Any drug crime in Florida is serious, but being charged with drug trafficking is a grave situation. Florida has some of the strictest drug trafficking laws in the United States, and lawmakers devote more resources to convicting drug traffickers than low-level users or dealers. If convicted, you face potentially decades in prison.
However, there are many strong defenses to drug crimes, and Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney is ready to defend you vigorously. Florida prosecutors will commit plenty of resources to put you behind bars for drug trafficking, but our award-winning criminal defense attorneys will fight hard for your rights.
After being charged with a drug crime, your first call should be to the experienced drug crime lawyers at Stroleny Law. Our attorneys have decades of proven criminal defense experience, and principal attorney Julian Stroleny is ranked 10.0 Superb by Avvo and listed by Super Lawyers. Call (786) 882-1871 today for a free case consultation.
What Is Drug Trafficking?
Florida Statute 893.135 defines drug trafficking as the intentional sale, purchase, manufacture, possession, delivery, or transportation of a certain quantity of narcotics. The amount that constitutes drug trafficking varies based on the type of substance involved. The following amounts of illegal drugs constitute drug trafficking under the law:
- Fentanyl: 4 grams
- Cocaine: 28 grams
- GHB: One kilogram
- Cannabis: 25 pounds
- Heroin: 4 grams
- LSD: One gram
- Oxycodone: 4 grams
- Ecstasy: 10 grams
One way that people get arrested for drug trafficking in Miami FL is by being part of a drug buy with law enforcement working undercover. That isn’t true, even if you think you were caught in the act and have no defense. Your attorney could prove you were entrapped or your constitutional rights were violated.
Another way people are arrested for drug trafficking is by being caught with a large amount of drugs. You could be charged with drug trafficking marijuana or another drug just because of the quantity. However, some cases could allow you to plead down to a drug possession charge.
If your attorney is successful, a drug possession conviction is highly preferable to a more severe trafficking conviction. You should only agree to a plea deal if you have an experienced team of attorneys advising you. Otherwise, you could end up with a worse deal or even be convicted of trafficking, which is the worst possible outcome.
What Are Florida Penalties For Drug Trafficking?
In this state, the more drugs you have, the more severe the sentence. Most Florida drug trafficking offenses are considered first-degree felonies. Typically, drug trafficking can be punished by up to 30 years in state prison and $10,000 in fines. Many drug trafficking crimes require a mandatory minimum prison sentence, meaning the judge has limited discretion when determining the sentence. For instance, being convicted of drug trafficking with 400 grams of cocaine has a seven-year minimum prison sentence. More than 400 grams of cocaine results in a 15-year minimum sentence. Here are some other potential sentences for a drug trafficking conviction:
Marijuana
Marijuana trafficking is a first-degree felony. You can receive up to 30 years in Florida prison, depending on the quantity involved:
- 25 to 2,000 pounds: At least three years in jail and a fine of $25,000.
- 2,000 to 10,000 pounds: At least seven years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
- 10,000 pounds or more: 15-year minimum sentence and a $250,000 fine.
Cocaine
Cocaine trafficking is a first-degree felony, and you can receive up to 30 years in prison:
- 28 to 200 grams: Three-year minimum sentence and a $50,000 fine.
- 200 to 400 grams: At least seven years in jail and a $250,000 fine.
Heroin
Heroin trafficking is also a first-degree felony with up to 30 years in prison possible:
- 4 to 14 grams: At least three years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
- 14 to 28 grams: At least 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- 28 to 30 kilograms: At least a 25-year prison sentence and a $500,000 fine.
Why Hire A Miami Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney?
If Florida law enforcement arrests you on drug trafficking charges, speak as little as possible to the police. Instead, ask to talk to your Miami drug trafficking attorneys immediately. Always invoke your right to remain silent during and after a drug trafficking charge arrest. The police cannot use your silence against you.
Your Miami drug trafficking lawyer can use various defenses to the charge, depending on the case circumstances. Many drug trafficking defenses are based on challenging evidence the police obtained during the arrest. If they can raise reasonable doubt, the prosecution could lose the case.
In many Florida drug offenses, an experienced lawyer can challenge if the police engaged in an unlawful search or if it was a violation of the Fourth Amendment against illegal searches and seizures. Crucial evidence could be suppressed if the defense attorney can prove that law enforcement exceeded their authority during the arrest. This could lead to your charges being reduced or dismissed.
An experienced drug trafficking attorney may also use assorted affirmative defense strategies. Perhaps the drug trafficking offense did happen but your actions were legally justified. For example, an attorney could argue that the police entrapped you to commit crimes with a controlled substance.
If you are facing drug trafficking charges with overwhelming evidence against you, your attorney may advise you to take an assistance agreement with the state court. The prosecutor might ask the court to suspend or reduce your charges in exchange for you offering the police assistance in finding others involved in the Miami-Dade County drug trafficking ring.
Your drug trafficking attorney is your best defense against an aggressive state prosecutor who will work tirelessly to convict you with a mandatory sentence. Today, speak to an experienced Miami defense attorney to fight for your legal rights.
Contact A Miami Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney Today
A drug trafficking charge can put you behind bars for years and ruin your life. But with the assistance of Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, your case can have a positive resolution. Contact our experienced criminal defense legal team today for immediate legal help. Call (786) 882-1871 now for a free legal consultation. Our lawyers will review your case and explain your best legal options against a drug trafficking charge. We have an experienced team of criminal defense lawyers who will fight for your freedom.
