Drug possession is one of the most common criminal charges filed in Miami courts. Possession of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, or prescription medication without authorization leads to harsh penalties. Florida law imposes fines, probation, mandatory counseling, and possible imprisonment, even for first-time offenders.

The Fourth Amendment guarantees protection against unlawful searches and seizures by law enforcement officials. Alyssa Espinosa carefully examines traffic stops, search warrants, and police conduct to identify constitutional violations. She frequently challenges the admissibility of evidence, arguing suppression motions to exclude illegally obtained evidence. With her defense strategies, clients often see charges reduced, dismissed, or diverted to rehabilitation programs.

Florida statutes impose mandatory minimum prison sentences for trafficking controlled substances, depending on weight and quantity. Trafficking convictions often result in decades of imprisonment and significant fines. Miami’s location as a coastal city makes prosecutors particularly aggressive against trafficking charges involving cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.

Alyssa Espinosa evaluates whether confidential informants were reliable, whether entrapment occurred, and whether wiretaps were legally authorized. She also investigates chain-of-custody procedures to determine if evidence handling was improper. By challenging weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, she helps clients avoid unjust convictions or secure reduced sentencing.

Distribution charges often rely on undercover operations, surveillance, or questionable informant testimony. Prosecutors frequently allege intent to sell based solely on packaging or the presence of scales. Florida law treats distribution harshly, and penalties include imprisonment, probation, and forfeiture of assets.

Alyssa cross-examines prosecution witnesses, reviews bodycam footage, and challenges unreliable evidence. She emphasizes due process violations, unlawful sting operations, and inconsistencies in police reports. Her courtroom advocacy often results in acquittals, dismissals, or significant reductions in sentencing exposure.

Unlawful possession of prescription medication, pill mill cases, and prescription forgery are prosecuted vigorously in Miami courts. Florida reports thousands of prescription-related arrests annually, particularly involving opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Convictions result in mandatory counseling, fines, probation, or lengthy prison sentences.

Alyssa investigates whether medical records were properly obtained and whether law enforcement violated patient privacy rights. She negotiates treatment-based alternatives, including drug court programs designed for rehabilitation instead of punishment. Her goal is minimizing the impact of prescription drug charges while protecting clients’ constitutional rights.

Possession of drug-related paraphernalia, including syringes, bongs, and digital scales, may seem minor. These charges, however, still result in permanent records that affect employment, education, and housing. Prosecutors often pursue paraphernalia charges when they cannot prove actual drug possession.

Alyssa defends clients by showing lack of intent or legitimate alternative uses of the items. She challenges vague accusations and ensures evidence is not misinterpreted or exaggerated. Many clients avoid convictions due to her strategic defense approaches.

When drug crimes involve interstate commerce, federal task forces, or large-scale trafficking, charges escalate to federal court. Federal penalties are extremely severe, including decades-long mandatory prison terms and hefty fines well over six figures. Federal prosecutors have vast resources, making defense particularly challenging. 

Attorney Alyssa Espinosa defends clients against federal drug indictments by scrutinizing search warrants, wiretaps, and undercover operations. She prepares detailed pretrial motions and mounts aggressive defenses at trial. Her knowledge of federal court procedures helps clients navigate a system where outcomes are often life-changing.