Drug trafficking cases are the most serious compared to other types of drug-related cases. Florida Law defines drug trafficking according to what specific drug or controlled substance, which includes the quantity, amount, or weight required by that particular statute that governs the Florida Drug Laws.
Drug trafficking can be federal or state, depending upon the facts and circumstances. The larger cases tend to go to the federal government versus the state, depending on whether or not it involves smuggling over state lines, importation, or it is something really compartmentalized within the State of Florida.
Leifert & Leifert is here to help you through Ft. Lauderdale drug trafficking charges. Contact a skilled Attorney today to see what they can do about your situation.
What Are Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Charges in Fort Lauderdale?
Charges associated with trafficking drugs in Ft. Lauderdale depends on what type of drug or controlled substance is involved because each particular drug or controlled substance has its own separate set of rules. Drug trafficking cases can either be Federal or State. Using cannabis or marijuana, as an example of a type of drug trafficking charge in Fort Lauderdale, it is unlawful to knowingly sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, or bring the drug into the State of Florida or to be in actual possession of more than 25 pounds of cannabis or marijuana. Under those circumstances, the charge would be a first-degree Felony.
Some other examples of drug trafficking charges include more than 28 grams of cocaine, but less than 150 kilograms. That would be a Felony of the first degree. Trafficking in cocaine, under certain situations, could carry a 3-year minimum mandatory sentence up to 30 years in the Florida State Prison, with a mandatory fine ranging from $50,000.00 to $250,000.00. Another example of a drug trafficking case would be trafficking in hydrocodone, hydromorphine, oxycodone, opium or morphine. Those are all Felonies of the first degree and then, depending upon the circumstances and the amount and/or weight, it could carry a three-year minimum mandatory Florida State Prison sentence with fines up to $500,000.00.
Heroin is also another example of a potential drug trafficking case. Trafficking in between 4 and 14 grams of heroin can result in a three-year minimum mandatory prison sentence and a $50,000.00 fine. Trafficking in 28 grams up to 30 kilograms can result in a 25-year sentence and a $500,000 fine. Talk to a drug trafficking Lawyer for more information on the specific circumstances of drug penalties.
Drug Trafficking Charges Associated with Endangerment
The more people one endangers, the more aggravating the case could be in the eyes of a Prosecutor or Judge. By their nature, all the drugs listed in the schedules are, in and of themselves, dangerous. A situation involving minors who are exposed to drug trafficking activities in Ft Lauderdale or alleged trafficking in or around a school or a daycare are all aggravating circumstances that would lead to more severe charges or harsher sentences.
Cracking Down on Drug Trafficking
Law Enforcement will tend to use surveillance, undercover sting operations, confidential informants, wiretapping, search warrants, and anything at their disposal to aide in protection and enforcement as it relates to drug trafficking cases. More often than not, somebody at the lower level gets arrested for sale, delivery, possession and, in an effort to obtain a better sentence, they might become an informant or enter into a Substantial Assistance Agreement, which works with Law Enforcement.
Multiple Defendants in Drug Trafficking Cases
How often drug trafficking charges in Ft Lauderdale involve multiple defendants is uncertain, but it does happen. A case that involves multiple defendants is a situation where a defendant can better their individual situation by cooperating with the state. The government would take a look at multiple defendants, decide who the most culpable defendant is, and make a decision as to who they would work with in an effort to target the most culpable of the co-defendants.
Hiring a Ft. Lauderdale Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Enforcement is heavy in South Florida due to its location. All points of entry, whether it be the airports or ports, are closely monitored. Because drug trafficking charges have a high area of interest in Law Enforcement, they are heavily prosecuted.
It is important for anyone who is either being investigated with a drug trafficking case or arrested and facing prosecution for Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking charges, to seek the services of a Lawyer who has experience dealing with drugs and drug trafficking cases. Call Leifert & Leifert now for help protecting your rights.
