Drug Trafficking

What You Should Know

The Florida drug statute defines drug trafficking as knowingly selling, purchasing, manufacturing, delivering, or bringing into the State, or knowingly in actual or constructive possession of [illicit drugs].
Florida is one of the toughest States when it comes to drug trafficking charges. Even first time offenders face the possibility of serving time in prison. Drug trafficking is a much more serious charge than drug sales or drug delivery.
Drug trafficking is a serious offense in the State of Florida and many of the drug charges carry mandatory prison sentences. The severity of the punishment that relates to drug trafficking depends on several factors like the type of drug, the quantity, and the maturation of the plant. Among other things, drug trafficking charges can affect a person in the following ways:
•    Possible financial strain due to the hefty fines that are levied
•    Scathing social stigma for the accused and his/her family
•    Loss of opportunity to receive student loans
•    Children might be placed in foster care
•    Driver’s license suspended or revoked
•    Seizure of personal properties
•    Several years of probation
•    Loss of employment
•    Seizure of vehicles
Drug trafficking cases can either be tried under Florida State law, Federal law, or a combination of both. These offences carry a prison term ranging from three (3) to twenty-five (25) years. If the drug trafficking case is being tried under Federal law that means that prison term could be served in an out of state facility. Serious charges require a tough attorney. That is why an Orlando criminal defense lawyer is the best choice to fight drug trafficking charges/convictions.