Drug Trafficking Lawyer Naples & Ft. Myers
The charge of Drug Trafficking in Florida has expanded over the past few years, and it is one of the most vigorously enforced offenses in the state. If you are charged with Drug Trafficking, you can expect the full pressure and power of the State against you.
You do not have to be a “drug dealer” to be charged with trafficking or punished by Florida statute. A single mistake can subject you to minimum sentencing guidelines, revocation of societal privileges, professional ruin and public humiliation.
How does Florida define Drug Trafficking?
Drug Trafficking is possession of a “trafficking amount” of drugs with the intent to distribute within the state. In order to be defined as trafficking, the accused must be in possession of a minimum amount of drugs:
- Cannabis – 25 lbs/300 plants
- Cocaine – 28 g
- Fentanyl – 4 g
- GHB – 1 kg
- Hydrocodone – 14 g
- Heroin – 4 g
- LSD – 1 g
- MDMA (Ecstasy) – 10 g
- Oxycodone – 7 grams
What are the penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida?
Florida has separate guidelines for many categories of illegal drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, fentanyl, GHB, heroin, hydrocodone, MDMA, methamphetamines and oxycodone.
Penalties for each charge are laid out in Florida Statute 893.135. If convicted of trafficking in any of the above named substances, the minimum sentence is 3 years. The minimum sentence rises depending on the amount of drugs in the trafficker’s possession. Prison time may be accompanied by a minimum $25,000 fine as well.
Maximum sentencing for trafficking may include 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.
What are the best defenses against a Drug Trafficking charge?
Illegal Search or Seizure
If it can be proven that law enforcement overstepped its legal right to search an individual or seize property, this may serve as a partial or total defense to the charge.
Entrapment
Law enforcement does not have the right to coerce an individual to commit a crime that he or she would likely not have committed otherwise. This is called entrapment, and it can serve as a total defense to the charge.
Substantial Assistance
It may be possible to avoid the minimum sentencing guidelines for cocaine trafficking in Florida. In return for a reduction or a suspension in the sentence, a convicted individual will provide “substantial assistance” in the arrest or conviction of other people who are engaged in drug trafficking. However, failed assistance may cause the court to re-impose the minimum sentencing guidelines, regardless of the efforts put forth by the convicted trafficker.
Common Pretrial and Trial Defenses
Your case may be eligible for other common pretrial or trial defenses, however, you should not proceed on a trafficking charge without professional representation, contact us today for a free consultation.
What is the next step if I am accused of Drug Trafficking in Florida?
Everyone involved in accusing you, from the arresting officer to the state attorney, is a professional who puts people in jail for a living. The state of Florida has little sympathy on anyone who is accused of drug trafficking, and you can expect the full attention of the court on every detail of your case.
Police officers keep especially detailed records in drug trafficking cases. They prepare testimony with other officers of the court as well. The prosecution will present a meticulous, detailed case to the court against you. You must have the same level of professionalism on your side.
Verderamo Law is here to ensure that the presentation of your case is just as professional as that of the prosecution. Protect your rights and your freedom – time is of the essence. Call us today for your initial consultation.
Contact Naples & Ft. Myers Drug Trafficking Attorneys
Verderamo Law is committed to providing legal representation primarily in the fields of criminal law and personal injury law. While our offices are situated in Naples and Ft. Myers, Florida, we proudly represent clients throughout Collier and Lee Counties and their surrounding areas, including, but not limited to, Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Golden Gate, Immokalee, Lehigh, and Marco Island. Verderamo Law is located at 2662 Airport Pulling Rd S Naples, FL 34112. For more information, call (239) 775-1004.