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Jacksonville Drug Charges: Possession, Distribution and Trafficking
|Last Updated on: 3rd November 2023, 07:12 pm
Jacksonville Drug Charges: Possession, Distribution and Trafficking
Jacksonville has seen its fair share of drug arrests and charges over the years. From small-time marijuana possession to major trafficking operations, the illegal drug trade continues to pose a challenge for law enforcement in Northeast Florida. In this article, we’ll break down the most common drug charges in Jacksonville, potential penalties, and legal defenses to fight back.
Possession of Marijuana and Other Drugs
Simply having an illegal drug in your possession can lead to criminal charges in Florida. Penalties vary based on the type and amount of the drug:
- Marijuana Possession – Possessing 20 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Between 20-28 grams bumps it up to a 1st degree misdemeanor. Over 28 grams is considered felony possession, with maximum penalties of 5 years prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Cocaine, Heroin, Meth Possession – Possessing even tiny amounts of hard drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine is a felony in Florida. You’re looking at up to 5 years in prison for less than 10 grams. Trafficking charges kick in for larger amounts (more on that below).
- Prescription Drug Possession – It’s illegal to possess certain prescription medications without a valid prescription. Charges range from a misdemeanor to felony depending on the schedule and amount of the drug.
Many simple possession charges can be reduced or avoided altogether with a skilled Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer. Common defenses include arguing an illegal search, lack of knowledge/intent, or misidentification of the substance.
Drug Distribution and Sale Charges
Selling or distributing illegal drugs leads to more serious charges in Florida:
- Marijuana Sale – Selling 20 grams or less bumps possession up to a 3rd degree felony with max 5 years prison. Over 20 grams is a 2nd degree felony (15 year max).
- Cocaine, Heroin, Meth Sale – Similar to possession, selling any amount of these hard drugs is a 2nd degree felony in Florida (15 year max).
- Prescription Drug Sale – It’s a felony to sell prescription medications without a license, with penalties varying by drug schedule.
Defenses for drug sale or distribution charges aim to attack intent and knowledge. For example, if drugs were found in your home but didn’t actually belong to you. Or you had no idea a friend left drugs in your car.
Drug Trafficking Charges and Mandatory Minimums
Florida has strict mandatory minimum sentences when large amounts of drugs are involved:
| Drug | Weight | Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Marijuana | 25 lbs | 3 years |
| Cocaine | 28 grams | 3 years |
| Heroin | 4 grams | 3 years |
| Methamphetamine | 14 grams | 3 years |
At 200 lbs of marijuana, 90kg of cocaine, 30kg of heroin, or 400g of meth, mandatory minimums jump up to 15 years in prison. And that’s just for a first offense – subsequent trafficking convictions can lead to mandatory life sentences in Florida.These mandatory minimums leave judges with little discretion at sentencing. The only way around them is providing substantial assistance to prosecutors or qualifying for Florida’s drug court program. But in general, trafficking convictions mean you’re looking at serious prison time.
Federal Drug Charges in Jacksonville
Large-scale drug operations can also lead to federal charges, which may involve:
- Drug Importation – Bringing drugs into the U.S. from an international source
- Drug Manufacturing – Making illegal drugs like methamphetamine
- Drug Kingpin Charges – Heading up large trafficking organizations
Penalties are severe, including decades in federal prison. And federal drug cases have a conviction rate over 90%, much higher than state courts. The complexity of these cases make them very difficult to defend against without an experienced federal drug crimes lawyer.
Recent Jacksonville Drug Arrests and Charges
To get an idea of the types of drug cases being prosecuted in Jacksonville, here are some recent notable arrests:
- In September 2022, two brothers were convicted of being gang leaders and drug dealers, and sentenced to 30 years in prison on trafficking and conspiracy charges.
- Also in September 2022, a JSO investigation led to two men being arrested on drug and gun charges after police seized 45 firearms, various drugs, and cash from their Jacksonville home.
- In August 2022, four people were arrested on felony drug and gun charges stemming from suspicious activity reports at a Jacksonville hotel. Drugs seized included marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms.
Finding the Right Jacksonville Drug Crimes Lawyer
Drug charges should always be taken seriously, as Florida laws and sentencing guidelines tend to be harsh. For the best chance at reducing charges or avoiding jail time, it’s critical to have an experienced Jacksonville drug crimes lawyer on your side.Look for a lawyer with extensive experience specifically dealing with local prosecutors and judges in Jacksonville area courts. Do they have a track record of favorable outcomes in drug cases similar to yours?
Have they taken cases like this to trial rather than quickly advising clients to take plea deals?
Understanding the complexities of Florida drug laws is also key. Possession thresholds, trafficking amounts, mandatory minimums, and sentencing enhancers can make a huge difference in potential penalties. An inexperienced lawyer without mastery of these laws is unable to provide fully informed legal advice.Finally, time is of the essence when facing drug charges.
The sooner you can get a lawyer involved after an arrest, the better – before you make any statements to police that could hurt your case down the line.