Drug Trafficking Attorney
Drug Trafficking
In Florida, drug trafficking crimes are treated with harsh penalties in an attempt to stop the source of our state’s drug problems. Whether the drugs involved were marijuana, cocaine, pills or medications, being convicted will drastically change the guilty person’s life. Drug trafficking is Florida’s most serious drug crime.
Time and time again it’s been seen that the only way to minimize penalties for drug trafficking crimes is through the aggressive support of an experienced and successful drug trafficking attorney.
How is Drug Trafficking defined in Florida?
Florida statute 893.135 describes drug trafficking as a crime where a person is found to knowingly have a ‘trafficking’ amount of drugs in their possession. Selling, purchasing, manufacturing or delivering the drugs will increase the charges, but by just possessing a high quantity of illegal substances the crime is committed.
Experienced Legal Service for Drug Trafficking in Pinellas County
If you or a loved one has been arrested for Drug Trafficking in Pinellas County, then you should contact a criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights and represent you against what will be an extremely tough prosecution.
Sean McQuaid has a track-record in successfully defending adults and minors charged with crimes for over 19 years. Mr. McQuaid is a named partner at Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., which for 60 years has been providing the Tampa Bay area with exceptional legal assistance. Mr. McQuaid is highly respected by the State and the Judges at the Pinellas Justice Center and has received a perfect ranking from numerous review sources from his peers, the judges he practices in front of and his clients and their families.
If you need a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Pinellas County, please contact Sean McQuaid today for a free consultation service to begin the fight for your defense.
What if my child has been arrested for Drug Trafficking?
Even if your child had never sold a drug, the mere possession of high quantities of illegal substances means they could be looking at a lengthy prison sentence. Thankfully, Florida Florida has been leaning towards helping minors with drug addiction through rehabilitation, rather than quickly issuing mandatory strict punishments. In our experience, taking part in drug rehab or counseling is a wise choice of action for your child because the effort is a clear sign that the problem is being dealt with.
Juvenile Help, Clean Records and No Jail Time
We’ll use our experience to guide your child towards genuine support and rehab that will not only help them but also keep them out of jail, paying hefty fines and having a criminal record. We’ll fight to prove that your child was not involved in any serious drug trafficking plans and that they’re looking towards a cleaner future. If you have any questions that need clearing up, please contact us today.
What Quantity of Drugs Qualifies for Drug Trafficking?
By possessing the following quantity of illegal substances, a person can be charged with ‘Drug Trafficking’ by the State Attorney’s Office. As quantities increase, so do the penalties.
- Cannabis – At least 25 pounds or 300 cannabis plants.
- Opium – At least 4 grams
- Oxycodone – At least 4 grams
- Hydrocodone – At least 4 grams
- Morphine – At least 4 grams
- Phencyclidine – At least 28 grams
- Methaqualone – At least 200 grams
- Amphetamine – At least 14 grams
- Gamma-hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB- date rape drug) – At least 1 kilogram
- LSD – At least 1 gram
Florida Drug Trafficking Penalties
Each illegal substance has various mandatory/minimum prison sentences for different quantity levels, these sentences range between 3-25 years in prison.
Many of these charges, such as marijuana charges can also qualify as federal drug crimes. The penalties include decade-long sentences and extremely high fines. When this happens, it is vital you quickly hire a criminal defense lawyer to provide an aggressive and effective defense.
Cannabis Drug Trafficking Penalties
Cannabis trafficking is one of the most common Florida drug crimes and is not taken lightly.
- 25-1,999lbs is punished by 3-years in prison and $25,00 in fines.
- 2,000-9,999lbs is punished by 7-years in prison and $50,000 in fines.
- 10,000 or more is punished by at least 15-years in prison and $200,000 in fines.
If the charges involve the possession of a firearm, then there is a chance of life imprisonment
Opium Drug Trafficking Penalties
Florida law enforcement is working hard to battle the ‘Pill Mills’ that are causing an opium crisis with rising overdose and addiction rates.
- 4-13 grams is punished by 3-years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
- 14-27 grams is punished by 15-years in prison and $100,000 fines.
- 28 or more grams is punished by at least 25-years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
Cocaine Drug Trafficking Penalties
Cocaine is an ongoing drug battle for Florida police, having possession of the following amounts has various penalties.
- 28-199 grams is punished by 3-years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
- 200-399 grams is punished by 7-years in prison and $100,000 in fines.
- 400 grams to 15kg is punished by at least 15-years in prison and $250,000 fines.
You can view all the penalties and technical details for the law here.
Defense for Drug Trafficking in Florida
When defending drug trafficking crimes in Pinellas County, we’ll look at the legality of your arrest and any searches that preceded it. If we find that police entrapment was used or if there was a search without a warrant, then there is a realistic chance that your charges could be dropped altogether.
Another common defense is the reliability of informants and witnesses. If a witness was offered a reduction for their own penalty in exchange for a testimony, then their word is questionable. You have rights, and if these are violated then we’ll use this as part of your defense.
Why You Should Hire a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Pinellas County
A reputable lawyer knows that being arrested for narcotics trafficking means the potential for devastating penalties. That lawyer also won’t leave their client without putting up a strong fight for protecting your future.
Sean McQuaid will be by you or your family member’s side from start to finish. He’ll guide you through the process and help take the burden of stress away, replacing it with some genuine strategic routes to help.
Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me
We represent clients throughout Pinellas County Florida
Start Planning Your Defense
Please fill out the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible, fields labelled with a * are required. By submitting this form you are agreeing with our Terms of Use