Miami Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Charges of Importing and Distributing Controlled Substances in Miami, FL

Accusations of possessing, distributing, or manufacturing controlled substances can lead to serious drug crime charges. In Florida, drug trafficking charges may apply depending on the quantity of controlled substances involved in a case, and mandatory minimum prison sentences may be imposed upon conviction. In some cases, a person may face federal charges, which may lead to incarceration in a federal prison or other severe penalties.

In general, a person may be charged with drug trafficking if they are accused of transporting, selling, manufacturing, or possessing large quantities of controlled substances or bringing drugs into Florida from another state or country. Because Miami is a major point of entry to the United States and a large transportation hub, law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels will often investigate suspected trafficking operations, and they may arrest and charge multiple people involved in a case with drug trafficking offenses.

Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney provides representation for clients who have been charged with drug trafficking offenses in state and federal courts. Experience can be crucial in these cases, and our lawyer has the knowledge and skills needed to defend clients against accusations and help them resolve these matters successfully.

Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida

Florida Statutes Section 893.135 details the penalties for drug trafficking charges. In these cases, the charges may be based on the amount of a controlled substance a person is alleged to have possessed, transported, sold, manufactured, or imported.

The thresholds for trafficking charges under Florida law include:

• Cannabis/Marijuana: 25 pounds or 300 plants
• Cocaine: 28 grams
• Heroin: Four grams
• Fentanyl: Four grams
• Methamphetamine: 14 grams
• LSD: One gram
• Oxycodone (OxyContin): Seven grams
• Hydrocodone: 28 grams

A person may be arrested after being stopped on a highway, at an airport, or during the execution of a search warrant. If a search finds drugs in a quantity that meets or exceeds these thresholds, they could be arrested for drug trafficking. Even if the drugs were not intended for distribution, simply possessing them in large amounts may be enough for prosecutors to file trafficking charges.

Federal Charges for Drug Trafficking

If a person is accused of transporting controlled substances into Florida from another state or country, the case may be prosecuted as a state or federal offense, depending on the circumstances. State charges may apply when transportation occurs within Florida or involves drugs brought into the state without crossing international borders. Federal charges may apply in cases involving:

• Interstate or international drug trafficking
• Large-scale distribution networks
• Organized crime
• Use of the mail, shipping services, or commercial transportation to move drugs
• Collaboration with people in multiple jurisdictions
• Investigations by federal agencies or local law enforcement task forces working with federal officials

Federal drug trafficking convictions may carry harsher sentences and fewer opportunities for parole or early release.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking

At the state level, drug trafficking offenses are almost always charged as first-degree felonies, and they carry mandatory minimum sentences based on the type and weight of the substance. Examples include:

• Marijuana Trafficking: In cases involving 25 to 2,000 pounds of cannabis or 300 to 2,000 cannabis plants, the minimum sentence is three years, and a fine of $25,000 will apply. For 2,000 to 10,000 pounds or 2,000 to 10,000 plants, the mandatory minimum sentence increases to seven years, and fines increase to $50,000. For more than 10,000 pounds or more than 10,000 plants, the minimum sentence is 15 years, and the fine is $200,000.
• Cocaine Trafficking: For 28 to 200 grams of cocaine, the minimum sentence is three years, and the fine is $50,000. 200 to 400 grams can result in a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of $100,000. More than 400 grams may lead to a minimum sentence of 15 years and a fine of $250,000.
• Heroin or Fentanyl Trafficking: For four to 14 grams of heroin, the minimum sentence is three years, and the fine is $50,000. 14 to 28 grams can result in a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of $100,000. More than 28 grams may lead to a minimum sentence of 15 years and a fine of $500,000.
• Methamphetamine Trafficking: For 14 to 28 grams of methamphetamine, the minimum sentence is three years, and the fine is $50,000. 28 to 200 grams can result in a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of $100,000. More than 200 grams may lead to a minimum sentence of 15 years and a fine of $250,000. In cases involving more than 400 grams, a person could face a capital felony based on charges that they knew that their actions could lead to the death of one or more drug users. In these cases, they could face the death penalty.

When a person is charged with a drug trafficking offense at the federal level, they could face an especially harsh sentence that may include decades in prison and millions of dollars in fines. A person may also be subject to asset forfeiture, and they could be required to pay restitution to the victims of an alleged offense.

Offenses involving at least 100 grams of heroin, 500 grams of cocaine, one gram of LSD, five grams of methamphetamine, or 100 kilograms of marijuana could lead to sentences ranging from five to 40 years, as well as fines of up to $5 million. Cases involving at least one kilogram of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine, 10 grams of LSD, 50 grams of methamphetamine, or 1,000 kilograms of marijuana could result in sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison. Penalties increase significantly if drug trafficking allegedly led to serious injuries or death due to the use of the substances involved in a case.

Defending Against Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking cases often move through the courts quickly, and the consequences of a conviction are likely to be severe. In these cases, early legal intervention is essential to preserve a person's rights and begin building a defense. Our lawyer represents clients facing high-level drug charges in both state and federal courts. He can assist with these cases by:

• Challenging illegal searches and seizures and filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through violations of a person's constitutional rights
• Demonstrating that the client did not knowingly possess or control the substances or was not involved in drug trafficking activities
• Disputing the actual weight or composition of the alleged controlled substances involved in a case
• Identifying flaws in forensic testing procedures or the chain of custody of evidence
• Pursuing favorable plea agreements or other options for minimizing the penalties a person may face

In cases where our clients are wrongly accused, our lawyer will work to prove their innocence through witness testimony, documentation, and forensic analysis. He can take steps to show that a person was not involved in organized drug activity or large-scale trafficking. He will work to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means a dismissal, a reduction of charges, or an acquittal at trial.

Reach Out to Our Miami, Florida Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney

If you have learned that you are under investigation for drug trafficking by state or federal authorities, the time to act is now. The penalties for drug trafficking offenses can be severe, and prosecutors will use every resource at their disposal to secure a conviction. Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney can provide you with experienced, strategic representation as you defend against drug charges. Contact our Miami drug trafficking lawyer today at 305-615-1285 to set up your free consultation.