What To Do If You Are Charged With Drug Trafficking In Florida
Trafficking is a serious issue across the United States, but is particularly common in Florida due to the large tourism industry and close proximity to drug-producing countries in South America. Drug trafficking is defined as knowingly selling, purchasing, manufacturing, delivering, or bringing specific substances and quantities of illegal drugs into the state of Florida. This includes such substances as cannabis, cocaine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, methamphetamine, and other illegal drugs.
What are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida?
The severity of the sentence for drug trafficking depends on two key factors – the type and quantity of illegal substance. The chart below shows the minimum mandatory sentences and fines for each offense. If sentenced to a mandatory minimum term, you will not be eligible for discretionary early release unless you receive a pardon, executive clemency, or conditional medical release. Despite drug trafficking sentences being mandatory, the state’s attorney does have the discretion to reduce or suspend your sentence. Typically, a sentence will be reduced if you participate in the investigation, such as assisting in identifying other accomplices or others involved in trafficking in Florida. The judge will then make the final determination as to whether the sentence can be reduced or suspended based on those mitigating factors presented by the state’s attorney.
Below are some of the controlled substances in Florida and the sentence you might face if you are caught trafficking these substances:
