Methamphetamine—often referred to as “meth,” “crystal meth,” “ice,” or “crank”—is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant and street drug that can be smoked, snorted, or injected to create a euphoric high fed by a surge in dopamine. Meth can be easily manufactured in laboratories or even in vehicles using inexpensive ingredients. While meth can be obtained legally with a prescription, it’s otherwise considered a controlled substance, and its possession, sale, or manufacture is against the law in the State of Florida.
Drug trafficking any substance, including meth, is a serious offense in Florida that may carry some of the harshest drug-related penalties in the country. Even a drug trafficking conviction involving small amounts of meth can result in jail time. It’s important to note that meth is judged and penalized harsher than other substances based on its destructive nature and the power of its physically addictive effects. If you’re a Florida resident, tourist, or student who’s been arrested for meth trafficking, it’s essential that you retain an experienced drug trafficking attorney as soon as possible.
Florida Statute 893.135(1)(f)(1) defines methamphetamine trafficking by the following terms:
“Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 14 grams or more of…methamphetamine…commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as ‘trafficking in amphetamine.’”
In other words, a meth offense is considered trafficking if you possess, sell, purchase, manufacture, or deliver 14 or more grams. Note that the weight of meth isn’t determined by the amount of pure meth in the mixture, but rather by the aggregate weight of the product or substance. The penalties associated with a meth trafficking conviction in Florida—which is labeled as a first-degree felony offense—depend on the amount involved, your criminal history, and other factors. The penalties are as follows:
Additional penalties may include the suspension of any professional licenses, a permanent criminal record that will appear on a background check, and a driver’s license suspension.
There are several possible strategies that your lawyer may utilize to encourage prosecutors to reduce or completely eliminate the penalties associated with a meth trafficking conviction. These strategies include:
If you’ve been charged with meth trafficking or have questions about the crime, get in touch with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A meth trafficking conviction can follow you, limit your ability to work certain jobs, deteriorate your reputation, and shackle you with serious statutory penalties.
Florida has some of the toughest laws against drug trafficking in the country. If you have been arrested for meth trafficking 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 meth trafficking lawyers can provide you with a sound strategy and a concrete defense based on years of experience working in the 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.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
