West Palm Beach Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Between the aggressive prosecution and the long potential sentences following convictions, few drug-related crimes are as serious as drug trafficking. If you are under investigation for drug trafficking, or have been charged with this crime, it is crucial that you seek the assistance of an experienced West Palm Beach drug trafficking lawyer.
As a veteran of criminal law, including 5 years as a state prosecutor, I know how drug trafficking cases move through the Florida criminal justice system and what it takes to fight these charges. Even in cases where the State’s evidence is strong, it is important to remember that the State always has the burden to prove every element of the offense. I will work tirelessly on your case to hold the prosecution to their burden.
Defending yourself against drug trafficking charges can be even more difficult than other kinds of cases because the State will often attempt to seize your assets if it believes them to have come from “drug proceeds.” This can make life difficult for you as well as your family as you work to defend your freedom. I will fight the State’s efforts to seize any assets they believe are related to a trafficking offense.
What is Drug Trafficking Under Florida Law?
Drug trafficking in Florida has several elements that must be met in order to sustain a conviction. If a single one of these elements is not proven by the prosecution, they will not be able to obtain a conviction.
- The alleged offense must involve drug sales, purchase, delivery, manufacture, or the transport of drugs across state lines;
- The quantity of drugs at issue must be above a certain amount, as listed below:
- Marijuana: 25 pounds
- Cocaine: 28 grams
- Morphine, Opium, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, etc.: 4 grams
- Phencyclidine: 28 grams
- Amphetamine: 14 grams
What Are the Punishments for Drug Trafficking in Florida?
The punishments for drug trafficking in Florida can vary significantly, depending on the type and quantity of the drug. However, no matter the type of drug or the amount, the crime is a first degree felony in Florida. In addition, unlike some other offenses, all drug trafficking convictions come with a mandatory minimum sentence.
For example, a first-time offender charged with trafficking cocaine in Florida will face the following punishments if convicted:
- 28 – 200 grams: 3 years minimum in prison, $50,000 fine
- 200 – 400 grams: 7 years minimum in prison, $100,000 fine
- 400 grams – 150 kilograms: 15 years minimum in prison, $250,000 fine
- 150+ kilograms: life imprisonment
There are also other factors that can affect a sentence for drug trafficking, such as whether:
- The drugs were sold near a school zone, or involved the hiring of school-aged children to sell the drugs
- The case is in state or federal court
What To Do if You Have Been Charged With Drug Trafficking
If you have been charged with drug trafficking in South Florida, you should immediately seek the guidance of an experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer. Fewer non-violent offenses are punished as harshly as drug trafficking. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, you need to make sure that you are represented by dedicated and experienced legal counsel.
Contact a Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer Serving Palm Beach County
If you elect to retain my services, I will zealously represent you throughout the entire process. Whether it be through attacking the State’s evidence, cross examining the arresting officers, or visiting the scene of the alleged crime to conduct an investigation, I will provide you with the quality representation you are entitled to. Contact my firm online, or call 561-533-1221 today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation. I can meet with you in my West Palm Beach office, or in my second location in West Palm Beach; both offices are right off I-95. I accept credit cards.
