Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida – What You Should Know
How to Beat a Drug Trafficking Charge in the State of Florida
Since the inception of the war on drugs, federal and state law enforcement agencies have sought the harshest penalties for those who sell and possess controlled substances. One of the most serious drug-related charges in Florida is drug trafficking, which refers to the purchase and sale of controlled substances, or the delivery, importation, or manufacture of illegal drugs across state lines or national borders.
The associated charges and penalties depend upon a multitude of different factors, inclusive of the schedule of the controlled substance involved in the alleged offense. Notwithstanding, being convicted of drug trafficking in Florida could cause a person to be sent to prison for an extended period of time. It could also mean that the offender is forced to pay hefty monetary fines, face a lifetime of a criminal record, and have trouble finding gainful employment, suitable housing, and attend an educational institution. A skilled Florida Drug Crime Defense Attorney can help you to develop the strongest defense strategy possible and to safeguard your legal rights throughout the process. Contact Musca Law today at (888) 484-5057 to learn more about your legal rights and options. Don’t wait – your freedom and livelihood depend upon it!
Florida Statutes Section 891.13 - Drug Trafficking
When people think about drug trafficking crimes, they often imagine significant amounts of controlled substances being moved across national lines. However, according to Florida Statutes Section 891.13, any person who sells or delivers controlled substances can face drug trafficking charges in the state of Florida. In other words, if an individual travels from another state into Florida while possessing controlled substances, he or she can be charged with drug trafficking.
There are a number of different drugs that are typically involved in drug trafficking, which also include prescription drugs. The most commonly trafficked drugs in Florida are as follows:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine (also known as crystal meth or simply meth)
- Heroin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Psilocybin (mushrooms)
- OxyContin or Oxycodone
- Opium
- MDMA/XTC (Ecstasy)
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Vicodin
- Valium
- Demerol
- Xanax
- Hydrocodone
- Ritalin/Adderall/Methylphenidate/Amphetamine
The severity of the charges for trafficking are mainly based upon the amount of controlled substances in one’s possession as well as the schedule of the drug. For example, if an individual is charged with trafficking 400 grams of cocaine, he or she will most likely face serious charges. The associated repercussions would not be as serious for an individual who is accused of trafficking 20 pounds of marijuana.
Armed Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida
Under Florida Statutes Section 893, “armed trafficking” constitutes a subsequent charge from the primary offense of trafficking controlled substances. Specifically, the succeeding offense is charged as a result of the use, possession, exposure, or threat of use of a weapon or firearm during the commission of the primary drug trafficking crime. The applicable punishment for armed trafficking is much more severe than a simple drug trafficking offense in Florida. Specifically, the minimum mandatory sentencing for the underlying offense will apply. This means that a person charged with armed trafficking faces a certain period of time in jail. If a person is being charged with armed trafficking in Florida, he or she must hire a skilled Florida Armed Trafficking Defense Attorney to preserve his or her legal rights and develop the strongest defense strategy possible.
The Penalties, Prison Sentences, and Fines if Convicted of Drug Trafficking in Florida
Florida is one of many states in the U.S. that have mandatory minimum sentencing for drug-related crimes. Under Florida Statutes Section 893.135, it outlines the mandatory minimum sentencing for certain drug trafficking charges, which include trafficking in heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Some of the penalties are as follows:
Marijuana Trafficking – Felony in the First Degree
- Trafficking more than 25 but less than 2,000 pounds or 300 or more marijuana plants – three years in jail and a monetary fine of $25,000
- Trafficking 2,000 pounds but less than 10,00 pounds or 2,000or more marijuana plants – seven years in jail and a monetary fine of $50,000
- Trafficking 10,000 pounds or more or 10,000 or more marijuana plants – fifteen years in jail and a monetary fine of $200,000
Heroin Trafficking – Felony in the First Degree
- Trafficking 4 grams or more, but less than 14 grams – three years in jail and a monetary fine of $50,000
- Trafficking 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams – fifteen years in jail and a monetary fine of $100,000
- Trafficking 28 grams or more, but less than 30 kilograms – twenty five years in jail and a monetary fine of $500,000
Cocaine Trafficking – Felony in the First Degree
- Trafficking 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams – three years in jail and a monetary fine of $25,000
- Trafficking 200 grams or more, but less than 400 grants – seven years in jail and a monetary fine of $100,000
- Trafficking 400 grams or more, but less than 150 kilograms – fifteen years in jail and a monetary fine of $250,000
Trafficking in Prescription Drugs
Prescription drug trafficking differs then trafficking in other controlled substances. However, it could send a person to jail for several years and require the offender to pay hefty monetary fines. The associated jail term and monetary fine depends upon the type of prescription drug trafficked and the quantity found in the accused's possession.
Musca Law’s Drug Trafficking Defense Attorneys are Available 24/7
Contact Musca Law today at 1-888-484-5057 to speak with a skilled Florida Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney who has the knowledge and extensive experience necessary to fight to protect the rights of the accused. Our attorneys have over 150 years of collective experience representing clients facing all types of drug-related crimes throughout the state of Florida. We have a record of success and want to help you to seek a dismissal of your case. Don’t wait – contact us now to learn more about your legal rights and options.