Drug trafficking is alive and well here in the Sunshine State. And between a nationwide opioid epidemic and an ever-changing legal landscape on marijuana – especially here in South Florida, federal agents and local authorities have their hands full, but they’re determined to curtail illegal activity.  If you’ve been busted on drug trafficking charges in Broward County, it’s best to find an experienced lawyer immediately.

South Florida, is a hot spot for drug trafficking, making it even tougher for those who violate drug laws. If you are caught breaking the law, you will need the help of a successful, experienced criminal defense attorney. The team of experts at Piotrowski Law can help you understand how drug charges work in Broward County and defend you.

Drug Trafficking Penalties are Harsh

If you get caught distributing drugs or possessing large amounts of drugs and cash, you could face stiff criminal charges, a lengthy prison sentence, and hefty fines of up to $250 for certain controlled substances. You need to hire an aggressive lawyer who is familiar with drug trafficking charges.

Florida law defines drug trafficking as selling, purchasing, manufacturing, delivering, or bringing into this states, illegal drugs. And the weight of the substances weighs heavily in the penalty phase.

Let’s quickly examine Florida’s marijuana or cannabis laws, which are complex and continue to evolve. For the record – while medicinal or medical marijuana is legal, recreational marijuana in Florida is NOT. Here’s what you’re looking at if busted for possession:

  • 20 grams or less: misdemeanor, 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine
  • More than 20-grams – 25-grams: felony, 5 years in jail, $5,000 fine
  • More than 25 – less than 2-kilograms: felony, 3-15 years in jail, $25,000 fine
  • More than 2-kilograms – less than 10-kilogram: felony. 7-30 years in jail, $50,000 fine

And those are just the minimums. The larger the drug amounts, the harsher the penalties. Penalties are similar for the sale of the above amounts. You can also be arrested for hashish or concentrates, cocaine, or paraphernalia, and of course, other controlled substance.

Controlled Substances are On the Chopping Block

In Florida, there are five categories of controlled substances that can land you in jail. That lengthy list includes heroin, LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, OxyContin, Percocet, codeine, opium, Vicodin, Valium, and cough syrups that contain codeine.

Now, if your doctor has given you a prescription for a drug and the required information is clearly marked on the container, and if you purchased the drug legally, you are safe from prosecution. Drug trafficking laws in Florida can be very complex, which is why you need an experienced lawyer familiar with the laws, the system and the process. That’s Piotrowski Law.

Piotrowski Law Is an Expert at Handling Drug Trafficking Charges in Broward County

Piotrowski Law is a leading criminal defense and medical marijuana law practice in Miami, with offices in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.  We handle all criminal cases ranging from marijuana possession to murder. We also counsel growers, sellers, doctors, patients and caregivers regarding Florida’s medical marijuana laws.

You need a lawyer whose team is led by a tough former prosecutor who will fight tirelessly defending you against drug trafficking charges in Broward County. We can help you. Call Piotrowski Law at 954-947-5000 for a free confidential consultation.