Prescription Drug Trafficking Lawyers in West Palm Beach, Florida
In recent years, Florida has become the hotbed for prescription drug abuse. There are many communities throughout the state of Florida that are facing serious challenges concerning the rise in prescription drug abuse. Those who are caught up in prescription drug abuse often find themselves facing drug possession charges and even prescription drug trafficking criminal charges, which result in penalties including prison time, a permanent criminal record, probation, and steep monetary fines.
In Florida, it is against the law to have in your possession a prescription medication without a valid prescription. In other words, if a family member shares a controlled substance with you, that is illegal. In addition, if an individual is caught Possessing a large quantity of prescription medication without a prescription, here she could be charged with prescription drug trafficking.
What is prescription drug trafficking?
In the state of Florida, trafficking prescription drugs involves the illegal sale, purchase, delivery, manufacture, or possession of a certain quantity of prescription drugs. Drug trafficking is also known as "pill trafficking."
Prescription medication in the United States is subject to regulatory control by the U. s. Food and Drug Administration, also regarded as the FDA. Under federal and state laws, individuals may not legally obtain or possess certain narcotic prescription medications without a valid prescription written by a licensed medical doctor. If you examples of prescription medication's that are trafficked into the state of Florida include,
- Ativan
- Adderall
- Cody
- Hydrocodone
- Oxsee cotton
- Morphine
- Percocet
- Ridellan
- Steroids
- Valium
- Vicodin
- Xanax
It's important for those who have been charged with a crime involving illegal possession of prescription medication that the amount of the drugs found in possession carries more weight in terms of legal fines, prison, and probation punishments. In many cases, people that have a small amount of prescription medication could be charged with drug trafficking. This is why it's central to speak with a private drug possession defense attorney about your legal matter as quickly as possible.
Penalties for prescription drug trafficking in West Palm Beach, Florida
Florida statutes section 893.135 outlines drug trafficking criminal charges in Florida. The statute also covers mandatory sentencing, conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking, and suspension or reduction of prison sentencing. In determining the type of criminal charge, law enforcement and prosecutors will review the various factors at play with regard to whether or not to charge the suspect with possession, or drug trafficking criminal charges.
Hydrocodone Trafficking in the First-Degree
Hydrocodone is a drug found in Lortab, Vicodin, Hydrococet, Lortab, and several other different Hydro codon-based prescription drugs. The penalties include the following:
- Trafficking 14 Grams or More, But Under 28 Grams Total - $50,000 in fines and up to three years in prison.
- Trafficking 28 Grams or More, But Under 50 Grams Total - $100,000 in fines and up to seven years in prison.
- Trafficking 50 Grams or More, But Under 200 Grams Total - $500,000 in fines and up to fifteen years in prison.
- Trafficking 200 Grams or More, But Under 28 Grams Total - $750,000 in fines and up to twenty-five years in prison.
Adderall Trafficking in the First-Degree
Adderall is a drug that is classified as a stimulant and used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The penalties of Adderall trafficking include the following:
- Trafficking 14 Grams of Adderall or More, But Under 28 Grams Total - $50,000 in fines and up to three years in prison.
- Trafficking 28 Grams or More, But Under 200 Grams Total - $250,000 in fines and up to seven years in prison.
- Trafficking 200 Grams or More, But Under 28 Grams Total - $750,000 in fines and up to twenty-five years in prison.
Oxycodone Trafficking in the First-Degree
Oxycodone Is a narcotic pain relief medication found in the prescription medications OxyContin, Percodan, Roxicodone, and many others. The penalties of Oxycodone trafficking include the following:
- Trafficking 7 Grams of Adderall or More, But Under 14 Grams Total - $100,000 in fines and up to three years in prison.
- Trafficking 14 Grams or More, But Under 25 Grams Total - $100,00 in fines and up to seven years in prison.
- Trafficking 25 Grams or More, But Under 100 Grams Total - $500,000 in fines and up to fifteen years in prison.
Defenses Against Drug Charges in West Palm Beach
When it comes to drug trafficking criminal cases, some defenses could help reduce the penalties if found guilty or help win an acquittal. A few of these defenses might include:
Measurement – They previously referenced statute that describes the penalties based on the weight of the prescription drugs found on the accused and depends on the medication type. Following the arrest of the accused, law-enforcement officers will weigh the amount of drugs to determine which offense to charged the defendant.
Addiction - and a criminal offense dealing with narcotic medication that is often highly addictive, the prosecutor in the case along with law-enforcement officers may overcharge a suspect. Oftentimes people who are addicted to medications may be able to argue that they were not trafficking the prescription medications successfully, but we're simply possessing what would be deemed their personal use. And some circumstances, your criminal defense attorney might be able to demonstrate to the court effectively that the defendant was simply an addict who was feeding his or her own addiction. Often, a criminal defense attorney might be able to negotiate no jail in lue of a pre-trial intervention program such as drug court, especially if the offender has no prior criminal record.
Charged with Prescription Drug Trafficking in West Palm Beach? Contact Musca Law Today!
If you or a loved one have been arrested and charged with a prescription drug trafficking charge in West Palm Beach, it's important to speak with one of our experienced drug trafficking defense attorneys in West Palm Beach, Florida. Our firm offers a free initial case review, and when you call 516-660-9086, or you stop by our law office located at 524 Datura St. Suite 108 West Palm Beach, FL 33401.