Drug Trafficking
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Drug Trafficking in Florida – Severe Charges with Serious Consequences
In Florida, drug trafficking is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes. Unlike simple possession or even possession with intent to sell, trafficking charges are based primarily on the quantity of a controlled substance in a person’s possession—not necessarily on evidence of selling or distributing drugs. Under Florida Statute § 893.135, the mere act of possessing certain threshold amounts of illegal drugs can result in mandatory minimum prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-lasting personal and professional consequences.
Drug trafficking applies to a wide range of controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, oxycodone, MDMA, and even certain prescription drugs. The specific penalties depend on the type of drug and the amount involved, with prison terms ranging from 3 years to life imprisonment. For example, trafficking just 28 grams of cocaine can result in a minimum 3-year sentence, while trafficking over 25 pounds of marijuana or 4 grams of heroin triggers higher minimums. When large amounts or multiple counts are involved, the consequences escalate quickly.
Florida also treats drug trafficking as a first-degree felony, and in many cases, courts are required to impose mandatory minimum sentences that cannot be reduced by plea agreements or suspended by judges. For instance:
Cocaine (28–200 grams): 3-year minimum sentence, $50,000 fine
Heroin or Fentanyl (4–14 grams): 3-year minimum sentence, $50,000 fine
Methamphetamine (14–28 grams): 3-year minimum sentence, $50,000 fine
Marijuana (25–2,000 pounds): 3-year minimum sentence, $25,000 fine
If the amounts are greater, penalties can increase to 15 or even 25 years in prison—regardless of your prior criminal history or role in the offense. In some cases, defendants face federal charges in addition to state prosecution.
In addition to prison time and fines, drug trafficking convictions can result in asset forfeiture, driver’s license suspension, loss of employment or professional licenses, and immigration consequences for non-citizens. The impact on your reputation, family, and future is immediate and long-lasting.
At Crag Chaderton Law, we approach trafficking cases with urgency, precision, and aggressive strategy. Whether it’s challenging the legality of the traffic stop or search, disputing the actual knowledge or ownership of the drugs, or negotiating to reduce the charge to a non-trafficking offense, we work tirelessly to protect your freedom. If you're facing a trafficking charge in Florida, your best defense begins the moment you call us. Don’t wait—your future is too important.
How Crag Chaderton Law Defends Against Drug Trafficking Charges
How Crag Chaderton Law Defends Against Drug Trafficking Charges
At Crag Chaderton Law, we understand how Florida builds and prosecutes trafficking cases—and we know where those cases are vulnerable. Our defense strategy is sharp, focused, and proactive. We don’t just react—we challenge, investigate, and push back.
Our defense approach may include:
Our defense approach may include:
Challenging unlawful searches and traffic stops
If your rights were violated during the search or arrest, we file motions to suppress key evidence.
Disputing the weight or composition of the substance
Lab errors, mishandling, and contamination can lead to inflated weight or misidentified substances. We use independent testing to verify the state’s claims.
Proving lack of knowledge or control
We challenge constructive possession and argue that you had no knowledge of the drug or no control over the premises where it was found.
Fighting for charge reductions
We work to reduce trafficking charges to simple possession or intent to sell, which may eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing.
Building mitigation and negotiating favorable resolutions
For those battling addiction or charged as first-time offenders, we pursue alternative sentencing options, where available.
We tailor every case to the facts and the client. Whether through negotiation or trial, our mission is clear: defend your rights, protect your future, and fight for your freedom.
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Drug Trafficking in Florida?
Drug Trafficking in Florida?
Trafficking involves the sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance over a certain weight. Each substance has specific minimum amounts that trigger a trafficking charge. For example:
Cocaine: 28 grams or more
Heroin/Fentanyl: 4 grams or more
Oxycodone: 7 grams or more
Methamphetamine: 14 grams or more
Marijuana: 25 pounds or 300 plants or more
MDMA (Ecstasy): 10 grams or more
Sentences for Drug Trafficking
Sentences for Drug Trafficking
Florida imposes mandatory minimum sentences, meaning that once convicted, the judge has no discretion to impose a lesser sentence. The penalties are based on the drug type and weight involved:
Examples of Trafficking Penalties:
Cocaine (28–199 grams):
3-year minimum prison sentence
$50,000 fine
Heroin or Fentanyl (4–13 grams):
3-year minimum prison sentence
$50,000 fine
Methamphetamine (14–27 grams):
3-year minimum sentence
$50,000 fine
Marijuana (25–2,000 lbs or 300–2,000 plants):
3-year minimum sentence
$25,000 fine
Arrested for Drug Possession? Don’t Face the System Alone.
A drug possession charge in Florida can threaten your freedom, record, and future. Whether it's marijuana, cocaine, prescription pills, or something more serious—you need more than hope. You need a plan.
First-time offense? Repeat charge? Wrong place, wrong time? We’re ready.
📞 Call 321-443-7481 today for a confidential case evaluation
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