Miami, Florida Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer

Knowledgeable Attorney for Charges of Drug Distribution and Trafficking in Miami, FL

Of the different types of drug crimes that may apply when someone is accused of possessing or distributing controlled substances, drug trafficking is likely to be the most serious. While some other states define drug trafficking as importing drugs into the state from another state or country, the state of Florida may charge someone with this offense if they possess large amounts of a drug with the intent to sell or distribute these substances. In general, possession of a certain quantity of a controlled substance is enough for prosecutors to pursue drug trafficking charges, and the penalties become more serious in cases involving higher amounts of a drug.

Because Florida is seen as a major hub for drug distribution when substances are imported into the United States, drug trafficking cases are often prosecuted aggressively. Police may perform searches and seizures and use any drugs they find to pursue serious criminal charges, and suspects may face lengthy prison sentences and other penalties if they are convicted.

Because of the serious nature of these charges, anyone who has been accused of drug trafficking will need to work with an attorney who will also take an aggressive approach to defense. At The Hoffman Firm, our Miami drug trafficking attorney can provide a strong defense in these situations, working to prevent a conviction, minimize penalties, or have charges reduced to a lesser offense.

What Constitutes Drug Trafficking in Florida?

In Florida, drug trafficking charges may apply if a person is accused of:

• Possessing large quantities of controlled substances
• Manufacturing large quantities of illegal drugs
• Transporting or importing drugs across state or international borders
• Selling or distributing significant amounts of controlled substances

Florida imposes mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking offenses, and there is no option for early release. The penalties vary depending on the type and quantity of the drug involved.

Drug Trafficking Penalties in Florida

The severity of a trafficking charge depends on the type and amount of the controlled substance. While these offenses are typically considered to be first-degree felonies, with maximum prison sentences of 30 years, additional penalties may apply.

Cocaine Trafficking

Possession of at least 28 grams of cocaine can lead to charges of trafficking in cocaine. The specific penalties for trafficking different amounts of cocaine include:

• 28 to 200 grams: Minimum of three years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine
• 200 to 400 grams: Minimum of seven years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine
• 400 grams to 150 kilograms: Minimum of 15 years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine
• 150 kilograms or more: Life in prison
• 300 kilograms or more: If a person knew that trafficking large amounts of cocaine would likely lead to someone's death, they may be charged with a capital felony, which carries the death penalty.

Heroin and Other Opiates/Opioids Trafficking

Heroin is considered to be one of the most dangerous drugs, and serious penalties for drug trafficking may apply even in cases involving relatively small amounts. In general, at least four grams of heroin will result in drug trafficking charges.

These charges may also apply for other drugs derived from opium, as well as synthetic opioids. Drug trafficking charges may apply in cases involving 28 grams of hydrocodone, seven grams of oxycodone, or four grams of fentanyl. The specific charges may include:

• Four to 14 grams of heroin or morphine: Minimum of three years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine
• 14 to 28 grams of heroin or morphine: Minimum of 15 years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine
• 28 grams to 30 kilograms of heroin or morphine: Minimum of 25 years in prison, plus a $500,000 fine
• Four to 14 grams of fentanyl: Minimum of seven years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine
• 14 to 28 grams of fentanyl: Minimum of 20 years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine
• 28 grams or more of fentanyl: Minimum of 25 years in prison, plus a $500,000 fine
• Seven to 14 grams of oxycodone: Minimum of three years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine
• 14 to 25 grams of oxycodone: Minimum of seven years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine
• 28 to 100 grams or oxycodone: Minimum of 15 years in prison, plus a $500,000 fine
• 100 grams to 30 kilograms of oxycodone: Minimum of 25 years in prison, plus a $750,000 fine
• 28 to 50 grams of hydrocodone: Minimum of three years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine
• 50 to 100 grams of hydrocodone: Minimum of seven years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine
• 100 to 300 grams or hydrocodone: Minimum of 15 years in prison, plus a $500,000 fine
• 300 grams to 30 kilograms of hydrocodone: Minimum of 25 years in prison, plus a $750,000 fine
• 30 kilograms or more of any opiate or opioid: Life in prison
• 60 kilograms or more of any opiate or opioid: In situations where trafficking large amounts of these drugs would likely lead to someone's death, a person may be charged with a capital felony, which carries the death penalty.

Methamphetamine Trafficking

Because of the dangers of meth, 14 grams of this drug may lead to drug trafficking charges. The specific penalties may include:

• 14 to 28 grams: Minimum of three years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine
• 28 to 200 grams: Minimum of seven years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine
• 200 grams or more: Minimum of 15 years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine
• 400 grams or more: If a person knew that trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine would likely lead to someone's death, they may be charged with a capital felony, which carries the death penalty.

PCP (Phencyclidine) Trafficking

Drug trafficking charges will apply in cases involving at least 28 grams of PCP. Penalties for this offense may include:

• 28 to 200 grams: Minimum of three years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine
• 200 to 400 grams: Minimum of seven years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine
• 400 grams or more: Minimum of 15 years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine
• 800 grams or more: Trafficking in large amounts of PCP that is likely to lead to someone's death may result in capital felony charges.

LSD Trafficking

As little as one gram of LSD can lead to drug trafficking charges. Penalties in these cases may include:

• One to five grams: Minimum of three years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine
• Five to seven grams: Minimum of seven years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine
• Seven grams or more: Minimum of 15 years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine. In cases where a person is accused of knowing that LSD trafficking was likely to lead to someone's death, an offense may be increased to a capital felony.

Marijuana Trafficking

Charges of cannabis trafficking may apply in cases involving at least 25 pounds of marijuana or 300 or more marijuana plants. Specific penalties may include:

• 25 to 2,000 pounds or 300 to 2,000 plants: Minimum of three years in prison, plus a $25,000 fine
• 2,000 to 10,000 pounds or 2,000 to 10,000 plants: Minimum of seven years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine
• 10,000 pounds or more or 10,000 or more plants: Minimum of 15 years in prison, plus a $200,000 fine

Contact Our Miami Drug Trafficking Attorney

Drug trafficking charges are among the most serious offenses in Florida, with harsh mandatory minimum sentences. At The Hoffman Firm, our Miami drug trafficking defense lawyer can help defend against these charges while ensuring that your rights are protected. Contact our firm today by calling 305-249-0090 and setting up a free consultation.