Some of the most stringent drug laws in the United States are found in the state of Florida. Most of the drug crimes in Florida come with mandatory or minimum sentences that involve prison time. The outcome of any drug case in Florida could change your life. This is why you need to seek representation from an experienced drug trafficking lawyer in Miami when charged with drug trafficking or any other drug crime. Let’s explore all that you need to know about cocaine trafficking charges in Florida.

Trafficking Cocaine

Cocaine trafficking in Florida is a serious crime that can wind up costing you years of your life in prison. Cocaine is labeled as a Schedule I drug, the highest schedule in the country. This means that cocaine is a drug with high chances of abuse. A Schedule I drug is also not believed to have any medical advantages when used.

The charges for trafficking cocaine can be levied against you for dealing, possessing, transferring, manufacturing, or delivering more than 28 ounces of the drug. The penalties are as follows:

  • 28-199 grams – No less than three years in prison and a fine of $50,000.
  • 200-399 grams – No less than seven years in prison and a fine of $100,000.
  • 400-149.99 kilograms – No less than 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
  • One hundred and fifty kilograms or more – Life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The charges levied against you could turn into a capital felony if the crime you committed involving cocaine was found to have led to the death of someone else.

Determining if the Charge is a Felony

Law enforcement officials will determine whether or not the charge levied against you for trafficking is a felony for intent to sell rather than a charge of possession. This is done by evaluating the following factors:

  • If any packing materials were seized from you with drugs
  • The number of drugs in your possession
  • If any scales, bags or other items most often used with drug distribution were seized from you
  • If a large amount of cash was on your person at the time of your arrest
  • If weapons were on your person or near you at the time of your arrest

What is Constructive Possession?

Florida has a constructive possession rule when it comes to drug possession and trafficking. This is when you are found to have drugs in a bag or pocket of a jacket when arrested. The drugs might not have been on you (as in your hands or pants pocket), but you could still be charged with a crime under Florida’s constructive possession rule. 

Charged with Cocaine Trafficking in Florida? Contact Piotrowski Law Today

If you or a loved one is facing prison time and hefty fines for trafficking cocaine or any other drug in Florida, it is in your best interest to speak to an experienced drug trafficking defense attorney about your case. Call the office of Piotrowski Law at 305-204-5000 to schedule an appointment today. Chad Piotrowski has been defending clients charged with drug crimes in Florida for almost a decade. You need to protect your rights and fight to defend your freedom immediately after being arrested and charged with a drug crime.