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St. Petersburg Drug Trafficking Attorney

Pursuing Justice for Your Family

Drug offenses can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies in cases involving marijuana depending on the amount possessed. For all other controlled substances, the charge of sale or possession is a felony. Controlled substances include not only marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and other street drugs, but also oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax, and any other drug for which a prescription is required.

Trafficking charges involve the sale or possession of a specific amount of certain controlled substances (e.g.100 lbs of marijuana; 28 grams/ 200 grams/ 400 grams of cocaine) and are classified as 1st degree felonies, which also require minimum mandatory prison sentences upon conviction.

Given the potential harsh sentence which a conviction for a trafficking charge can require, our St. Petersburg drug trafficking attorney spends extensive time examining all aspects of the police investigation, including the circumstances surrounding any search and seizure, whether a warrant was or should have been obtained, and whether the police employed an informant to obtain evidence which may be used at trial. Due to their complexity, these cases require representation by an attorney familiar with police practices and well versed in the law of search and seizure. With our decades of experience in criminal law, Heyman Law Firm has gained invaluable insights into how to both prosecute and defend complex drug trafficking cases and can apply this knowledge to your unique case.

What is Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking is defined as the purchase and sale of illegal drugs, as well as the manufacture, delivery, or importation of illegal drugs across state or national borders. When drug trafficking occurs within a state, those accused can be charged with both federal and state offenses. If someone travels with drugs from another state to Florida, they can be charged with drug trafficking in the state.

Because different controlled substances may or may not have accepted medical uses and vary depending on the potential for abuse, Florida has classified drugs from Schedule I to Schedule V.

The classifications are broken down into the following categories:

  • Schedule I: These drugs are known for a high potential for abuse and in the United States have no medical use, and include drugs like heroin and GHB.
  • Schedule II: These drugs include cocaine, Codeine, and Oxycodone, and have a high potential for abuse and a limited accepted medical use.
  • Schedule III: These drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I and II drugs and have some accepted medical uses. Examples include anabolic steroids and barbituric acid.
  • Schedule IV: Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs and have many commonly accepted uses.
  • Schedule V: These drugs have commonly accepted medical uses and the lowest potential for abuse in the United States.

For nonjudgmental and caring service, turn to our attorney and call (727) 822-3700 today, or contact us online.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida

All states have their own statutes that break down the penalties for drug offenses based on the type of drug and quantity involved. In Florida, drug trafficking is a first-degree felony and carries mandatory sentences.

Prescription Drug Trafficking

Notable prescription drugs that are trafficked include oxycodone, hydromorphone, heroin, opium, and morphine. Between 4 and 14 grams typically results in three years in prison and a $50,000 fine, while buying or selling 60 grams or more may result in life imprisonment or even be subject to the death penalty.

Marijuana Drug Trafficking

You may be accused of drug trafficking for marijuana is you grow, sell, or distribute more than 25 pounds of marijuana, or if you control more than 300 plants.

Mandatory penalties include:

  • Between 25 and 2,000 pounds: Three years in prison, $25,000 fine
  • Between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds: Seven years in prison, $50,000 fine
  • Over 10,000 pounds: 15 years in prison, $200,000 fine

Amphetamine & Methamphetamine Trafficking

Mandatory sentences include three years in prison and a $50,000 fine for having between 14 and 28 grams, while having 200 grams or more can result in 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 400 grams or more may be subject to the death penalty.

Cocaine Trafficking

Some mandatory penalties for the possession or importation of cocaine include, at minimum for having between 28 and 200 grams of cocaine, three years in prison and a $25,000 fine, while between 400 and 150 kilograms can result in 15 years in prison and a $200,000 fine.

Our St. Petersburg drug trafficking attorney has defended the rights of the accused for decades and can help you when you call. Contact us today for trial-ready service at (727) 822-3700.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Whether you've been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you need experienced legal representation to defend you and help you achieve optimal results. Convictions usually result in lengthy prison sentences and thousands of dollars in fines that can ruin you financially. If you've been charged with drug trafficking in Florida, don't hesitate to contact our team to discuss the facts of your case.

Our lawyer has decades of experience in criminal defense and can help you avoid severe penalties. When your future is at stake, you must go with the law firm that understands state and federal laws and has helped countless clients before.

Heyman Law Firm Is Here for You

At Heyman Law Firm, we focus on Personal Injury and Criminal Defense and we are here to listen to you and help you navigate the legal system.

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