{"id":4222,"date":"2026-10-17T15:52:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T15:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patrickwilsonlaw.com\/resources\/cocaine-possession-defense-attorney\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:45:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:45:15","slug":"cocaine-possession-defense-attorney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patrickwilsonlaw.com\/resources\/cocaine-possession-defense-attorney\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Time Offender Defense Attorney in Miami"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Criminal Defense in Miami<\/p>

First-Time Offender Defense in Miami<\/h1>

Patrick David Wilson focuses on criminal defense for people facing a first charge, from Miami-Dade and Broward County to the Florida Keys. Your free first consultation is confidential and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Patrick David Wilson \u00b7 Published October 17, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Criminal Defense Focused on First-Time Offenders<\/h2>\n

Cocaine possession is a third-degree felony in Florida. The penalty you face depends on your facts, your record, and the law that applies to your case. This page explains how Florida defines possession, which penalties and side effects to ask about, how prosecutors try to prove the charge, and what options first-time offenders may have. Patrick Wilson Law, PLLC is a Miami criminal defense firm. It represents people charged across Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and the Florida Keys.<\/p>\n\n

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Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What Cocaine Possession Means Under Florida Law<\/h2>\n

Cocaine possession means having cocaine under your actual or constructive control without lawful authority. A violation is a third-degree felony.<\/p>\n

Actual possession is simple. The drugs are on your body, in your pocket, or in your hand. Constructive possession is harder.<\/p>\n

These charges often start with a traffic stop<\/a>, a vehicle search, or a party where several people were present. First-time arrests are common in these situations. So are cases involving licensed professionals and non-citizens, who face concerns beyond the courtroom.<\/p>\n

Penalties and Collateral Consequences to Understand Early<\/h2>\n

Criminal penalties are the sentence a court can impose. Collateral consequences are side effects that come from the case itself. Neither one is automatic. Each depends on the facts, the charge, your prior record, and applicable law.<\/p>\n

For a third-degree felony, the statutory maximum is up to five years in prison, depending on the facts of the case and applicable law. Probation and court costs may also apply, depending on the case.<\/p>\n

Two points deserve early attention:<\/p>\n