Carfentanil, a highly potent synthetic drug commonly used as a sedative for large animals, is classified in the same group of opioids as fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone. While the drug has legitimate uses in medicine, recent trends suggest that it’s being manufactured illicitly and mixed with heroin or cocaine to increase its potency. When combined with other powerful drugs—a recent movement emerging mostly in states like West Virginia, Ohio, and Florida—it creates a powerful and deadly narcotic mixture for users.
Finding yourself facing drug charges related to carfentanil possession or trafficking can leave you in great legal jeopardy. For help protecting your rights, contact an experienced Orlando carfentanil lawyer today.
Carfentanil, sometimes spelled carfentanyl, is a synthetic opioid used as a tranquilizer for elephants and other large mammals. The drug, which is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, isn’t approved for human use. It’s extremely dangerous to the person using it and has been known to affect those who come in contact with it. Carfentanil comes in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets, patches, and sprays. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.
The use of carfentanil has led to an unprecedented number of overdoses and deaths, perhaps because users aren’t aware of the potency of the compounds or that the drugs they’re taking are laced with carfentanil. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), likewise, warns that carfentanil is a danger to first responders and anyone who comes in contact with even small amounts of these compounds.
The DEA also recommends you seek medical attention immediately if you’ve been exposed to carfentanil. The drug can take effect very quickly, so in cases of suspected exposure, it’s important to call emergency medical services as soon as possible. If inhaled, move to fresh air. If ingested, wash out your eyes and mouth with cool water.
House Bill 477, which was introduced in mid-2017, dictates the especially severe consequences associated with a conviction for possessing or trafficking carfentanil. Those caught possessing less than four grams of carfentanil may face third-degree felony charges, which may entail up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. If the amount of Carfentanil in your possession is equal to four or more grams, the possession is upgraded to a trafficking offense. This type of conviction includes the following penalties, broken down by the number of grams in possession:
In addition to these statutory penalties, other potential collateral consequences stemming from a carfentanil possession or trafficking conviction include loss of job opportunities, difficulty obtaining rental housing, and loss of any professional licenses.
There are several possible strategies that your lawyer may utilize to encourage prosecutors to reduce or completely eliminate the penalties associated with a Carfentanil possession or trafficking conviction. These strategies include:
A reputable carfentanil defense attorney in Orlando will best be able to help you determine the most strategic approach based on the circumstances of your case.
If you have been arrested for possessing or trafficking carfentanil in Florida and need help protecting your rights, the expert legal team at The Umansky Law Firm can help. As former prosecutors and public defenders on a state and local level, our Orlando carfentanil lawyers can provide you with a sound strategy and a concrete defense based on years of experience working in the Florida criminal justice system. We understand the ins and outs of Florida drug laws and serve to protect our clients from further punishment and damage to their reputation.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team has the time and expertise to launch an investigation into your case and the circumstances leading up to your arrest. We’ll work tirelessly to fight for your rights. Give us a call or complete our online contact form to receive a free consultation.
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