Trafficking
Trafficking and distribution cases are prosecuted more harshly and are strongly pursued by the law enforcement agencies. Florida Statutes 893.135 states that a person, who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures or delivers a controlled substance, or who actually or constructively possesses above a certain quantity of a controlled substance, commits a felony of the first degree. The severity of the penalties depends on the type of controlled substance and the quantity of controlled substance. Here are some of the examples:
Trafficking Cannabis
|
Quantity |
Minimum Sentence and Fine |
|
25 pounds to 2,000 pounds or 300 or more plans |
3 years $25,000 |
|
2,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds or 2,000 or more plants |
7 years $50,000 |
|
10,000 pounds or more or 10,000 plants or more |
15 years $200,000 |
Trafficking Cocaine
|
Quantity |
Minimum Sentence and Fine |
|
28 grams to 200 grams |
3 years $25,000 |
|
200 grams to 400 grams |
7 years $100,000 |
|
400 grams to 150 kilograms |
15 years $250,000 |
Trafficking Heroin
|
Quantity |
Minimum Sentence and Fine |
|
4 grams to 14 grams |
3 years $50,000 |
|
14 grams to 28 grams |
15 years $100,000 |
|
28 grams to 30 kilograms |
25 years $500,000 |
At times, the State Attorney’s Office attaches the element of intent to distribute to the charge of trafficking if the Law Enforcement Officers locate certain items together such as rolled up cash, paraphernalia, phone numbers or lists, and drugs being packaged in smaller quantities. In this instance, the severity of the charge may increase.
You may find yourself at the wrong place at the wrong time or you have no knowledge of the activities taking place at the location. Mr. Stewart may be able to challenge some of the aspects when it comes to trafficking charges, i.e. knowledge, entrapment issues, illegal search and seizure, illegal stop, anonymous tip, confidential informants, legality of the search warrant, and more. If you find yourself in serious trouble, contact Stewart Law Firm at 850-689-4529 for a free consultation.
