People from all walks of life can end up in difficult predicaments. Some people may have stereotypical ideas of what someone with a drug addiction is like, but really, addiction could affect anyone. Unfortunately, you may have a loved one who is struggling with a heroin addiction.
Because you love this person, you undoubtedly want to do what you can to help him or her get back on track. You may have provided information on treatment centers, stopped enabling the habit and listened when your loved one needed help. Now, however, you may wonder what to do, as the police recently took your loved one into custody.
Heroin charges
Unfortunately, charges for heroin-related crimes can come with steep penalties if a conviction comes about. You certainly want to help your loved one handle his or her case, but because you have not been in this situation yourself, you may not know what to do. First, you may need information on the charges he or she is facing, such as:
- If the court has charged your loved one with possession of heroin, it is a third-degree felony charge, and if convicted, penalties of up to five years in prison, driver’s license suspension and fines of up to $5,000 are possible.
- If charges for the sale of heroin apply, your loved one faces a second-degree felony, and the court could hand down a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, driver’s license suspension and probation up to 15 years.
- In the event that authorities charge your loved one with drug trafficking, serious consequences could result after a conviction, like three years in prison and a $50,000 fine for four grams or more of heroin, or life in prison and a $500,000 fine for 30 kilograms or more.
The idea of your loved one facing such penalties undoubtedly has you rattled. You may know that he or she is a good person who has ended up in a difficult spot. Though you may want to help, you likely do not have the necessary knowledge and experience to handle your loved one’s criminal case. As a result, contacting a Florida attorney may be wise. This legal professional could help your loved one find the best defense options for his or her ordeal.
