If you are facing a drug trafficking charge in Florida, you may be wondering what comes next. Drug trafficking in Florida is a very serious drug crime, prosecuted as a first-degree felony and carries some severe mandatory consequences.
In the following brief article, Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, P.A., drug crimes attorneys in Clearwater, FL, outline what drug trafficking is and the immediate next steps you should take if you face charges in Florida.
What is Drug Trafficking?
In Florida, drug trafficking is knowingly possessing or transporting illegal substances over a certain threshold quantity. You may note that it is NOT necessary for the State to prove that a person intended to sell or distribute the drugs. To the contrary, all that is necessary is to show that the amount of drugs possessed met or exceeded the trafficking amount specified in Florida law.
Not only is mandatory prison time associated with drug trafficking charges, but high fines are as well.
What are Common Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges?
If you find yourself charged with drug trafficking, you may be wondering if there are any ways out of the charge. While Florida takes drug trafficking laws very seriously, common defenses to drug trafficking charges are:
- Disputing the quantity of the drugs or the method used to arrive at a “total weight”
- Entrapment by the police
- “Charge stacking” by law enforcement or the prosecutor
- Unlawful search and seizure leading to the discovery of substances
What Should I Do Next?
Remember, a charge is not a conviction. If you are charged with drug trafficking in Florida, you need an aggressive defense team to help you know your rights, fight on your behalf, and mitigate sentencing as much as possible.
Experienced Clearwater drug crimes defense attorneys like the attorneys at Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, P.A., have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the best defense possible, for the most favorable outcome possible.
If you find yourself charged with drug trafficking in the Clearwater, FL area, contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, top drug crimes defense attorneys today for a free consultation.
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.