Drug trafficking is a serious crime in the state of Florida. If you have been charged with this offense, it is important that you seek legal representation from a competent criminal defense attorney who can help you fight the charges and protect your rights.
At the Law Office of Albert J. Sauline, III, we have more than 20 years of experience defending clients who have been charged with drug trafficking and other drug-related offenses. We know how to build a strong defense on your behalf and will work tirelessly to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Our firm is conveniently located in Panama City Beach, and we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas. To schedule a consultation with our team, call (850) 250-3426 or contact us online today.
What Is Drug Trafficking in Florida?
Drug trafficking is defined as the intentional sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, or importation of a controlled substance. In the state of Florida, controlled substances are classified into five categories, or “schedules,” based on their potential for addiction and abuse and whether they have any accepted medical use. The penalties for drug trafficking depend on the schedule of the drug in question, as well as the type and amount of the drug.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida
Florida has some of the strictest drug trafficking laws in the country. The penalties for drug trafficking are extremely severe and can have a lasting impact on your life. If you are convicted of drug trafficking, you will face a mandatory minimum prison sentence, as well as hefty fines. The exact penalties you face will depend on the specific drug and the amount of the drug involved in the offense.
Here is a general overview of the penalties for drug trafficking in Florida:
Cannabis – Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in Florida. The penalties for cannabis trafficking depend on the amount of the drug involved in the offense. For example:
Between 25 and 2,000 pounds of cannabis: If you are convicted of trafficking between 25 and 2,000 pounds of cannabis, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 3 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $50,000 fine.
Between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds of cannabis: If you are convicted of trafficking between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds of cannabis, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 7 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $50,000 fine.
Cocaine – Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in Florida. The penalties for cocaine trafficking depend on the amount of the drug involved in the offense. For example:
Between 28 and 200 grams of cocaine: If you are convicted of trafficking between 28 and 200 grams of cocaine, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $50,000 fine.
Between 200 and 400 grams of cocaine: If you are convicted of trafficking between 200 and 400 grams of cocaine, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 7 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $100,000 fine.
Oxycodone – Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in Florida. The penalties for oxycodone trafficking depend on the amount of the drug involved in the offense. For example:
Between 4 and 14 grams of oxycodone: If you are convicted of trafficking between 4 and 14 grams of oxycodone, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $50,000 fine.
Between 14 and 25 grams of oxycodone: If you are convicted of trafficking between 14 and 25 grams of oxycodone, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 7 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $100,000 fine.
Hydrocodone – Hydrocodone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in Florida. The penalties for hydrocodone trafficking depend on the amount of the drug involved in the offense. For example:
Between 14 and 28 grams of hydrocodone: If you are convicted of trafficking between 14 and 28 grams of hydrocodone, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $50,000 fine.
Between 28 and 50 grams of hydrocodone: If you are convicted of trafficking between 28 and 50 grams of hydrocodone, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 7 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $100,000 fine.
Methamphetamine – Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in Florida. The penalties for methamphetamine trafficking depend on the amount of the drug involved in the offense. For example:
Between 14 and 28 grams of methamphetamine: If you are convicted of trafficking between 14 and 28 grams of methamphetamine, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $50,000 fine.
LSD – LSD is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in Florida. The penalties for LSD trafficking depend on the amount of the drug involved in the offense. For example:
Between 1 and 5 grams of LSD: If you are convicted of trafficking between 1 and 5 grams of LSD, you will face a first-degree felony charge. You will face a minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The maximum sentence is 30 years and a $50,000 fine.
How Do You Fight Drug Trafficking Charges?
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution has the burden of proving “beyond a reasonable doubt” that you committed the crime. If there is any doubt, the jury must find you “not guilty.”
Building a strong defense is crucial to fighting drug trafficking charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you explore all your available options and determine the best course of action. In some cases, it may be possible to get the charges dismissed if the police violated your constitutional rights in any way. For example, if the police conducted an illegal search and seizure, any evidence they obtained may not be admissible in court.
Here are some common defenses to drug trafficking charges:
Unlawful search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police did not have a valid search warrant or probable cause to search you or your property, any evidence they obtained may not be admissible in court.
Unlawful traffic stop: The police must have a valid reason to pull you over for a traffic stop. If they did not have reasonable suspicion that you committed a crime, the traffic stop may be considered illegal, and any evidence obtained during the stop may not be admissible in court.
Constructive possession: To be convicted of drug trafficking, the prosecution must prove that you were in actual or constructive possession of the drugs. If the drugs were found in your car but you were not in the vehicle at the time, it may be possible to argue that you were not in constructive possession of the drugs.
Insufficient evidence: If the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove that you committed the crime, your attorney may be able to get the charges dismissed.
If you are facing drug trafficking charges, it is important that you seek legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will be able to review the details of your case and help you determine the best course of action.
How to Beat a Drug Trafficking Charge
Drug trafficking charges are very serious and can have a lasting impact on your life. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, it is important that you seek legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you fight the charges.
At the Law Office of Albert J. Sauline, III, we have more than 20 years of experience defending clients who have been charged with drug trafficking and other drug-related offenses. We know what it takes to win these types of cases and will work tirelessly to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Our firm is located in Panama City Beach, and we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas. To schedule a consultation with our team, call (850) 250-3426 or contact us online today.
