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Drug Trafficking

Drug Trafficking Lawyer 

Fighting for Clients In Deland, Daytona Beach and Throughout Central Florida

Drug Trafficking can be found in Florida Statute 893.135. When you think of drug trafficking, you have to think about the words “minimum mandatory”. A minimum mandatory is a mandatory prison sentence that a judge is required to impose if a person is found guilty. Trafficking charges carry minimum mandatory sentences that are imposed based on the amount of drugs found in your possession. In Florida, Trafficking Charges are charged as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to thirty years in prison. The Judge can lawfully exceed any minimum mandatory sentence.

With offices in Deland and Daytona Beach, we’ve represented clients throughout Central Florida for over 18 years.  

Trafficking in Cannabis

To prove the crime of Trafficking in Cannabis, the State is required to prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. The Defendant knowingly possessed, sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, or brought into Florida, a certain substance;
  2. The substance was cannabis;
  3. The cannabis weighed more than 25 pounds, or constituted 300 or more cannabis plants.

Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Trafficking in Cannabis

  • Cannabis in excess of 25 pounds but less than 2,000 poundsThree Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $25,000.00 fine.
  • Cannabis in excess of 300 plants but less than 2,000 plantsThree Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $25,000.00 fine.
  • Cannabis in excess of 2,000 pounds but less than 10,000 poundsSeven Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
  • Cannabis in excess of 2,000 plants but less than 10,000 plants – Seven Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
  • Cannabis in excess of 10,000 pounds – Fifteen Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $200,000.00 fine.

Trafficking in Cocaine

To prove the crime of Trafficking in Cocaine, the State is required to prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. The Defendant knowingly possessed, sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, or brought into Florida, a certain substance;
  2. The substance was cocaine;
  3. The cannabis weighed more than 28 grams.

Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Trafficking in Cocaine

  • Cocaine in excess of 28 grams but less than 200 grams – Three Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
  • Cocaine in excess of 200 grams but less than 400 grams – Seven Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $100,000.00 fine.
  • Cocaine in excess of 400 grams but less than 150 kilograms – Fifteen Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $250,000.00 fine.
  • Cocaine in excess of 150 kilograms – Life in Prison.

Trafficking in Morphine, Opium, Hydromorphone, or Heroin

To prove the crime of Trafficking in Morphine, Opium, Hydromorphone, or Heroin, the State is required to prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. The Defendant knowingly possessed, sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, or brought into Florida, a certain substance; 
  2. The substance was morphine, opium, hydromorphone, heroin, or a mixture containing morphine, opium, hydromorphone, or heroin; and
  3. The morphine, opium, hydromorphone, or heroin weighed more than 4 grams.

Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Trafficking in Morphine, Opium, Hydromorphone, or Heroin

Morphine, Opium, Hydromorphone, or any salt, derivative, isomer, or salt of an isomer thereof, including heroin, in the amount of:

  • 4 grams but less than 14 grams – Three Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
  • 14 grams but less than 28 grams – Fifteen Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $100,000.00 fine.
  • 28 grams but less than 30 kilograms – Twenty Five Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison and a $500,000.00 fine.

Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Trafficking Hydrocodone, Codeine, or Salt Thereof

  • 14 grams but less than 28 grams – Three Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
  • 28 grams but less than 50 grams – Seven Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $100,000.00 fine.
  • 50 grams but less than 200 grams – Fifteen Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison and a $500,000.00 fine.
  • 200 grams but less than 30 kilograms – Twenty-Five Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison and a $750,000.00 fine.

Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Trafficking Oxycodone

  • 7 grams but less than 14 grams – Three Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
  • 14 grams but less than 25 grams – Seven Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $100,000.00 fine.
  • 25 grams but less than 100 grams – Fifteen Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison and a $500,000.00 fine
  • 100 grams but less than 30 kilograms – Twenty-Five Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison and a $750,000.00 fine.

The Thompson Law Approach

Attorney Thompson knows that each case and each client is different, and there will never be a situation where you will be coupled with another case. Attorney Thompson takes the time to learn about you as an individual before deciding how to defend your case. Attorney Thompson limits the number of cases he takes to ensure that each client receives the personal attention they deserve. Take the time to let Attorney Thompson get to know the person you are by setting up a free consultation with Thompson Law by calling (386) 280-4977 or toll free by calling (386) 280-4977.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the minimum mandatory sentences for drug trafficking in Florida?

