Fentanyl has become a common fixture on the illicit drug market. It is a Schedule II synthetic opioid that is 75 times stronger than morphine. In a controlled setting, fentanyl is used to treat painful medical conditions, such as late-stage cancer. It is highly addictive and perilous in even the smallest of quantities when it is abused or misused. Given fentanyl’s reputation, the penalties for possessing or trafficking fentanyl have become more stringently applied than ever before. If you find yourself in the throes of a drug offense involving fentanyl, you need a drug possession defense lawyer on which you can rely.
The Umansky Law Firm has the experience necessary to help you prove your innocence or get your charges reduced enough to negotiate a case outcome with which you can be satisfied. Our team includes several former prosecutors who can provide key insights into our defense strategy to increase the likelihood of a successful resolution. This is part of the reason we have such a proven track record with helping people accused of fentanyl-related drug crimes to resolve their cases and get their lives back on track.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl was initially created as a drug to help cancer patients manage pain. However, the potent opioid attributes in fentanyl have led to it becoming a street drug that’s highly addictive and abused. As a street drug, fentanyl is frequently added to heroin or sold individually as a powerful form of heroin.
There has been an increased law enforcement focus on drug crimes involving fentanyl in recent years, mostly due to high-profile incidents regarding overdoses and fatalities stemming from its use.
Per Florida Statute 893.135, trafficking fentanyl is characterized by the knowledge, purchase, possession, manufacturing, transport, sale or delivery of four grams or more of fentanyl or any derivative of the substance. Possession is characterized by four grams or less of fentanyl for personal use. This is considered a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation and fines up to $5,000.
There are mandatory minimum penalties in place for convictions of trafficking fentanyl as well. Convictions for trafficking between four and 14 grams of fentanyl nets a minimum penalty of three years in prison and $50,000 in fines. Convictions for trafficking 14 and 28 grams of fentanyl net a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. Convictions for trafficking more than 28 grams of fentanyl nets a minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
Moreover, Floridians convicted of trafficking fentanyl will have their driver’s licenses suspended for six months, per Florida Statute Section 322.055. Those with professional licenses may also see those suspended in the face of fentanyl-related conviction.
At The Umansky Law Firm, we know that confronting drug charges and the potential penalties for fentanyl possession or trafficking in Florida is a frightening and tense experience. We are here to counsel and defend you against the allegations you face through every step of this process.
When you partner with one of our qualified drug crime defense lawyers, we may be able to negotiate a deal with the prosecution to reduce the charges. If the prosecution files severe drug charges against you and your case goes to trial, we will craft a robust defense built upon the facts surrounding your case. Potential defense strategies may include:
We may also pursue an entrapment strategy when a law enforcement officer goes undercover or misrepresents themselves to get someone to engage in a crime they might not otherwise commit. In some instances, entrapment may be enough to get the charges against you dismissed.
We have helped numerous clients who were falsely accused of crimes they didn’t commit or those who were caught up in situations that were not at all what they seemed at the point of arrest. We may be able to help you too. As an experienced and skilled Florida criminal defense attorney, The Umansky Law Firm has the legal finesse necessary to help you find your way out of a possible holiday nightmare if you’ve been accused of a crime.
Learn more by calling or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
