Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

In the 1980’s, South Florida served as an international gateway for drug trafficking. With over 8,000 miles of coastline, numerous seaports, and proximity to Cuba and South America, Florida was a prime location for smuggling large quantities of illegal drugs. Today, the area continues to be a hotbed for illegal drug activity and as a result law enforcement always makes sure it’s heavily patrolled.

If you or a loved one were charged with drug trafficking in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, it’s critical that you seek immediate legal representation to safeguard your rights and your freedom.

Trafficking a controlled substance in Florida is considered a first degree felony punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 3-25 years in state prison.

Lawyer for defending drug trafficking charges Commonly trafficked controlled substances include “street” drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, as well as prescription drugs such asoxycodone, hydrocodone, and xanax.

At Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense, we fully understand how high the stakes are and are well equipped to provide you with the strongest defense possible. Drug trafficking attorney Leah Mayersohn has spent two decades fighting for the rights of the accused and is committed to making sure you get a second chance.

As a former prosecutor, she knows how the opposition thinks and can leverage that insight to your advantage. She is a savvy negotiator and tough litigator that will exhaust all defense strategies in an effort to get the charges against you dismissed or reduced.

What is Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking is defined as the sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, or importation of a controlled substance above a certain weight limit. In Florida, drug trafficking doesn’t necessarily have to involve the sale or delivery of drugs. Rather, what constitutes a drug trafficking charge is the amount of drugs in your possession. If you possess a drug that exceeds the weight limits established by state and federal law, it is assumed that you were engaged in trafficking even if you weren’t.

Minimum Quantities that Qualify as Trafficking

Here are the minimum amounts needed for some drugs to support a trafficking charge

Cannabis: 25 pounds or 300 plants
Cocaine: 28 grams
GHB: 1 kilogram
Hydrocodone: 14 grams
Heroin: 4 grams
LSD: 1 gram
MDMA (Ecstasy): 10 grams
Oxycodone: 4 grams

Minimum Mandatory Sentences

The type of drugs involved and the quantities all carry different mandatory minimum sentences if convicted. As the weight increases, so does the sentence.

Trafficking in Oxycodone

Trafficking 7 grams or more, but less than 14 grams — 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
Trafficking 14 grams or more, but less than 25 grams — 7 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
Trafficking 25 grams or more, but less than 100 grams — 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine

Trafficking in Cannabis (Marijuana)

Between 25-200 lbs or 300 plants: 3 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
More than 2,000 lbs or up to 10,000 plants: 7 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines
More than 10,000 lbs or more than 10,000 plants: 15 years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines

Trafficking in Methamphetamine (“Crystal” or “Meth”)

14 – 28 grams = min. 3 yrs. prison and $50,000 fine
28 – 200 grams = min. 7 yrs. prison and $100,000 fine
200+ grams= min. 15 yrs. prison and $250,000 fine

Trafficking in Cocaine

28 – 200 grams = min. 3 yrs. in prison and $50,000 fine
20 – 400 grams = min. 7 yrs. prison and $100,000 fine
400 grams – 150 kilos = min. 15 yrs. prison and $250,000 fine

Trafficking in Heroin:

4 grams of heroin = 7 year mandatory sentence
14 grams of heroin = 15 year mandatory sentence
28 grams of heroin = 25 year mandatory sentence

Drug trafficking charges can be prosecuted in state or federal court. If the controlled substance in your possession were carried over state lines or internationally, your case would fall under jurisdiction of the federal court system.

With your future on the line, don’t delay in reaching out for help. Call Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense today 954-400-5000 to learn how we can help you avoid a mandatory minimum prison sentence.