Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
A federal or state drug trafficking charge is highly serious and can carry severe consequences upon conviction. It is considered a state crime if the defendant has been charged with moving drugs within the state’s geographical boundaries. If the defendant has moved drugs across state lines, federal charges may be brought forth.
In either instance, to convict you, the court must prove that you knowingly possessed a controlled substance and that it weighed over a certain amount.
Most Common Drugs Involved in Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking can include many types of substances, not just illegal street drugs. Any substance that you do not have permission to possess and that you intend to distribute can fall under trafficking. Some of the most common are:
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Oxycodone or hydrocodone
Possession can also include drug paraphernalia and precursor chemicals used in the drug manufacturing process. The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A., has the experience and knowledge necessary to defend you. Set up a free consultation with our Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking lawyer today so you can discuss your legal options.
Drug Amounts In Drug Trafficking
A significant element in drug trafficking charges, regardless of the substance in question, is the amount in your possession. Under Florida law, you can be charged with drug trafficking only if you possess more than 25 pounds of marijuana. But the threshold for drug trafficking charges for other, more potent substances, can be as small as half an ounce.
The minimum quantity of cocaine necessary for a trafficking charge is 28 grams. For heroin it is just 4 grams, and oxycodone is only 7 grams. On the other hand, for LSD, the minimum quantity can be as little as a single gram. For GHB, it is 1 kilogram, and for hydrocodone, it is 14 grams.
Penalties For Drug Trafficking
There are mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking charges. For example, trafficking 25 pounds to 2,000 pounds of marijuana carries a three-year prison term and a $25,000 fine. More than 2,000 pounds of cannabis plants require at least a seven-year prison sentence and a $50,000 fine. Trafficking more than 10,000 pounds of marijuana carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of $200,000.
For cocaine, trafficking 28 grams to 199 grams brings a three-year term and $50,000 in fines. 200 to 399 grams of cocaine will earn you a minimum of seven years in prison, and a $100,000 fine. 400 grams or more of cocaine requires a 15-year prison term and a $250,000 fine.
The penalties can be even more severe for other substances, including life in prison.
Fortunately, our Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking lawyer is ready to carefully review the facts of your case and formulate an effective defense. Take the first step and schedule a free consultation today.
Proving That Law Enforcement Illegally Searched You
One of the most common defense strategies that our Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking lawyer will use is to determine whether the search and seizure of the substances in question was illegal. Law enforcement officers must follow strict regulations when searching a person’s home, vehicle, and body. It is illegal to coerce a person to submit to such searches without probable cause. We can file a motion to suppress the evidence. Successfully doing this can lead to the dismissal of your case or a reduction in the charges. Our Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking lawyer can also argue that the procedure violated your Constitutional rights.
Considering An Entrapment Charge
Another option is to evaluate whether entrapment occurred during the discovery of the illegal drugs. This occurs when an undercover officer or confidential informant induces a person to commit an offense. Our Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking attorney may be able to prove that you faced entrapment and committed a crime when you otherwise would not have done so. Talk to the team today about which defense strategies make the most sense for your case. Book a free consultation to speak with an experienced attorney today.