West Palm Beach Trafficking Lawyer
When you hear the words “drug trafficking,” you might imagine some large, sophisticated criminal enterprise moving thousands of pounds of illegal controlled substances into the country. But drug trafficking often involves people accused of moving much smaller quantities than you might think. And even if a person is not considered a “drug kingpin” by law enforcement, they can still face some of the harshest felony charges allowed under Florida law.
In short, you do not want to find yourself accused of illegal trafficking in a controlled substance. If you are, then your first step should be to contact an experienced West Palm Beach trafficking lawyer. At the Law Office of Scott N. Richardson, P.A., we represent individuals charged with a wide variety of drug crimes, including trafficking.
A Trafficking Conviction Can Mean Substantial Jail Time in Florida
Drug trafficking basically refers to the intentional sale, importation, manufacture, delivery, purchase, or possession of a controlled substance. Not all drug possession is trafficking, however. Florida law defines a minimum quantity of drugs that must be involved to elevate the charge from possession to trafficking. In the case of marijuana, for instance, a person in actual or constructive possession of at least 25 pounds of marijuana or 300 cannabis plants can be charged with trafficking.
Some other common drug trafficking thresholds include:
- 28 grams of cocaine;
- 4 grams of fentanyl
- 4 grams of heroin;
- 1 gram of LSD; and
- 14 grams of methamphetamine.
Unlike simple possession, drug trafficking carries mandatory minimum sentences under Florida law. This means that even a first-time offender faces serious jail time if they are caught with enough drugs to meet or exceed the trafficking threshold. For possession of between 25 and 2,000 pounds of marijuana, a drug trafficking conviction means a minimum of three years in prison. And if enough drugs are involved–such as more than 30 kilograms of heroin–a person can even be sentenced to life in prison.
Contact the Law Office of Scott N. Richardson Today
Prosecutors and law enforcement are aggressive in pursuing drug trafficking charges. Sometimes that zealousness can work to a defendant’s advantage. Indeed, a person charged with trafficking may have a number of potential defenses based on the facts of their case. For instance, the police may have conducted an illegal search of the defendant’s property or coerced the defendant into engaging in trafficking activities. Or the prosecution may simply lack sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
This is why it is important not to panic if you have been accused of drug trafficking or any similar crime. As serious as such charges are, you still have certain basic constitutional rights that the police, the prosecution, and the courts are bound to respect. By working with an experienced West Palm Beach trafficking lawyer, you have a better chance of obtaining a more favorable resolution of your case. So if you need to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Scott N. Richardson, P.A., today.
