Drug Trafficking

Drug Trafficking Attorney Tampa FL

The war on drugs continues despite a shift in the social outlook on drugs, especially the use of marijuana, and its legalization for recreational use in two states – Colorado and Washington. Further, nearly half of the United States has legalized marijuana for medicinal use. While marijuana is certainly not the only drug trafficked in the state of Florida, it is crossing Florida state lines more frequently as there are now multiple sources of marijuana throughout the country.

In Florida, drug trafficking is a particularly serious drug charge that often result in mandatory jail sentences for convicted individuals. Drug trafficking may also be charged at the federal level, and depending upon the nature and severity of your conduct, you could be facing federal drug charges separate from any state charges. Having a strong Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney like Marc A. Joseph, P.A. by your side will help you fight your drug trafficking charge in the most feasible way possible.

Drug Trafficking in Florida

Under Florida law, an individual may be charged with and found guilty of drug trafficking if he or she knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into the state of Florida a significant amount of a controlled substance. The amount required to establish drug trafficking in Florida is dependent upon what the controlled substance is.

Trafficking in Cannabis (Marijuana)

If the accused individual knowingly sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, brought into the state of Florida, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of more than 25 pounds of cannabis (marijuana), or 300 or more cannabis plants, he or she may be convicted of trafficking in cannabis.

This “trafficking in cannabis” charge is considered a first degree felony and carries with it the potential for jail time not to exceed thirty years and the imposition of a fine not to exceed $10,000. However, the amount of jail time an individual may serve and the amount in fines the individual may have to pay are dependent upon the amount of marijuana at issue, and the $10,000 maximum for a first degree felony no longer applies.

If the amount of marijuana is in excess of 25 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds, or is 300 or more cannabis plants, but not more than 2,000 cannabis plants, a convicted individual will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum jail term of three years and ordered to pay a fine of $25,000. If the amount of marijuana is 2,000 pounds or more, but less than 10,000 pounds, or is 2,000 or more cannabis plants, but not more than 10,000 cannabis plants, a convicted individual will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum jail term of seven years and ordered to pay a fine of $50,000. If the amount of marijuana is 10,000 pounds or more, or is 10,000 cannabis plants or more, a convicted individual will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum jail term of 15 calendar years and ordered to pay a fine of $200,000.

Trafficking in Cocaine

If the accused individual knowingly sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, brought into the state of Florida, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine, he or she may be convicted of trafficking in cocaine. This “trafficking in cocaine” charge is considered a first degree felony and carries with it the potential for jail time not to exceed thirty years and the imposition of a fine not to exceed $10,000. However, the amount of jail time an individual may serve and the amount in fines the individual may have to pay are dependent upon the amount of cocaine at issue, and the $10,000 maximum for a first degree felony no longer applies.

If the amount of cocaine is 18 grams or more, but less than 200 grams, a convicted individual will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum jail term of three years and ordered to pay a fine of $50,000. If the amount of cocaine is 200 grams or more, but less than 400 grams, a convicted individual will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum jail term of seven years and ordered to pay a fine of $100,000. If the amount of cocaine is 400 grams or more, but less than 150 kilograms, a convicted individual will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum jail term of 15 calendar years and ordered to pay a fine of $250,000. If the amount of cocaine is more than 150 kilograms, a convicted individual commits a first degree felony and will be subject to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or early release (except in cases where a convicted individual is pardoned, granted clemency, or granted a conditional medical release).

If a person was intentionally killed in relation to a first degree felony cocaine trafficking charge involving more than 150 kilograms of cocaine, the charge is enhanced to capital felony trafficking. In addition to serving life in jail, the convicted individual will be sentenced to pay the maximum fine allowable under Florida law, and may be sentenced to death.

If the amount of cocaine at issue in a drug trafficking charge is 300 kilograms or more, and the individual is aware that the importation of the cocaine would result in another person’s death, the individual has committed capital importation of cocaine. This is a capital felony that may result in the convicted individual paying the maximum fine allowable under Florida law, and he or she may be sentenced to death.

Why You Need a Skilled Tampa Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney?

Because jail time is likely inevitable for an individual convicted of drug trafficking, it is important to speak with an experienced Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney who has handled serious Florida and federal drug crimes before. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has helped clients fight the toughest of drug trafficking charges and he has helped them build the best defense possible for their individual situations. No two drug trafficking cases will ever be exactly the same, and Marc A. Joseph, P.A. provides the much-needed individualized legal representation that his clients deserve.

Contact Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. Today for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you know is facing a drug trafficking charge, you have a tough fight ahead of you regardless of innocence or guilt. Drug trafficking is a very serious drug charge in Florida as in most states, as well as at the federal level. It is crucial that you consult with a seasoned Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney who has helped accused individuals successfully defend the drug trafficking charges in court. Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has more than 16 years of experience defending his clients’ rights to the fullest extent possible, no matter how minor or serious the criminal charges may be. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. can provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to make an informed decision about moving forward and fighting the Florida drug trafficking charge you are currently facing. To speak with Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A., contact our office today by calling (813) 234-6374 to schedule your free consultation. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.

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