Florida Drug Trafficking Statutes

Drug trafficking is taken seriously in Florida. Therefore, the penalties associated with this crime if you are found guilty are no less than life changing. From prison time to fines and much more, you could be facing a drastic life change if a judge and jury convicts you. In fact, not only will you have a permanent criminal record, but your relationships and career will be negatively affected. Here’s what you should know about Florida’s drug trafficking statutes and also how to get the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Florida Drug Trafficking Statutes by Substance

Florida penalizes drug trafficking according to the substance being trafficked.

Cocaine

  • 28-200 grams — $50,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment
  • 200-400 grams — $100,000 fine and 7 years imprisonment
  • 400 grams – 150 kilograms — $250,000 fine and 15 years imprisonment
  • 150+ kilograms — Life imprisonment without the option of parole

Heroin

  • 4-14 grams — $50,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment
  • 14-28 grams — $100,000 fine and 15 years imprisonment
  • 28 grams – 30 kilograms — $500,000 fine and 25 years imprisonment

Hydrocodone

  • 14-28 grams — $50,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment
  • 29-49 grams — $100,000 fine and 7 years imprisonment
  • 50-200 grams — $500,000 fine and 15 years imprisonment
  • 200 grams – 30 kilograms — $750,000 fine and 25 years imprisonment

Oxycodone

  • 7-14 grams — $50,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment
  • 14-25 grams — $100,000 fine and 7 years imprisonment
  • 15-100 grams — $500,000 fine and 15 years imprisonment
  • 100 grams – 30 kilograms — $750,000 fine and 25 years imprisonment

Methamphetamine

  • 14-28 grams — $50,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment
  • 28-200 grams — $100,000 fine and 7 years imprisonment
  • 200+ grams — $250,000 fine and 15 years imprisonment

LSD

  • 1-5 grams — $50,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment
  • 5-7 grams — $100,000 fine and 7 years imprisonment
  • 7+ grams — $500,000 fine and 15 years imprisonment

Ecstasy

  • 10-200 grams — $50,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment
  • 200-400 grams — $100,000 fine and 7 years imprisonment
  • 400+ grams — $250,000 fine and 15 years imprisonment

 Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges

If you’re facing drug trafficking charges, there are a few different defenses to use. In fact, your lawyer will help you determine which one is most likely to be successful in your case depending on the circumstances, facts, and evidence in your case. For example, you could argue actual innocence if the drugs are planted by someone else on you or your property. Or, you may be able to argue that the police illegally searched you. Illegal search and seizure is a very viable defense. It may keep the actual substances out of court evidence, making it harder for the prosecution to make a case against you.

Contact Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer Leah Mayersohn, Esq. Today

Don’t let drug trafficking charges ruin your life. Get help from an experienced drug trafficking attorney today to defend yourself and protect your rights under Florida law. Call now for a consultation at 954-400-5000.


What You Need to Know About Prescription Drug Crimes

Penalties For Prescription Drug Offenses

Prescription drugs are used widely and regulated across the U.S. This is because many prescription drugs used for pain and mental illness are as potent and dangerous as drugs like heroin or methamphetamine when used improperly. If you were arrested for a prescription drug crime, it’s important that you learn what penalties you may have to face and what your best options are for defending yourself against this type of crime.

Prescription Drug Crimes Defined

Not all prescription drugs are regulated in the same way. It is generally only considered a criminal offense when the medications are of a controlled nature. Controlled medications include drugs used for ADHD, pain, and anxiety. Here are some of the most common forms of prescription drug crimes:

  • Selling prescription drugs to someone else for a profit (either acquiring to sell them or selling your “extra” pills)
  • Giving prescription drugs to a friend
  • Attempting to or successfully robbing a pharmacy in order to obtain controlled substances
  • Possessing prescription drugs that do not belong to you and were not prescribed to you by a licensed physician

What Penalties You May Face If Convicted of a Prescription Drug Crime

If you are charged with and found guilty of this type of crime, you may face severe penalties. A Criminal Defense Attorney will advise that penalties include but are not limited to fines and incarceration. How serious the penalties depends greatly on how serious the crime was that you were found guilty of. For example, if you purchased a few pain pills from an acquaintance, you may not incur as much jail time as if you sold or trafficked a large number of controlled drugs.

Regardless of the severity of the crime, any criminal penalties stand to change your life in a negative way. Jail time, fines, community service, probation, and mandatory drug counseling impact your career and relationships.

Contact a Prescription Drug Crimes Attorney Today

When you face any criminal charges — especially those related to prescription drugs — it’s important to have someone in your corner dedicated to fighting for your rights. At Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense, we will go to bat for you against prosecutors and will petition the court for the charges against you to be reduced or dismissed entirely.

Reach out to us today for a consultation to learn more about your legal options after being charged with a prescription drug crime. Call now at 954-400-5000.