Drug trafficking is a serious crime and has serious consequences in Orlando. If you are convicted of trafficking a controlled substance, you can face decades behind bars and extensive fines that exceed six figures.
Due to the possibility of severe drug trafficking penalties, it’s important to know what they are if you are charged with this crime.
Keep reading to learn more about drug smuggling and what may happen if you are charged and convicted of this crime.
What Is Drug Trafficking?
If you are charged with drug trafficking, it means you are accused of intentionally purchasing, manufacturing, delivering, possessing, or transporting a “trafficking amount” of drugs into the state.
In the state, there are specific thresholds that must be met for it to be considered trafficking. The minimum threshold for common illegal drugs trafficked into the state include:
- Oxycodone: 7 grams
- Cannabis: 300 plants or 25 pounds
- Heroin: 4 grams
- Cocaine: 28 grams
- LSD: 1 gram
- Fentanyl: 4 grams
- Ecstasy: 10 grams
- GHB: 1 kilogram
These represent the minimum amount required to incur a drug trafficking charge. If you have more than this, the potential consequences increase, too.
If you are ever charged with this crime, it is imperative to speak to a drug trafficking lawyer right away.
Potential Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida
In Florida, there are mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking charges. The penalty is based on the drug you are found with and how much of it you have.
Marijuana Trafficking Penalties
If you traffic in cannabis and have 25 to 2,000 pounds, you face a three-year mandatory prison sentence and a $25K fine. For 2,000 to 10,000 pounds, the penalty is a seven-year mandatory prison sentence and a $50K fine.
Cocaine Trafficking Penalties
The possession of some types of drugs is more severe than others. One example is cocaine. Possession of this is considered a first-degree felony.
Having 28 to 200 grams of cocaine results in a three-year mandatory prison sentence and a $50K fine. With 200 to 400 grams, you face seven years in prison as a mandatory sentence and a $100K fine.
Heroin Trafficking Penalties
Heroin, like cocaine, trafficking is a first-degree felony.
Possession of four to 14 grams comes with a three-year mandatory prison sentence and $50K fine, while 14 to 28 grams results in 15-years in prison as a mandatory sentence and a fine of $100K.
Hydrocodone Trafficking Penalties
Also considered a first-degree felony, trafficking hydrocodone comes with a possible prison sentence of 30 years.
The penalties for this possession are the same as heroin (mentioned above).
Understanding Drug Trafficking Penalties
When it comes to the possession of drugs, factors like the type of drug and the amount you are caught with determine your consequences.
Remember, Florida takes a strong stance against drugs, and this is a serious charge. Because of this, it is best to hire a drug trafficking attorney to help with your case.
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