With minimum mandatory sentencing requirements, certain penalties are necessary if you are convicted of specific charges. The Florence, AL crime rate can influence the severity of charges and sentencing, making it important to seek the help of an experienced attorney who understands local laws and can guide you through the legal process.

Drug Crime Penalties and Laws

Alabama classifies controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Under Alabama Code § § 13A-12-211 and § 13A-12-212, drug crime laws differentiate between possession for personal use and possession with the intent to distribute. The severity of drug crime penalties depends on:

• The type of substance
• How much of the substance is involved
• Your prior criminal history

For instance, possession of a controlled substance is typically a Class D felony. Trafficking charges, however, carry mandatory minimum prison sentences that leave judges with little flexibility in sentencing.

Drugs remain a serious concern in Alabama. In a public health survey conducted in 2026, 47 out of 72 law enforcement respondents answered that fentanyl and other opioids were the greatest drug threat to the state.

The impact of these substances goes beyond legal concerns in terms of overdoses. From October 2024 to September 2025, there were 207 overdose-related deaths reported in the state. Even though this is down from 292 deaths recorded between October 2023 and September 2024, these figures still highlight the fact that this crisis impacts hundreds of families.

The Collateral Consequences of a Drug Conviction

Beyond the immediate legal penalties of jail time, fines, or mandatory rehabilitation programs, a drug conviction carries significant collateral consequences that can alter the trajectory of your life for years to come. In Alabama, a criminal record is more than just a legal mark. It’s a barrier that can affect your ability to:

• Secure stable housing
• Obtain professional licenses
• Pursue higher education opportunities

Employers often conduct thorough background checks, and having a felony drug charge on your record may lead to immediate disqualification from many job roles, regardless of your qualifications or character. Furthermore, a conviction can influence your rights to participate in certain social benefits or custody arrangements involving your children.

Protecting your future requires more than just focusing on the current case. It demands a strategic defense aimed at mitigating these long-term impacts, making sure that one single, difficult chapter does not ever dictate the entire story of your life.

Do I Need an Attorney if I’ve Been Charged with a Drug Crime?

One of the most important things to do when being accused of a drug crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help with many different aspects of a drug crime case, including:

• Gathering evidence to prove that you were a victim of police misconduct or that you didn’t know about the drugs you allegedly possessed, distributed, or trafficked
• Finding errors or weak spots in the prosecution’s case to lessen the probability that they can prove your charges beyond a reasonable doubt
• Informing you of appropriate options for your case, including settling out of court, a trial, or completing a rehabilitation course to avoid jail time
• Helping you speak to police officers and other individuals surrounding your case so that you properly represent yourself

Working with a criminal defense attorney with experience in drug crimes can help you fight for your rights before and during a trial. They might even be able to help with an appeal if that is necessary for your case. Additionally, a skilled gun crimes lawyer can provide expert guidance if your case involves firearms-related charges and protection of your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Hire a Drug Crimes Lawyer

A proactive defense begins with a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest in Florence or the surrounding communities. For instance, the Florence drug crimes attorney handling your case may examine whether police respected your constitutional rights during searches and seizures. They may also check whether or not evidence was obtained through an illegal traffic stop or an invalid search warrant to get evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.

It can benefit you to hire a drug crimes lawyer from a local office, like The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC. Our attorney provides the benefit of familiarity with the Lauderdale County Courthouse on South Court Street in Florence and the individuals working within it.

We evaluate options such as drug court or pretrial diversion programs in Florence and Lauderdale County, which prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration for eligible individuals. By focusing on the specific facts of your case, we work toward a resolution that can mitigate the impact on your employment and family life.

FAQs

Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Alabama?

First-time drug offenders could go to jail in Alabama, but it is unlikely for a charge like simple possession without a prior criminal record. In many cases, a judge might not sentence someone to jail time if they are a first-time offender. There are also pre-trial diversion programs offered in Lauderdale County under Alabama Code 45-39-82.01. Successful completion of these programs could result in not being convicted of a first-time drug charge.

How Do You Beat a Possession Charge in Alabama?

To beat a possession charge in Alabama, there are several defense strategies that attorneys can use, depending on the exact circumstances of the case. For example, an attorney can claim that you did not know that a certain drug was in your possession. It might also be possible to have charges dismissed if a search or traffic stop was conducted illegally. For more information on specific defense strategies for your case, speak to a Florence drug crimes lawyer.

What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking in Alabama?

In Alabama, the mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking could be three years to a life sentence, depending on the type of drug involved and the amount of drugs involved. Under Alabama Code 13A-12-232, offenders are required to serve the mandatory minimum time in prison. Because these charges are associated with amounts rather than intention, certain individuals might face trafficking charges even if they did not intend to sell drugs.

Is Possession of Drugs a Felony in Alabama?

In most cases, possessing drugs in Alabama results in felony charges. If the drug is marijuana and is only for personal use, the charges are usually a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors for drug possession can also be charged if drug paraphernalia for use or administering drugs is found. In some cases, first-time offenders might be able to avoid jail time by completing pretrial diversion programs.

Contact Our Florence Drug Crime Law Firm to Get Help With Drug Crimes Cases

A drug crime can have serious repercussions on your life and your criminal record. It can also impact the time you can spend with family, friends, and loved ones. That’s why it is so important to talk to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible when charged with a drug crime. If you or a loved one has been recently accused of a drug crime, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, today to learn more about your options.

Florence, AL Related Drug Crimes Resources:

• What to Do If You Are Arrested in Alabama

Florence, AL Drug Crimes Legal Resources

• Lauderdale County Circuit Court (11th Judicial Circuit) – Case Search & Circuit Clerk’s Office Information
• Alacourt Access – Alabama Statewide Trial and Criminal Court Records Search
• Alabama Administrative Office of Courts – Court Referral Officer & Accountability (Drug) Court Program Information
• Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles – Supervision & Post-Conviction Information