Get a Top Defense Lawyer to Fight Trafficking Charges in FL
Drug Trafficking is an extremely serious criminal charge, and one that is strongly pursued by law enforcement officials in Florida. Trafficking is often “over charged” for that reason – Florida prosecutors are aggressive in trying to get serious drug convictions, sometimes based on political and career decisions as much as the facts of the case.
If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking in Florida and believe you are being railroaded, don’t despair. But you need to act quickly to defend yourself and fight these charges in court. The sooner you act, the more options we will have in your defense.
What is Drug Trafficking?
Trafficking is defined under Florida criminal drug laws as, “Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of X amount of a controlled substance or illegal drug.”
Florida drug trafficking statues have explicit quantities of each substance (see penalties below) for the charge to qualify as trafficking.
Can I Beat Drug Trafficking Charges?
Yes, you absolutely can. We will do a thorough investigation of your case, and challenge the prosecution to prove each and every element of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
We can challenge whether the drugs were yours, or if you were knowingly involved in the trafficking aspect. If you were merely in the wrong place at the wrong time, or were only involved in buying a small amount, then the charged should be reduced to a simple drug possession charge.
We will also challenge any search and seizure under the 4th amendment to the Constitution. You have a right to due process. The police can’t search you without a warrant or a reasonable suspicion. If they violate your rights, then the charges should be dismissed.
These are only a couple of examples. Serious drug cases can be extremely complicated, but when the stakes are this high, we will explore every conceivable opportunity to fight for your rights and freedom.
Our attorneys will give you an overview of options that may apply in your specific case in a free case evaluation and consultation when you call (877) 394-6959.
Florida Drug Trafficking Penalties
All FL drug trafficking crimes are First (1st) degree felonies and carry mandatory sentences. (§893.135, Fla. Statute)
Marijuana Trafficking Penalties
Marijuana (pot, cannabis) quantities are counted by either weight or by the number or plants.
| Marijuana Quantity | Mandatory Minimum Penalty |
|---|---|
|
|
| 2,000 pounds but less than 10,000 pounds or is 2,000 or more cannabis plants |
|
| 10,000 pounds or more or is 10,000 or more cannabis plants |
|
Florida Cocaine Trafficking Penalties
Quantities of cocaine are charged as trafficking by the amount calculated by weight (grams / kilograms)
| Cocaine – Quantity | Mandatory Minimum Penalty |
|---|---|
| 28 to 200 grams |
|
| 200 to 400 grams |
|
| 400 grams to 150 kilograms |
|
Florida Heroin Trafficking Penalties
Quantities of heroin calculated by weight (grams / kilograms) in determining trafficking penalties and mandatory maximum sentences
| Heroin – Quantity | Mandatory Minimum Penalty |
|---|---|
| 4 to 14 grams |
|
| 14 to 28 grams |
|
| 28 grams to 30 kilograms |
|
What the difference between Trafficking, Smuggling, or Intent to Distribute?
Trafficking is a specific Florida criminal charge which has specific drug quantities listed in the law that define the amounts required for a trafficking charge. However, the circumstances involved in the transportation or sale of drugs are still open to interpretation.
Smuggling generally refers to bringing drugs into the country. It is typically a federal charge in federal court, instead of a Florida court.
Intent to Distribute is a more generic term that may increase the seriousness of the charges. Intent to distribute may be charged if they find drugs packaged in smaller quantities, or other evidence that may allegedly prove you were intending to sell drugs, such as scales, baggies, phone numbers,
Get more info on Florida Drug Charges in a Free Legal Consultation.
Please call us for your case evaluation to find out what we can do to fight serious drug charges in Florida courts. Don’t delay, the sooner out attorneys get on a case, the more options there are to fight and win.
Call (877) 394-6959 now.