Ft. Lauderdale Drug Trafficking Attorney

Delivering Effective Defense for Drug Trafficking in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Drug trafficking is a state crime when the offense occurs within Florida, and a federal crime when it crosses state lines or country borders. It involves manufacturing, distributing, and/or dispensing of controlled substances or the possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense. The laws apply to both illegal drugs and prescription medications that are possessed without a valid prescription.

Typically, what differentiates drug trafficking from possession or sale charges is the amount of the controlled substance and other circumstantial evidence. For instance, if a person has large quantities of drugs, stacks of cash, scales, baggies, and/or records of sales, the prosecution can argue that the defendant was trafficking drugs. Drug trafficking is considered a more serious offense than possession or sale, and the conviction penalties are harsher.

If you've been accused of drug trafficking, our Fort Lauderdale lawyers at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. are here to help with your case. Backed by nearly 50 years of combined experience, including time spent as former prosecutors, we know how to develop innovative and aggressive strategies to fight charges. We are meticulous in our investigation of drug trafficking cases, and we know that defenses can be raised to counter the government's allegations. Our team will thoroughly investigate your matter and seek to obtain an optimal result on your behalf.

To discuss your legal options with us, call (954) 840-8713 or submit an online contact form, and we'll respond promptly.

Florida Drug Trafficking Penalties

Under both state and federal laws, the conviction penalties for drug trafficking are severe. In both cases, they vary depending on the type and amount of drug involved in the alleged offense.

A couple of examples of the possible punishments for a federal drug trafficking conviction include:

• 10 years to life in prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine when the offense involved:
  • 1 kilogram or more of a substance containing heroin
  • 5 kilograms or more of a substance containing coca leaves or cocaine
  • 100 grams or more of PCP
  • 1,000 kilograms or more of a substance containing marijuana
  • 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
• 5 to 40 years in prison when the offense involved:
  • 100 grams or more of a substance containing heroin
  • 500 grams or more of a substance containing coca leaves or cocaine
  • 10 grams or more of PCP
  • 100 kilograms or more of a substance containing marijuana
  • 5 grams or more of methamphetamine

The penalties can increase if another person was injured or died as a result of the trafficking offense, or if the defendant had a prior drug crime conviction.

Under Florida law, a few of the drug trafficking penalties include:

• Between 3 and 30 years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000 when the offense involved more than 25 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds of cannabis
• Between 7 and 30 years in prison and/or a fine of $100,000 when the offense involved 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams of cocaine
• Between 15 and 30 years in prison and/or a fine of $100,000 when the offense involved 14 grams or more but less than 28 grams of an illegal drug such as morphine or opium

Attentive and Responsive Legal Representation in Fort Lauderdale

At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we recognize the seriousness of a drug trafficking charge and the potential impacts a conviction may have on your life. That is why we deliver personalized defense and stand shoulder to shoulder with you throughout your case. Getting to know you and understanding your circumstances allows us to build a strategy tailored for your specific needs and to effectively challenge the allegations made against you.

When you hire us, we'll be available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns. Schedule an immediate consultation with our Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking attorneys by calling (954) 840-8713 or contacting us online today.