South Florida Criminal Attorneys Blog
Federal and state law enforcement agencies are known to give out some of the harshest penalties when it comes to the sale and possession of controlled substances. One of the more serious charges is drug trafficking across state lines or national borders. Drug trafficking is defined as the intentional sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, possession or transporting a specific amount of a controlled substance. Most movies and shows make people think that you need to be a mastermind traveling across national borders with large, obscene amounts of a controlled substance similar to the movie “Scarface” to be considered a drug trafficker. 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.
The most commonly trafficked drugs in Florida are:
Cocaine
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
Heroin
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Psilocybin (mushrooms)
OxyContin or Oxycodone
Opium
MDMA/XTC
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
Vicodin
Valium
Xanax
Hydrocodone
Ritalin/Adderall/Methylphenidate/Amphetamine
Each drug has specified penalties that correlate with the total weight of the trafficked drug. However, every trafficking charge in Florida carries a requirement of a mandatory prison sentence.
Depending on your Florida Drug Possession or Drug Trafficking charge, you could be looking at anywhere from 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine all the way up to 15 or even 35 years in prison and a $700,000 fine. Individual judges may impose a harsher sentence above the mandatory minimum for habitual offenders, for example, those with several prior convictions. This often results in a longer prison term. In some cases, a conviction will result in a life sentence. However, that is only the situation in the most serious cases.
That is why you need an excellent and experienced criminal defense attorney defending your rights and your freedom.
Call Michael B. Cohen to schedule a free initial consultation today!