Florida Drug Sales & Trafficking Attorney
Florida unfortunately has a reputation for international drug trafficking in substances like cocaine and heroin, which translates to heavy attention and extensive police resources devoted to making drug arrests and prosecuting alleged traffickers to the fullest extent of the law. Punishments for drug trafficking have included lengthy sentences, including mandatory prison terms from three to 15 years, as well as exorbitant fines as high as $250,000. Persons charged with trafficking who already have a criminal record are most at risk for these harsh penalties. Getting representation from skilled, aggressive and experienced criminal drug defense lawyers is critical to avoiding the harshest punishments and mounting a strong defense that attacks the holes in the prosecution’s case.
In Orlando and central Florida, drug defense attorney Matt Olszewski and his team at FL Drug Defense Group help people who have been charged with serious drug crimes like drug sales and trafficking. You have too much at stake to choose anything less than top-quality representation. Call our Florida drug sales & trafficking attorney at FL Drug Defense Group for a free case evaluation, and find out how we can help you.
What is drug trafficking in Florida?
Knowingly bringing drugs into the state is enough to be charged with drug trafficking in Florida. In addition, prosecutors also bring trafficking charges inside the state for the cultivation, manufacture, transportation or possession of large amounts of drugs. This offense carries a minimum 15-year prison sentence and fines from $50,000 to $250,000. The type of drug and the quantity involved are frequently key factors in determining whether a charge of drug trafficking will be brought. Related drug offenses could include:
- Selling
- Distribution
- Possession with intent to sell or distribute
- Distribution of counterfeit drugs – Even if the substance is not actually a controlled substance, if either the buyer or seller believes the drugs to be real, criminal charges can be brought.
Prosecutors often have considerable leeway in what charges are brought after an arrest. The schedule and amount of the substance, along with the defendant’s criminal history, can play a big part in this decision. Also, law enforcement agencies are often hoping you will cooperate with them and offer substantial assistance in going after bigger drug traffickers. Your attorney can work with all of these factors to influence what charges are ultimately brought against you.
How do you defend against drug trafficking charges?
Every case is unique, but an analysis of the facts surrounding the arrest and post-arrest police procedures often raises applicable drug crime defenses that can be used to defeat the prosecution’s case. For instance, when the government initiates undercover buys to make an arrest, they may go beyond legitimate police work and engage in illegal entrapment. There may also be search and seizure issues that violate your constitutional rights and make the government’s evidence inadmissible. Police agencies may make other mistakes such as chain of custody errors which renders them unable to prove their case when challenged by a skilled and knowledgeable drug defense attorney. Sometimes, the police simply get their facts wrong and sweep up innocent people in their overzealous attempts to make a big drug bust.
Help is Available for Drug Trafficking Defense in Orlando
Pleading guilty, talking to the police or signing written statements may seem reasonable after an arrest when the only information you are getting comes from the police and prosecutors. If instead you exercise your right to talk to a lawyer first, you may find that the picture painted by the police is not entirely accurate. At FL Drug Defense Group, our Florida drug sales & trafficking attorneys will advise you of your options and provide strong, effective representation to achieve a positive outcome in your case. Call FL Drug Defense Group at 407-775-9052 for a free case evaluation after a drug sales or trafficking arrest in Orlando or central Florida.
