Tampa Bay Drug Crimes Attorney

An arrest for a drug offense in Florida typically means felony charges and the possibility of prison. With your freedom at stake and many other consequences upon conviction, you will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to attack the prosecution's case.

Ask for Ray C. Lopez at (813) 221-4455 for your free, confidential consultation if you or a family member were arrested on suspicion of a drug crime. Phones answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Se Habla Español.

Experienced Defense for all Drug Charges

Located in Tampa, Florida, we represent clients throughout the Greater Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida in state and federal drug offenses, including:

• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine, meth, heroin, club drugs)
• Possessing legal narcotics without a valid prescription
• Drug Trafficking
• Sale or distribution
• Federal drug crimes (trafficking, importing, conspiracy)

Possession penalties depend on the type of drug, amount, and any criminal history. A small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor, while possessing even one gram of methamphetamine or cocaine is a felony. Ray Lopez is often able to secure diversion programs for certain first-time offenders, avoiding jail or prison and even keeping a criminal conviction off your record. In more serious drug charges, his familiarity with the system often results in a favorable plea agreement or the minimum penalties possible under applicable laws.

A Former Prosecutor on Your Side

With his background and 17-year career in criminal law, he is uniquely qualified to protect your Constitutional rights and mount a vigorous defense. Clients have the advantage of Ray Lopez's insights as a former Hillsborough County assistant state attorney and Tampa Police Department attorney. He can analyze the facts from a prosecutor's perspective to find the weaknesses and develop effective strategies.

Ray Lopez can credibly challenge the prosecution's case on the basis of lack of probable cause for traffic stops, illegal search and seizure techniques by police, credibility of informants, witness accounts, and evidence tying the drugs to you personally. He has succeeded in pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charges outright, based on mistakes by police in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights.

Federal Drug Offenses: Aggressive Defense for Serious Charges

Federal crimes comprise an important portion of our practice. Ray Lopez has defended against federal prosecutions for RICO Act conspiracy and drug trafficking, which carry mandatory minimum sentences. As an example, he successfully defended the first federal prosecution of "Operation Panama Express" by obtaining for his clients a rare judgment of acquittal. This trial was one of a series that lasted over 5 years, linking Colombian sailors to drug cartels. These sailors had been seized and arrested on the high seas by the United States military.

Fighting Forfeiture

If police or federal agents confiscated your possessions or money in the investigation of an alleged crime, Ray Lopez has the background in forfeiture law to attempt to get your seized property back.

"I Want the Law on My Side!"

Police and prosecutors have considerable resources and increasing leeway to intrude on your rights in the "War on Drugs." Contact Ray Lopez to aggressively respond to the charges and secure the best possible outcome. You can call us day or night at (813) 221-4455 for a free consultation. Se Habla Español.