Prescription Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyers in West Palm Beach, Florida FL

Prescription Drug Trafficking Criminal Charges and Penalties in West Palm Beach, Florida FL

The state of Florida has an international reputation for spring break fun, beautiful beaches, entertaining nightlife, outstanding restaurants, thrilling theme parks, and a plethora of tourist attractions. Because the state of Florida is such a popular destination for people all over the world, it is also a hotspot for illegal narcotics. Over the past ten years, Florida has been battling a sharp rise in prescription drug abuse. In order to combat the prescription drug abuse crisis, states like Florida have increased penalties for certain narcotic medications that are highly addictive and damaging to society. When an individual has been arrested for prescription drug trafficking charges in West Palm Beach, Florida, she will be charged with severe punishments and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The penalties for prescription drug trafficking in Florida will include large fines, like prison sentences, a loss of driver's license, and many more severe penalties.

It is illegal for an individual to possess a prescription medication without a valid prescription written by a licensed medical doctor in Florida. It is also illegal to give prescription medication to another person even if that individual is a member of your own family. When an individual has been caught carrying with them a large quantity of prescription drugs without a valid prescription, that individual may be charged with drug trafficking.

What is prescription drug trafficking?

Prescription drug trafficking involves the illegal sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, or knowing possession at or above specified quantity of prescription drugs. Drug trafficking of prescription medication is also known as "pill trafficking." In the United States, prescription drugs are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, also referred to as the FDA. The following is a shortlist of some of the most frequently illegally trafficked prescription drugs.

  • Ativan
  • Adderall
  • OxyContin
  • Morphine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Xanax
  • Valium
  • Cody
  • Percocet
  • Ridellan
  • Steroids
  • Vicodin

There approximately over 200 prescription drugs that are classified as narcotics. It's important to understand that if you were a loved one have been arrested for drug trafficking, the difference between drug possession or drug dealing or drug trafficking is in the amount or quantities of the prescription medication found on the person. In many cases, our firm has defended individuals who are "overcharged." If you were loved would have been arrested and charged with prescription drug trafficking in West Palm Beach, Florida, it's important to speak to one of our attorneys right away to make sure your legal rights are protected and you or your loved one understand your legal situation.

What are the penalties for prescription drug trafficking in the state of Florida?

According to Florida statute section 893.135, drug trafficking is defined, and the various associated offenses along with sentencing guidelines are outlined. Prescription drug trafficking in Florida is penalized based on the type of drugs and the amount of that drug found on the person.

Adderall First-Degree Felony Offenses

Adderall is a stimulant drug commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

  • Trafficking 14 grams or greater, but less than 28 grams – three years in jail and a monetary fine of $50,000.
  • Trafficking 28 grams or greater, but less than 200 grams – seven years in jail and a monetary fine of $100,000.
  • Trafficking 200 grams or greater – fifteen years in jail and a monetary fine of $250,000.

Hydrocodone First-Degree Felony Offenses

Hydrocodone is a drug found in Lortab, Hydrococet, Vicodin, and several other prescription drugs.

  • Trafficking 14 grams or greater, but less than 28 grams – three years in prison and a monetary fine of $50,000.
  • Trafficking 28 grams or greater, but less than 50 grams – seven years in prison and a monetary fine of $100,000.
  • Trafficking 50 grams or greater, but less than 200 grams – fifteen years in prison and a monetary fine of $500,000.
  • Trafficking 200 grams or greater, but less than 30 kilograms – twenty-five years in prison and a monetary fine of $750,000.

Morphine, Hydromorphone, or Opium First-Degree Felony Offenses

Morphine is a drug found in Oramorph SR, Roxanol, MS Contin, Avinza, and several other prescription medications.

  • Trafficking 4 grams or greater, but less than 14 grams – three years in prison and a monetary fine of $50,000.
  • Trafficking 14 grams or greater, but less than 28 grams – fifteen years in prison and a monetary fine of $100,000.
  • Trafficking 28 grams or greater, but less than 30 kilograms – twenty-five years in prison and a monetary fine of $500,000.

Oxycodone First-Degree Felony Offenses

The drug Oxycodone is found in the prescription drugs Percodan, OxyContin, Roxicodone, and several others.

  • Trafficking 7 grams or greater, but less than 14 grams — three years in prison and a monetary fine of $100,000.
  • Trafficking 14 grams or greater, but less than 25 grams — seven years in prison and a monetary fine of $100,000.
  • Trafficking 25 grams or greater, but less than 100 grams – fifteen years in prison, and a monetary fine of $500,000.

Potential Defenses to a prescription drug trafficking charge in West Palm Beach, Florida

There are several different defenses to prescription drug trafficking criminal charges. The facts and circumstances around a criminal charge of drug trafficking are important when developing a strong defense. The following are a couple of examples of legal defenses that could be used in a prescription drug trafficking charge in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Measurement - Drug trafficking charges are penalized based on the type of controlled substance found and the amount of said controlled substance. In many cases, the amount of the narcotic is substantially lower than the weight alleged by the prosecutors and law enforcement officers in a drug trafficking case. For example, if the offender is found with opioid tablets, The actual weight of the illegal substance may be a fraction of the overall weight of the tablets. In other words, opium is an illegal substance. Therefore any byproducts or mixing agents within the tablets could change the total amount and therefore reduce the criminal offense penalties and charges in the case.

Addiction - In many prescription drug cases, the offender is an addict and is involved in the illegal drug trade to support their addiction. In the state of Florida, first-time offenders may qualify to attend drug court. Drug court is designed to help the offender who is addicted to prescription drugs or other narcotics receive treatment as an alternative to prison. The offender will be required to undergo educational and therapeutic treatment for their addiction, and if successfully completed, here she could avoid severe penalties such as expensive fines and prison.

Affective Legal Counsel for Prescription Drug Trafficking in West Palm Beach, Florida

Call Musca Law 24/7 at 561-660-9086 to receive your free consultation by telephone or visit our local law office located at 524 Datura Street, Suite 108 West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Our legal team has the dedication, skill, and experience essential to providing the very best defense.

 

Get your case started by calling us at (561) 660-9086 today!

Musca Law

524 Datura St. Suite 108
West Palm Beach, FL 33401 
Hours: Open, Open 24/7
Phone: (561) 660-9086

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