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Drug Importation Charges in Florida: Laws, Trafficking Penalties and Hiring a Lawyer

Drug Importation Charges in Florida: Laws, Trafficking Penalties and Hiring a Lawyer

Bringing illegal drugs into Florida can lead to very serious criminal charges. State and federal laws impose harsh penalties for drug importation and trafficking offenses. Even first-time offenders can face years in prison and massive fines.This article explains Florida’s drug importation laws, the typical penalties, and why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical if you’re facing charges. We’ll also discuss possible defenses that a lawyer may use to fight the allegations against you.

What is Drug Importation Under Florida Law?

Florida Statute 893.135 makes it illegal to knowingly sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, or transport controlled substances into the state. “Import” also includes being in actual or constructive possession of certain amounts of drugs.The statute covers importing drugs like:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• Marijuana
• Prescription drugs like oxycodone

You don’t have to be a drug trafficker or smuggler to face charges. Simply possessing large quantities of drugs can lead to importation charges in Florida.

Trafficking vs Simple Possession

There is a important distinction between drug possession and drug trafficking charges in Florida.Possession applies when you have small, user-amounts of illegal drugs. Trafficking charges come into play when you possess larger amounts that indicate intent to sell and distribute.Florida’s trafficking thresholds are quite low compared to other states. Even a few grams or ounces of drugs can trigger trafficking charges with severe penalties.

Drug Trafficking Thresholds in Florida

Here are some examples of drug amounts that lead to trafficking charges in Florida:

• Cocaine – 28 grams
• Heroin – 4 grams
• Meth – 14 grams
• MDMA – 10 grams
• Oxycodone – 4 grams

Possessing 25 lbs of marijuana or 300 plants also reaches the trafficking level.Penalties get harsher as the drug quantity increases. We’ll cover the potential sentences next.

Penalties for Drug Importation and Trafficking

Florida imposes strict mandatory minimum prison sentences for drug trafficking convictions:

• Trafficking 28g-200g of cocaine carries a mandatory 3 year minimum sentence
• Trafficking 400g-150kg of cocaine carries a mandatory 15 year minimum sentence
• Trafficking just 4-14 grams of heroin carries a mandatory 3 year minimum sentence
• Trafficking 30kg+ of heroin carries a mandatory life sentence

In addition to years in prison, those convicted also face fines up to $500,000 depending on the drug amount.Judges have no discretion to lower sentences below the mandatory minimums. And there is no parole available in the federal system.

Defenses Against Drug Importation Charges

Fighting drug importation charges in Florida starts with having an aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side. An experienced attorney can pursue legal defenses such as:

• Illegal search – If police violated your rights by searching you or your property without consent or probable cause, evidence may be suppressed.
• No knowledge – Prosecutors must prove you knowingly possessed the drugs. You may lack knowledge if someone else placed them in your belongings.
• Entrapment – When police coerce you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t, an entrapment defense may succeed.
• Misidentified substance – Lab tests can sometimes mistake legal substances for illegal drugs. Your lawyer can challenge the lab results.
• Too small of a quantity – Weighing the drugs yourself can reveal the amount is below trafficking thresholds, reducing charges.

An adept lawyer knows how to exploit flaws in the prosecution’s case and raise doubt about your guilt. This provides the best chance at an acquittal or reduced charges.

Why You Need an Experienced Drug Crime Lawyer

Trying to navigate Florida’s complex drug laws alone is extremely unwise. Drug importation charges must be handled by a lawyer well-versed in trafficking cases.Here’s why skilled legal representation is so crucial:

• They’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your arrest and find ways to suppress damaging evidence.
• They have resources to independently test the drugs and challenge lab results.
• They’ll negotiate aggressively with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed.
• They’ll advise you of all possible defenses and build the strongest case in your favor.
• They understand how judges and prosecutors work and can secure the most lenient outcomes.

Without quality legal representation, you risk accepting unfavorable plea deals or getting the book thrown at you at sentencing. Don’t let that happen.

Finding the Right Drug Crime Lawyer

If you or someone you care about is facing drug importation or trafficking charges in Florida, the most important step is finding the right lawyer for the job. Look for an attorney with extensive experience specifically handling complex drug cases in your area. Be sure to ask:

• How many drug trafficking cases have you defended in my county?
• What are some examples of results you’ve gotten in similar cases?
• Are you familiar with the prosecutors and judges who will be handling my case?
• What defenses do you see being viable based on the details of my charges?

Take time to research lawyers’ credentials, case results, and client reviews. Then choose the one you feel most confident in to fight for your freedom.

Don’t Delay – Get Legal Help Now

Getting arrested for importing drugs into Florida is extremely serious. Trafficking charges can put you in prison for decades and destroy your future.Don’t wait to seek out skilled legal representation. An experienced drug crimes lawyer will immediately start working to protect your rights, build defenses, and try negotiating reduced charges with favorable outcomes. Time is of the essence, so contact a lawyer today!