Jacksonville Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Jacksonville Drug Trafficking Attorney

Florida has a large population and is close to other countries often involved in transporting drugs. Because of this, the local government sees a lot more drug crime offenses than most other states. Therefore, Florida has implemented strict laws with harsh consequences to try and combat drug trafficking and other crimes throughout the state. There are multiple different kinds of drug offenses you can be charged with in Florida. The severe consequences of all of them can make anyone feel intimidated.

Facing potential drug trafficking charges here in Jacksonville can be immensely challenging. It is essential to find an experienced criminal defense attorney who can defend you against these accusations.

Jacksonville Criminal Defense You Can Count On

Fighting any kind of criminal charge in Florida is daunting. At Gates Law Firm, we understand just how overwhelming these kinds of situations can be. That is why our team is committed to offering expert criminal defense representation, assistance, and advice in Jacksonville. With over a decade of experience, our team has represented countless clients through challenging cases and hard times. We are prepared to do the same for you. Whether you are a Florida resident or just passing through, do not hesitate to see how our team at Gates Law Firm can assist you with your case today.

What Is Considered Drug Trafficking in Florida?

Drug trafficking, as defined by Florida legislation, is when an individual intentionally sells, purchases, manufactures, possesses, or delivers what is considered to be a “trafficking amount” of drugs. Because every drug is a complex substance, what is considered a “trafficking amount” of a drug will depend on what kind of substance it is and its schedule. If an individual in Florida is found with any controlled substance over the following amounts, they can be charged with drug trafficking:

• Cannabis: At least 25 pounds or 300 cannabis plants
• Cocaine: A minimum of 28 grams
• Heroin: A minimum of 4 grams
• LSD: At least 1 gram
• MDMA: At least 10 grams
• Methamphetamine: At least 14 grams
• Morphine: A minimum of 4 grams
• Fentanyl: A minimum of 4 grams
• Hydrocodone: A minimum of 4 grams
• Oxycodone: At least 7 grams

Why You Need a Lawyer in a Drug Crime Case

Any kind of criminal trial can be nerve-wracking. To fight charges like drug trafficking in Florida, it is critical that you find an experienced criminal defense attorney that you can trust. At Gates Law Firm, we can help you through your case in a variety of ways, including:

Help You Understand Your Rights and the Applicable Laws

It is important to understand your rights as a defendant in a criminal case. Our team can not only help you do that, but we can also assess your situation to make sure all these rights were respected during your arrest. Additionally, we can also work with you to help you understand the laws surrounding your case and the possible charge you are facing. That way, we can work together to fight for you.

Help You Gather Evidence and Create a Strong Defense

Having a strong defense is essential when going to court for a criminal charge. By working with us, we can help you gather evidence and create a defense that represents you best. It is crucial that we know all aspects of your case, how you were arrested, and gather evidence so that we can fight the prosecution for your side of the story.

Represent You in Court

One of the biggest ways our team can assist you is by representing you in court. A criminal trial is not only intense, but it can become overwhelming quickly. Luckily, our team has years of experience working in and out of the courtroom. We are prepared to handle even the most complex of cases. Our goal is to fight for the best outcome possible for your unique situation.

Drug Trafficking Consequences in Florida

The overall charge and consequences that an individual faces are largely determined by the amount of drug involved and the schedule of the drug. Drug trafficking is considered a state crime and can be charged as a felony in the first, second, or third degree. Some of the potential consequences a defendant may face if charged with drug trafficking in Florida include:

For Cannabis:

• Having between 25 and 2,000 pounds of cannabis and/or having between 300 and 2,000 cannabis plants: Minimum of 3 years in state prison and a $25,000 fine
• Having between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds of cannabis and/or 2,000 plants: Minimum of 7 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
• More than 10,000 pounds of cannabis or more than 10,000 cannabis plants: Minimum of 15 years in state prison and a $250,000 fine

For Cocaine:

• Having between 28 and 200 grams of cocaine: Minimum of 3 years in state prison and a $50,000 fine
• Having between 200 and 400 grams of cocaine: Minimum of 7 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
• Having between 400 grams and 150 kilograms of cocaine: Minimum of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine

For Heroin:

• Having between 4 and 14 grams of heroin: Minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
• Having between 14 and 28 grams of heroin: Minimum of 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
• Having between 28 grams and 30 kilograms of heroin: Minimum of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine
• Having any amount of heroin over 30 kilograms: Life imprisonment and a fine of $500,000

Classes of Controlled Substances

Controlled substances and illegal drugs are classified using a federal scheduling system. The 5 schedules and their substances are:

1. Schedule I:
   Schedule I drugs are considered to be substances with a high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Heroin, LSD, ecstasy, peyote, and cannabis are all classified as Schedule I drugs. For cannabis charges, however, things can become more complex because individual states have eased regulations on cannabis use. Nevertheless, it is still considered a Schedule I drug federally.
2. Schedule II:
   Schedule II drugs are considered dangerous because they have a high potential for abuse as well as severe physical and psychological dependence. Cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone are all classified as Schedule II substances.
3. Schedule III:
   Schedule III drugs are considered to be slightly less dangerous than Schedule I or II drugs. They also have a lower potential for abuse or dependency. Ketamine, steroids, and testosterone are all classified as Schedule III controlled substances.
4. Schedule IV:
   Schedule IV drugs include a variety of prescription drugs that have the potential for abuse. However, they are not considered very dangerous according to federal statutes. Xanax, Ambien, Valium, and Ativan are all Schedule IV drugs.
5. Schedule V:
   Schedule V substances differ from the other classes of drugs because they are products that contain limited quantities of controlled substances, such as narcotics. Cough suppressants, like cough syrup, are classified as Schedule V substances.

FAQs About Jacksonville, FL Drug Crimes

Can the Location of Where You’re Arrested Affect Your Drug Possession Charge?

Yes. Drug trafficking is a felony, and the consequences can be even more severe if an individual is arrested in certain locations. It is dangerous to the public if someone is in possession of, or attempting to buy or sell, large amounts of drugs in or near such places. These include schools, churches, and public housing facilities.

Can You Fight a Drug Trafficking Charge in Florida?

Yes. It is the right of any individual charged with a criminal offense to have a fair trial and be represented in court. Because of this, any defendant facing drug charges can work with an experienced attorney to try and fight the accusations of the crime at hand and have the charges dismissed. However, just because you fight a charge does not mean it will end up being dismissed.

What Other Consequences Come with a Drug Trafficking Charge in Florida?

All drug crimes have minimum mandatory sentences, such as fines and prison time. However, additional consequences can also occur depending on your charge. For example, you will most likely have your license revoked if you are convicted, or your immigration privileges may be restricted. Speaking with an attorney can help you learn more about these additional penalties.

Can You Have a Drug Trafficking Charge Expunged in Florida?

For accusations of drug trafficking or manufacturing, an individual is not legally able to expunge these charges from their record. However, if an individual was only arrested for, but not charged with, drug trafficking or manufacturing, they may be able to have the arrest expunged from their criminal record. An attorney can help you begin this process.

Jacksonville Criminal Defense and Drug Trafficking Representation

At Gates Law Firm, we know just how difficult facing criminal charges can be. That is why we offer a wide range of criminal defense services, like drug trafficking and drug crime representation, to help those facing intimidating charges. With years of experience representing clients in even the toughest of situations, our team has the knowledge and experience to fight for the best outcome possible for you.

If you are facing potential drug trafficking charges in Jacksonville, Florida, you need to find legal help that you can trust. To learn more about our different practice areas or to schedule a consultation, contact us today for more information.