Drug trafficking is among the most serious drug crimes because it can involve the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of a controlled substance. Prosecutors in Florida go after drug traffickers to stop the distribution of illicit substances. Someone charged with drug trafficking will face steep penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences and fines. This type of activity is of particular concern in Winter Park in recent years.
When you are charged with this crime, it is critical to hire a Winter Park drug trafficking lawyer to represent you. The penalties will be severe and you should consult an experienced drug defense attorney before making any decisions about your case. As a criminal defendant, it is important to know your rights. Our defense attorneys advise you of your constitutional rights during the criminal process and determine the best way to get the charges dropped or reduced.
In this state, drug trafficking is defined as the intentional sale, importation, manufacture, delivery, purchase, or possession of a controlled substance. Whether or not a drug crime is “trafficking” depends on if the drug quantity involved exceeds the statutory limits. There is a mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking offenses and it is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
While it is easy to assume that drug trafficking involves only large scale operations, it depends on the quantity involved. Under Florida Statute § 893.135, anyone who knowingly sold, imported, delivered, manufactured, or possessed a certain amount of a drug can be charged with drug trafficking. This means that a drug possession charge could escalate to drug trafficking based on the amount involved. The statutory minimums in Florida include:
The drug quantity involved can also impact the potential sentence. Someone charged with drug trafficking in Winter Park should retain an experienced attorney to assess their situation and find the best path forward.
Despite the harsh penalties, conviction is never guaranteed. A Winter Park lawyer could work with someone charged with drug trafficking and focus their energy on one or more potential defense strategies, including:
A good defense strategy depends on the facts of the case and a lawyer knows what to look for when pursuing these options.
If you are convicted of drug trafficking, you could be facing a mandatory minimum prison sentence and fines. Florida has strict penalties for drug trafficking and the sentence will be imposed regardless of whether or not it was a first-time offense.
A Winter Park drug trafficking lawyer works with you to build a strong defense. If the police seized the drugs in violation of the Fourth Amendment, you could have the evidence suppressed. The drug quantity is also an important factor in whether the charge of trafficking is appropriate.
When you retain The Umansky Law Firm, we advise you of your rights and potential defenses. Contact our team to set up a free consultation and discuss the details of your case.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
