Pensacola Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Defending Against Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida

Florida’s war on drugs is ongoing, with a significant amount of police and prosecutorial resources devoted to busting even low-level drug offenders. The penalties for a drug crime conviction can be steep, including significant prison time and heavy fines. 

The state of Florida imposes mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking crimes, which often result in unjust punishments for offenders. In addition to the heavy mental and financial strain these charges put on you and your family, your criminal record can haunt you for the rest of your life.

Fortunately, at Crawford Law, we believe you deserve quality defense. We will work to reduce the repercussions of any drug trafficking charge so you can put felony charges behind you. We handle narcotics cases of all kinds at the state and federal levels. Our extensive trial experience and skills could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. 

Call Crawford Law today at (850) 220-2098 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug trafficking lawyer in Pensacola.

Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida

Drug trafficking typically refers to the sale, distribution, transportation, and/or import or export of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, and more. These are considered serious crimes by both the state of Florida and the federal government. Thus, you can face charges in both the state and federal court systems.

How you are charged will depend on the quantity and type of drugs involved, as well as other factors, such as the location of the alleged crimes and whether they involved crossing state or national borders. 

At the state level, drug trafficking charges typically involve the transportation or selling of a certain amount or quantity of illegal drugs. It is generally charged as a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentencing of up to 30 years in prison, depending on the circumstances. For example, trafficking in cocaine can result in a minimum mandatory sentence of three years in prison with a possible fine of up to $50,000 for those caught with 28 grams or more.

Drug trafficking can also include trafficking in prescription medicines, such as opioids, morphine, Valium, and others. As little as five Oxycodone pills can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of three years, while 33 of these pills can incur 25 years of incarceration. 

Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

Federal drug trafficking charges can result in harsh penalties, including long prison sentences and hefty fines. Understanding these charges and their associated penalties is essential for anyone facing them. 

Some of the most common federal drug trafficking charges include:

Trafficking in Cocaine

Trafficking in cocaine charges can result in significant prison sentences and fines. For example, individuals caught with 500 grams or more of cocaine face a minimum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. Those caught with less than 500 grams can still face up to five years in prison and a $5 million fine.

Trafficking in Heroin

Trafficking in heroin carries similarly serious penalties. Those caught with over 100 grams of heroin can face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, increasing up to a maximum of 40 years. In addition, individuals may be fined up to $5 million. Group offenses can lead to $10 million in fines. 

Trafficking in Methamphetamine

Trafficking in methamphetamine is also a highly punishable offense. Those caught with 50 grams or more can face a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine. However, those caught with more than 1 kilogram can face a minimum sentence of life in prison.

Possessing or Dealing Marijuana

While marijuana laws are rapidly changing and can vary from state to state, possessing or dealing marijuana can still be charged as a federal offense. Possessing over 100 marijuana plants or distributing over 100 kilograms of marijuana can lead to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a $10 million fine.

Penalties associated with federal drug trafficking charges vary based on the type and quantity of drugs, as well as your criminal history. Additional penalties can include asset forfeiture by the government; this can mean losing custody of property and profits resulting from drug trafficking. 

Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges

Common defenses against drug trafficking charges could include:

• Unlawful Search and Seizure: One of the most common defenses in drug trafficking cases is challenging the legality of the search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement conducts a search without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence received may be inadmissible in court. Without the seized drugs as evidence, the prosecution's case could fall apart.
• Lack of Knowledge: In some drug trafficking cases, the defendant may not have known that they were in possession of drugs. This is especially common in situations where someone else placed drugs in a vehicle, home, or luggage without the defendant's knowledge. If it can be shown that the defendant was unaware of the drugs, this could serve as a strong defense.
• Entrapment: Entrapment often occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If undercover officers pressured or coerced someone into trafficking drugs, the defense of entrapment could be used to argue that the defendant was not predisposed to commit the offense.
• Quantity of Drugs: The prosecution must prove that the amount of drugs involved meets the threshold for trafficking. If the actual amount of drugs is less than what is required for a trafficking charge, the charges could be reduced to a less serious offense, like possession. Challenging the quantity of drugs can lead to a significant reduction in penalties.
• Violation of Miranda Rights: If law enforcement fails to read the defendant their Miranda rights after an arrest, any statements made during interrogation may be excluded from the case. This can weaken the prosecution's capacity to prove intent or knowledge, which are critical components in a trafficking charge.
• Mistaken Identity or False Accusation: In some instances, individuals are wrongfully accused of drug trafficking because of mistaken identity or being falsely implicated by someone else. Witness misidentifications or false reports could result in innocent people being charged with serious crimes. A thorough investigation into the circumstances of the case can uncover these errors.

Contact Our Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Pensacola Today

You need an experienced trial lawyer if you are facing state or federal drug trafficking charges. At Crawford Law, we make protecting your future a priority.

Our knowledge of how prosecutors operate and our courtroom experience have given us deep insight into highly successful defense strategies. We will examine every aspect of your situation to find viable ways to build your case. Each strategy is customized to fit a client’s unique circumstances, and we deliver face-to-face counsel throughout the legal process. 

Get critical advice and guidance when you consult with our Pensacola drug trafficking attorney. Contact Crawford Law at (850) 220-2098 today.