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Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyers in Central Florida

Providing Aggressive Defense Strategies

All drug crimes are serious, but drug trafficking charges have the potential to negatively impact your life in many ways. Florida drug trafficking charges often carry severe penalties, as the state harshly punishes drug traffickers in an effort to fight drug crimes in Florida. If you are convicted of drug trafficking, you could face jail time, hefty fines, probation, and other serious consequences.

While drug trafficking charges are severe, there are fortunately ways to defend yourself from them. Working with a team of experienced drug trafficking attorneys is the best way to protect your future and your freedom. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at The Defense Group will create a solid legal defense strategy to reduce or remove the penalties you are facing.

Contact our law office today for a free consultation by calling 407-743-8430.

What is Drug Trafficking?

When most people think of drug trafficking, they picture a large-scale drug operation that spans multiple states or even crosses countries. However, drug trafficking doesn’t necessarily mean there is a large-scale organized crime division involved. Florida law defines drug trafficking as a person who sells, possesses, imports, delivers, or manufactures an excessive amount of drugs.

An “excessive amount” of drugs varies based on the type of drug. Additionally, drug trafficking charges don’t just pertain to illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine. Drug trafficking charges can also be applied to prescription drugs or substances that require a doctor’s prescription.

Below are some examples of thresholds for common drugs:

  • Cannabis: 25 pounds or 300 plants
  • Fentanyl: 4 grams
  • Cocaine: 28 grams
  • Heroin: 4 grams
  • LSD: 1 gram
  • Hydrocodone: 14 grams
  • MDMA: 10 grams
  • Methamphetamine: 14 grams

If any individual exceeds those thresholds, they can be charged with drug trafficking in Florida. The mandatory minimum sentences for Florida drug trafficking are severe. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, reach out to a drug trafficking lawyer on our team immediately.

What Are the Potential Penalties of Drug Trafficking?

In Florida, drug trafficking is a first-degree felony. Felony charges are severe and carry harsher penalties than misdemeanor charges. Even if you are a first-time offender, you can still face these harsh penalties. Drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence, which will vary depending on the type of drug and the quantity involved.

The potential penalties for drug trafficking in Florida include the following:

Marijuana

For 25 to 2,000 pounds of marijuana, you could face three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. For 2,000 to 10,000 pounds, you could face seven years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. For more than 10,000 pounds, you will face 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Heroin

For any amount of heroin below 30 kilograms, you could face three to 25 years in prison plus up to $500,000 in fines. For quantities above 30 kilograms, you will face life imprisonment plus a fine of $500,000.

Methamphetamine

For 14 to 200 grams of methamphetamine, you could face three to seven years in prison and a fine of $100,000. If you are found with over 200 grams of methamphetamine, you will face 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Cocaine

Between 28 and 400 grams will carry three to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. For amounts above 150 kilograms, you will face 15 years in prison plus a fine of $250,000.

Hydrocodone

Between 14 and 200 grams carries penalties of three to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Amounts above 200 grams carry penalties of 25 years in prison and a fine of $750,000.
In addition to these penalties, you will also lose your driver’s license, your voting ability, and your ability to own a firearm. If you are charged with a federal crime, your penalties will likely be more severe.

What Are the Most Common Defense Strategies for a Drug Trafficking Case?

Because drug trafficking is such a serious offense, having a strong defense strategy is crucial. Our team of defense attorneys will work with you to understand the facts about your case before crafting a personalized defense strategy that’s right for you.

While your defense strategy will depend on your unique circumstances, there are some common defenses that our team uses often, including:

  • Illegal search and seizure. Officers must follow proper procedures before searching and seizing illegal drugs. If your rights were violated, our team can ask that any evidence collected be excluded from the trial.
  • Entrapment. Law officers may coerce a person to engage in an illegal activity. If you were the victim of entrapment, our team can use it in your defense case.
  • Lack of evidence. To be convicted of drug trafficking, the prosecution must show that you knew about the controlled substance involved in your case. If the evidence against you is insufficient, our team can use this to your advantage.

Should I Consult a Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer?

Drug trafficking in Florida is a serious offense that can lead to severe criminal penalties. No matter the drug involved in your case, you could face life in prison, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. You deserve an experienced defense lawyer who will fight for your rights to reduce or remove the penalties you are facing.

Our team at The Defense Group has extensive experience defending our clients from drug trafficking charges. No matter your criminal history, we are confident we can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 407-743-8430.