Hillsborough County Drug Defense Lawyer

If you are looking for a Hillsborough County, FL drug defense lawyer you want careful review and strong advocacy. Stechschulte Nell offers Florida Bar Board Certification, Super Lawyers recognition, an Avvo 10.0 rating, and Client’s Choice Awards. Reach out for a free consultation.

Drug Defense Lawyer Hillsborough County, FL

Possession, sale, trafficking, cultivation, and conspiracy cases are built on searches, statements, and informants. Our drug possession lawyers dissect stops and warrants line by line, starting with the reason for the stop, the scope of any frisk, and whether consent was freely given. Vehicle and home searches are reviewed for timing, who had access, and whether officers stayed within the four corners of the warrant. In multi occupant settings we challenge constructive possession with proof about distance, fingerprints, DNA, and control of the space. Informant driven files get special attention. We examine reliability, benefits promised, and whether controlled buys were actually controlled with audio, video, or marked currency. Lab procedures matter from field tests to confirmatory analysis. We check sampling methods, chain of custody, and instrument records so the reported weight and substance can be trusted. If rights were violated, we move to suppress the evidence and any statements that followed.

Strategy is built for your life, not just the charge. When negotiation serves you, our drug law lawyers pursue diversion, drug court, or treatment based resolutions that keep a conviction off your record when possible. In sale or trafficking counts, we push for reductions tied to disputed weight, purity, or role. Immigration, licensing, and housing can be affected by certain pleas, so we coordinate with qualified professionals before choices are made. If trial is necessary, we present a focused case that challenges each link in the chain rather than fighting every issue at once. Jurors hear a clear theme that addresses identification, possession, testing, and credibility without confusion.

Clients often face collateral concerns like license suspensions, employment screenings, schooling, and family obligations. Our drug lawyers plan for those from the start by seeking work permits when available, arranging treatment that fits your schedule, and documenting progress with clean, verifiable records. Mitigation is real work, not a buzzword. Our Hillsborough County drug defense lawyers gather proof of counseling, negative screens, stable housing, and community support that judges respect. Communication remains straightforward. You will know the options, the likely outcomes, and the steps that can improve the result, including sealing or expungement eligibility down the road. Through every stage you get a calendar of deadlines and practical guidance so you can make steady, informed decisions.

Why Experience Matters In Drug Cases

Having the right lawyer means having the right strategy to fight your charges. Our team has:

• Years of felony and misdemeanor drug defense across local courts.
•Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer leading motion practice and trial.
• Super Lawyers, Avvo 10.0, Avvo Client’s Choice Awards.
• Labs, investigators, and treatment providers available to support better outcomes.

“I had a very good experience with Ben. Never once did I have to wait for an answer to any of my questions no matter how small they were. He always called me personally. And he worked everything out on my case and I ended up with probation rather than something worse. I’m very pleased and if God forbid something comes up again I will definitely call him first and no one else.” – Jason G.

Stechschulte Nell will test the state’s proof and pursue the best path available. Reach out for a free consultation today.

Types Of Drug Defense Cases We Handle

We defend individuals across Hillsborough County facing a wide range of drug-related charges. Each case deserves careful attention and a personalized approach. Our experienced Hillsborough County, FL drug defense lawyer will work with you, and we bring decades of experience. We’ll focus on protecting your rights and working toward the best possible resolution.

• Possession Charges. Many of our cases involve possession of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs without valid authorization. We carefully examine how the evidence was obtained, whether there was a legal basis for the search or arrest, and if your rights were violated during the process. Our goal is to challenge improper procedures, question the validity of lab testing, and reduce the long-term effects of a conviction.
• Distribution and Trafficking Offenses. When larger quantities or multiple transactions are involved, law enforcement may file charges for distribution or trafficking. These cases often depend on the quantity of the substance and the intent behind possession. Our Hillsborough County drug defense lawyers understand the importance of challenging assumptions and building a solid defense when facing serious allegations. Our attorney, Ben Stechschulte, is a board-certified lawyer, which is a distinction that less than 2% of lawyers have received.
• Prescription Medication Crimes. Prescription-related offenses are increasingly common and may involve medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, or Xanax. We work with clients accused of possessing medication without a valid prescription, forging prescriptions, or doctor shopping. Our defense may include examining pharmacy records, verifying medical documentation, or questioning whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation.
• Possession with Intent to Sell. Prosecutors often base intent-to-sell charges on circumstantial evidence such as the amount of drugs found, how they were stored, or the presence of packaging materials. We look closely at these details to determine if the charge truly reflects what happened. Often, possession for personal use is misinterpreted as intent to sell.
• Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation. Cases involving the alleged production of controlled substances or cultivation of marijuana require thorough examination. We evaluate how law enforcement obtained search warrants, collected evidence, and linked our client to any manufacturing activity. Sometimes, evidence is based on unreliable witnesses or improperly executed searches.
• Drug Paraphernalia Charges. Even when no controlled substances are found, possession of certain items—such as scales, pipes, or baggies—can lead to criminal charges. We defend against these accusations by showing that the items in question had legitimate uses or that there was insufficient proof of illegal intent.
• Juvenile Drug Charges. Young people accused of drug offenses face lasting consequences if not handled carefully. We represent minors with the goal of protecting their future and seeking outcomes that focus on education and rehabilitation rather than punishment.

We understand that every client’s situation is different, and our Hillsborough County drug defense lawyer will represent you with this in mind. If you’re facing a drug-related charge, we invite you to contact our team today. Together, we’ll review your case, explain your options, and work toward the best possible outcome for your future. Call us today at Stechschulte Nell to schedule your case review!