Drug sting operations in Orlando can lead to serious consequences for people involved, with individuals facing drug trafficking or drug possession charges that can come with severe penalties under Florida law. If law enforcement officials arrest you in a drug sting operation, it’s critical to speak with an experienced drug defense attorney to discuss a possible defense.
The following is an overview of how drug stings occur in Orlando and the steps to take if you are targeted, potentially helping you avoid a conviction.
Drug stings occur when law enforcement, often through undercover operations, make an arrest of individuals suspected of drug trafficking or possession. In the event of an Orlando drug sting operation, there are some specific steps to take that can help you avoid a criminal conviction.
The first thing to consider is a person’s emotional state. An arrestee can easily begin to panic, during and immediately following an arrest, but it’s important to stay as calm and collected as possible.
Arrestees should also avoid resisting arrest and be respectful of officers. Belligerence, particularly trying to escape an arrest, can lead to additional charges or delays in a case.
It is in an arrestee’s best interests to avoid speaking with police officers, as any statement to the police could incriminate them. Instead, individuals should simply state that they would like to speak with an attorney.
Contacting a reputable criminal defense lawyer could allow you to receive representation throughout a case. They may also be able to build a strong defense to avoid a conviction.
Following drug sting operations in Orlando, arrestees could face certain serious penalties. According to Florida Statute 893.13, individuals convicted of drug charges could spend at least three to five years in prison, with minimum fines of $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the nature of the crime, the type of drug, and the quantity of illegal substances found.
Possession of fewer than 20 grams of marijuana or fewer than three grams of synthetic drugs counts as a first-degree misdemeanor, leading to a $1,000 fine and one year in jail, followed by one year of probation. However, the majority of drug possession charges count as third-degree felonies with a fine of $5,000 and five years in prison, ending with another five years of probation.
Meanwhile, trafficking convictions come with more serious penalties, with Florida law categorizing these as first-degree felonies for most types of illegal substances. These convictions come with a mandatory minimum sentence of a $25,000 fine and three years in prison at the lowest level for low quantities of drugs, while higher amounts could lead to mandatory minimums of a $100,000 fine and seven years in prison.
To increase your chances of successfully avoiding a drug possession or trafficking conviction, or other charges related to drug sting operations in Orlando, it’s crucial to consult an experienced lawyer. The Umansky Law Firm could represent you when speaking to law enforcement, provide clear legal guidance, and potentially build a solid defense that keeps you from facing serious legal repercussions following a sting.
Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation, and find out what options are available to you.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
