Although most people associate the term “drug trafficking” with a variety of Hollywood movies glorifying the illegal drug trade, the truth is that you don’t have to be a drug kingpin to be accused of the crime. When a person possessing any amount of an illegal drug or controlled substance is involved in its sale, delivery, or manufacturing, this is considered a distribution crime. In some cases, the type of drug and total weight of the drug in the person’s possession can increase the penalty to a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of a drug trafficking crime, a person can face several years or even a life sentence in prison.
If you or a loved one has been accused of a serious crime like drug trafficking, consult a drug trafficking attorney in Clearwater today. At Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, our attorneys have a successful track record of representing clients accused of serious crimes like drug trafficking.
Understanding the Penalty for Drug Trafficking Crimes
If a person has a certain quantity of drugs, the law automatically classifies the offense as a drug trafficking crime. For example, if a person has over 28 grams of cocaine in their possession, this is considered a first-degree felony and can result in a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years. Other drug trafficking amounts that result in a drug trafficking charge include:
- Cannabis: 25 pounds or 300 plants
- LSD: 1 gram
- Ecstasy: 10 grams
- Oxycodone: 7 grams
- Hydrocodone: 14 grams
It’s important to note that, depending on the amount of the illegal substance, the penalty will increase for each drug at certain weight thresholds. So in our previous example of cocaine, if a person had over 200 grams in their possession, this would result in a minimum 7-year sentence, whereas 400 grams would result in a minimum 15-year sentence. It’s important to note that you don’t technically need to be in possession of the drugs to commit this crime. Conspiracy to traffic drugs can also fall under the umbrella of a drug trafficking crime.
How a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Clearwater Can Help
Although drug trafficking laws were created to essentially target individuals and groups that are selling large quantities of drugs, some aspects of the law can be challenged by an experienced drug crimes defense attorney in Clearwater. Here’s an example of one relevant question for any person accused of a serious crime like drug trafficking: “Were you selling drugs or just using them?” In many cases, an individual may be in possession of the legal limit of drugs to be technically classified as a drug trafficking crime; however, the accused had no intent to distribute the drugs. In other words, they were simply in possession of the drugs for their own use.
Our attorneys have successfully urged the state to amend a drug trafficking charge to a lesser offense like possession. We can identify a complete defense or seek a reduction of the charge. The attorneys of Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan can closely assess the circumstances of your case, answer any questions you have related to the charges, and provide you with accurate legal counsel that can help you advance to the best possible outcome of your case.
For a free consultation with a drug trafficking attorney in Clearwater, please contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan at (727) 578-0303 today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
