DAYTONA BEACH DRUG TRAFFICKING LAWYERS

A TEAM DEDICATED TO FIGHTING FOR YOU

Generally, drug trafficking occurs when a person manufactures, purchases, or distributes large quantities of controlled substances. What's considered a large amount depends on the type of drug involved in the offense. Charged as either a state or federal offense, a drug crime conviction can result in years to life in prison, thousands of to millions of dollars in fines, and other severe consequences. If you've been accused of the crime, it's crucial that you speak with an attorney about your case right away. State and federal governments are fierce in their pursuit of alleged drug traffickers, and you need a lawyer on your side to aggressively fight the allegations.

At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., our Daytona Beach drug trafficking attorneys provide skilled and effective legal counsel in Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas. We are here to listen to your side of the story and develop a compelling defense on your behalf. Our team has handled several drug crimes cases, and we have experience as former prosecutors. This means that we not only understand the ins and outs of the criminal justice process, but we also know how the opposition prepares for and presents cases. Committed to protecting your rights and freedoms, we will leverage our resources and knowledge to seek a favorable result for you.

To discuss your case with our premier team, call us at (386) 693-1637 or contact us online today. Our Daytona Beach drug trafficking lawyers offer an immediate initial consultation.

WHAT ARE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES?

Controlled substances are illegal and legal drugs (those obtained by a prescription) regulated by the government. They are categorized into five schedules determined by the drug's potential for abuse, medical use, and potential for physical or psychological dependency. Schedule I drugs are considered the most serious, and Schedule V drugs are considered the least serious.

Controlled substances include, but are not limited to:

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• LSD
• PCP
• Fentanyl

FLORIDA DRUG TRAFFICKING PENALTIES

Charges and convictions for drug trafficking are different from charges and convictions for drug possession. While possession charges are typically for personal use amounts of drugs, trafficking charges have minimum weight limits to be considered as such.

Minimum weight limits for drug trafficking charges include:

• 25 pounds of cannabis;
• 28 grams of cocaine;
• 14 grams of hydrocodone;
• 1 gram of LSD.

While drug trafficking charges typically result in worse penalties than possession charges, trafficking charges and possession charges are similar in that the classification of the drug will drastically impact the potential penalties. In fact, depending on the drug in question, drug trafficking sentences range from a minimum of 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of $50,000 to life in prison with no possibility of parole.

WHAT IS THE FEDERAL DRUG TRAFFICKING LAW?

Under federal drug trafficking laws, a person commits an offense when they knowingly or intentionally make, distribute, or dispense a counterfeit or controlled substance.

Typically, a drug trafficking crime is distinct from a possession or sales offense in that the former involves large amounts of the drug. Additionally, other instruments and materials in the vicinity may suggest that the substance has been or was intended to be distributed or dispensed.

Generally, trafficking a Schedule I or II drug is penalized by:

• Up to 20 years in prison and/or
• A fine of up to $1,000,000.

Trafficking a Schedule III controlled substance may result in:

• Up to 10 years in prison, and/or
• A fine of up to $500,000

Trafficking a Schedule IV drug can result in the following penalties:

• Up to 5 years in prison, and/or
• A fine of up to $250,000

Trafficking a Schedule V controlled substance carries the following penalties:

• Up to 1 year in prison, and/or
• A fine of up to $100,000

The penalties for some drugs are different from those listed above. The punishments for trafficking substances such as heroin, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, and methamphetamine depend on the amount of the drug. Additionally, in some circumstances, the conviction penalties can be enhanced, such as when serious injury or death occurs as a result of the offense.

WHAT IS FLORIDA'S DRUG TRAFFICKING LAW?

Florida Statutes 893.135 provides that it's unlawful for a person to knowingly sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, or bring into the state controlled substances. The penalties a person can face for committing an offense depend on the type and amount of the substance.

A few of the offenses under the law and the potential punishments include:

Cannabis Trafficking

• More than 25 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds:
  • Between 3 and 30 years in prison, and/or
  • A fine of up to $25,000
• Over 2,000 pounds but less than 10,000 pounds:
  • Between 7 and 30 years in prison and/or
  • A fine of up to $50,000
• If the amount was over 10,000 pounds:
  • Between 15 and 30 years in prison, and/or
  • A fine of up to $200,000

Cocaine Trafficking

• More than 28 grams but less than 200 grams:
  • Between 3 and 30 years in prison and/or
  • A fine of up to $50,000
• 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams:
  • Between 7 and 30 years in prison and/or
  • A fine of up to $100,000
• 400 grams or more but less than 150 kilograms:
  • Between 15 and 30 years in prison and/or
  • A fine of up to $250,000
• 150 kilograms or more:
  • Life imprisonment

Illegal Drugs Trafficking (such as morphine, opium, and hydromorphone):

• 4 grams or more but less than 14 grams:
  • Between 3 and 30 years in prison and/or
  • A fine of up to $50,000
• 14 grams or more but less than 28 grams:
  • Between 15 and 30 years in prison, and/or
  • A fine of up to $100,000
• 28 grams or more but less than 30 kilograms:
  • Between 25 and 30 years in prison, and/or
  • A fine of up to $500,000

WE KNOW THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

Backed by over four decades of combined experience, our Daytona Beach drug trafficking lawyers understand the processes involved in fighting a drug trafficking charge. We’re accessible and responsive, and will be available to help you through every step in your case.

Schedule an immediate consultation with our Daytona Beach drug trafficking attorneys by contacting Hager & Schwartz, P.A. at (386) 693-1637 today.