Helping To Reduce Charges And Sentencing For Drug Trafficking Charges In Punta Gorda
The basic definition of drug trafficking is the transport of illegal controlled substances from one location to another, usually for the purpose of sale or distribution. This could from one city to another, across county lines, interstate, or across national borders.
Trafficking offenses are often handled by county and state law enforcement and government officials; however, extreme cases involving very large quantities of drugs or international trafficking could be a federal offense, which could involve government agencies such as the DEA or the FBI.
Florida Drug Trafficking Laws And Penalties
The laws for drug trafficking can be found in § 893.135, Fla. Stat (2012), where it states that is illegal to deliver a controlled substance. The severity of the punishment depends on the type of drug being trafficked and how much is being moved.
More than 25 pounds of cannabis (marijuana) is a first degree felony offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, but the sentence only increases with the amount of marijuana in question. Ten thousand pounds or more of marijuana will result in a minimum prison sentence of 15 years, plus a $200,000 fine.
Other drugs that are specifically listed in this section of law include cocaine, heroin, morphine and codeine, all of which are first degree felonies. Drug trafficking can also be a capital felony if a person is intentionally killed by the offender, or if the offender counseled, commanded, or caused the killing in any way, while trafficking drugs. Capital felonies are punishable by death or a life sentence in prison.
Seek Guidance From A Defense Attorney Today. Free Consultations.
Don’t take chances if you are facing such severe consequences for charges of drug trafficking. Contact the criminal defense firm of Leskovich Law Group, P.A. today to review your case with an experienced Punta Gorda criminal defense lawyer.
Our firm has over two decades of experience and works collectively on each case in order to defend each client from all possible angles. We are licensed to practice across the state of Florida, including Charlotte County.
Call 941-621-6623 to schedule a free case evaluation and discuss your defense with a skilled attorney. We look forward to hearing from you.