DUI Lawyer Punta Gorda Florida Richard Ruhl of Ruhl Law Group
Drug Law in Florida Contact Us:

4456 Tamiami Trail
Suite A-9
Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980


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Phone: 941-505-7845
Fax: 941-505-1870
www.ruhllawgroup.com

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Florida and the federal government have laws against unlawful use, possession, distribution or production of certain drugs. These include cocaine, heroin, marijuana and amphetamines. The laws aim to reduce illegal drug use and cut down on drug-related crimes.

There are five categories, or "schedules," of drugs based on their potential for dependency and abuse as compared with their therapeutic value. Schedule I controlled substances have the highest potential for dependency and no accepted medical use. Schedule V drugs have a low potential for dependency and accepted medical uses.

The most severe penalties for illegal possession, sale or manufacture of drugs involve those listed in Schedule I. The Attorney General has the authority to delete, add or reschedule drugs. State schedules refer to or are based on federal schedules.

Punishment

The punishment for drug crimes generally depends on:

  • The quantity of the drug
  • Its classification under the schedules
  • The purpose of possession

The most serious drug crimes are:

  • Producing illegal drugs
  • Manufacturing drugs
  • Selling drugs

Possession of drugs with the intent to distribute them is a serious crime. Prosecutors can prove your intent to distribute drugs just by showing the quantity of the drug, without any evidence you actually distributed the drug.

In most states, possession of drugs for personal use is a serious crime. But in some states, possession of drugs for personal use is punished less severely than distribution crimes. For example, in some states, possession of a small amount of marijuana (less than 50 grams) is decriminalized or treated as a disorderly person's offense. If there's a conviction, the punishment is often probation or a fine, and not prison. However, possessing larger amounts of illegal drugs, even for personal use, may be a serious crime.

Most minimum sentences range from one year in jail to three years in prison for first-time offenders. The minimum sentences for repeat offenders? Three to 12 years in prison.

Enhanced Punishment

Some states have enhanced penalties for drug crimes. These apply if:

  • Minors are used to distribute the drugs
  • The drugs are delivered or sold to minors
  • The drugs are sold or distributed near schools

Enhanced punishments vary by state. You may also be in danger of "forfeiting" your property if you're convicted of a drug crime. For example, if your house is used to make and distribute drugs, the government may be able to seize it.

Professional Drug Dealers

Special laws cover professional drug dealers. A "drug kingpin," or a person organizing, financing or managing a business to manufacture, transport or sell drugs, commits a serious crime.
About Richard Ruhl

Since beginning practice in 2002, Ruhl Law, P.C. has handled thousands of criminal cases. We have the experience you can trust when dealing with these matters and can help you navigate the confusing legal process. Our attorneys care about you and go the extra mile by making ourselves accessible after hours to answer your questions.

The Ruhl Law, P.C. Difference

A Broad Range of Legal Services in Florida

Consider the Ruhl Law, P.C.'s range of comprehensive experience:

  • Criminal law
  • Personal injury
  • Family law
  • Immigration law
  • Foreclosure defense
  • Civil litigation
  • Bankruptcy

We focus on legal issues of personal importance to Florida's families. Our clients recommend us for the deep personal concern that we give to each one. They remember us for the absolutely complete attention paid to their well-being when they used our counsel against difficult legal problems.

We make a difference for you by making ourselves available by telephone around the clock every day. Call us at (888) 443-1669 at any hour of any day. We provide personal client contact throughout Southwest Florida at offices in Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Englewood, Naples and Fort Myers.

From our network of convenient locations, we look forward to taking care of you during the trying times that legal problems present in your life. Depend on us to fight for your rights.

About Richard RuhlRichard Ruhl

Richard grew up in Charlotte County. He has been in private practice in Southwest Florida since 2003.  He attended elementary, junior high and high school in Englewood and college in Fort Myers. He graduated from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami in 2001. After admission to the bar, Rick accepted a job with the Public Defender’s Office. From the Public Defender's Office, Rick accepted a job offer from the Law Office of Robert Distefano in Fort Lauderdale. After spending a year with Robert Distefano, he moved back to Punta Gorda to open his own practice. 

He is the father of two children, and in his free time enjoys coaching his daughter’s travel fast-pitch softball team and travels all around the state with the team.

Areas of Practice

  • Criminal Defense
  • D.U.I.
  • Drug Offenses
  • Immigration
  • Personal Injury
  • Foreclosure Defense

Admitted to Practice

  • Florida, 2002

Education

  • St. Thomas University, School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 2001
  • International College, BA major, summa cum laude

Professional Memberships

  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

  • Charlotte County Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, founding member

Community Activities

Rick speaks to students at local elementary, junior and high schools, and volunteers his time to the youth of the community.

Bring Your Problems to Ruhl Law, P.C.

Simple cases, complex cases, and every matter between the extremes meet with legal knowledge, experience, and dedication to your rights at the law offices of Ruhl Law Group. We welcome you to our Southwest Florida offices. Call 888-443-1669. Or begin our consultation by filling out the contact form to the left.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

  • TYPE OF CASES OUR FIRM HANDLES
    I handle many types of cases to bench and jury trials including DUI, Criminal and Traffic.
  • WE THINK YOU SHOULD HIRE US IF:
    You want a lawyer who will personally handle your file and will be available for consultation afternoons, evenings and weekends. I will fairly evaluate your case and determine the most favorable course. I will not hesitate to go to trial on your case; that decision, however, will ultimately be yours.
  • OUR FIRM IS NOT RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
    You are looking for a lawyer who will only tell you what you want to hear. I will work with you to honestly assess the facts of the case.
  • IF YOU WANT TO TELL OUR LAW FIRM ABOUT YOUR SITUATION YOU SHOULD:
    I personally communicate with you whenever possible. If I am in Court when you call, you can leave a message with my secretary or on my voicemail. I personally guarantee you will hear back from me in 24-hours, or less - most often, much less. My office phone is (941) 505-7845 or email at rick@ruhllawgroup.com
  • THE TYPICAL COST TO GET US TO START WORKING ON YOUR CASE IS:
    The cost varies depending on the allegation and facts of the case. A fee will be quoted at our initial consultation.
  • OUR CLIENTS WILL TELL YOU THAT:
    My level of experience, knowledge of the law, and personal familiarity with the judges, prosecutors, and system is a great advantage. In addition my personal and regular contact with clients, availability and involvement with every aspect of the case bring the most favorable results.
  • OUR PHILOSOPHY ON HOW WE APPROACH  OUR CASES IS:
    Depending on the type of case I like to find out as much as I can about the facts of the case and talk to anyone who can help our defense. At that time we can discuss our options. The stronger our defense appears to the prosecutor, the better our chances are of getting a favorable result.
  • IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FIRM YOU SHOULD:
    During our free initial consultation I will answer any questions. Please call (941) 505-7845 .

Links to Southwest Florida Legal Resources

Use these links to legal resources for immediate access to helpful information.

Clerks of court

Local sheriffs' offices

Other important resources
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