In Florida, drug trafficking charges come with minimum mandatory sentences that vary depending on the type and amount of the drug involved. For example, trafficking in cannabis over 25 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds carries a minimum of three years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The sentences can escalate to fifteen years and a $200,000 fine for amounts exceeding 10,000 pounds. Cocaine trafficking sentences start at three years for amounts over 28 grams and can lead to life in prison for amounts exceeding 150 kilograms.

What should I do if I'm facing drug trafficking charges in Deland or Daytona Beach?

If you're facing drug trafficking charges in Deland, Daytona Beach, or anywhere in Central Florida, it's crucial to seek legal counsel immediately. Contacting a knowledgeable attorney like Attorney Thompson, who has over 18 years of experience in this field, can be a decisive factor in your case. You can set up a free consultation with Thompson Law to discuss your case and explore your defense options.

Are the penalties for trafficking in opioids like morphine and heroin different from other drugs in Florida?

Yes, the penalties for trafficking opioids such as morphine, opium, hydromorphone, or heroin are distinct and based on the weight of the substance. For instance, trafficking amounts of 4 grams but less than 14 grams can result in three years in prison and a $50,000 fine, while amounts of 28 grams but less than 30 kilograms can lead to twenty-five years in prison and a $500,000 fine. These penalties reflect the severity with which Florida law treats opioid trafficking.

Can the judge impose a sentence higher than the minimum mandatory for drug trafficking in Florida?

Yes, in Florida, judges have the authority to impose sentences that exceed the minimum mandatory requirements for drug trafficking offenses. The minimum mandatory serves as a baseline, and depending on the circumstances of the case, such as the amount of drugs involved and other aggravating factors, the judge can lawfully determine a more severe sentence up to the maximum allowed, which can be as high as thirty years in prison or even life imprisonment for certain drug amounts.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

  • All Charges Dismissed Racing on the Highway

    Client was arrested after leaving a car show in a fast vehicle. Officers suspected the client of racing another vehicle and police officers pulled him over, drug him out of his vehicle, and arrested him for both racing on the highway and resisting an officer without violence. Upon review of the body camera video, Attorney Matt Thompson raised an excessive use of force complaint against the arresting officer. All charges against the client were dismissed.

  • No Criminal Charges Filed Public Assistance Fraud

    Attorney Thompson and Client reviewed case and met with Department of Revenue investigators to explain the discrepancy. In doing so, the State determined that they would not seek criminal charges, but offered a repayment plan through non-judicial means.

  • No Charges Filed and Prevented Arrest Grand Theft

    Client was caring for her special needs sister. While caring for her she received advice from bank personnel to place her sister’s Disability Checks into a bank account in the Client’s name to avoid other family members from stealing money. Once the family members discovered this they called the police to investigate the Client. Attorney Thompson put together documentation showing how the money was being spent and met with police to further explain the situation. The police determined that there was no

  • All Charges Dismissed Battery

    The Client was working as a part time substitute teacher to help generate income to help his sick child granddaughter. While working there were children acting up and he instructed the child to stay in his seat while the others went to recess. The child claimed that the client hit him and told administration. Attorney Thompson did a public records request to obtain reports from the Department of Children and Families and noticed serious discrepancies in the child’s story. Attorney Thompson was able to p

  • Charges Reduced Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer

    Attorney Thompson provided the State with an extensive mitigation packet outlining the Defendant’s military service record and disability based on PTSD. Defendant was offered a minor jail sanction (60) days followed by probation in lieu of a 5-year minimum prison sentence as was originally offered by the State.

  • All Charges Reduced Aggravated Battery

    Attorney Thompson conducted depositions on the alleged victim and third-party witness. Attorney Thompson was able to show that the victim was harassing the Defendant and was not being truthful to the police. Attorney Thompson filed Order to Show Cause against the third-party witness for avoiding subpoena for depositions.