Can You Face Drug Trafficking Charges Without Selling Drugs?
Many people often assume that you cannot be charged with drug trafficking if you didn’t sell any drugs. However, Florida has strict laws, especially when it comes to drug possession and trafficking. Even if you didn’t intend to sell the drugs, as long as you were caught with an amount exceeding the legal limits, the consequences can be severe. A 2016 case involving two teens shows how serious the consequences can be.
A Florida Teen Who Claimed That He “Buys in Bulk”
In August 2016, Roberto Garcia, 19, and his friend Alexis Rodriguez were pulled over after an officer noticed that one of the brake lights was not working and some letters on the license plate had been removed. However, what started as a simple traffic stop quickly escalated when the officer approached the vehicle and reportedly smelled marijuana. The search turned up jars of marijuana, a grinder, and several small blunts.
When probed, Garcia told the officers that the weed was for personal use. He said that he does not sell pot, and he buys in bulk to save money. While there weren’t signs of selling like cash and scales, the amount of marijuana found raised red flags. They were found with more than 20 grams, which in Florida can result in trafficking charges, possession with intent to sell, deliver, and distribute, or conspiracy to commit those crimes. They were taken to Plantation Key jail and later released on bond.
Under Florida law, possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana can result in a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, once you’re over the 20-gram mark, it’s considered a felony with more severe penalties based on the quality of the drugs. Even if you weren’t to make any money off the drugs, Florida law is strict. What matters is the amount of the drugs found. If the amount of drugs found in your possession exceeds the legal limits, you could be charged with trafficking without ever selling the drugs to someone.
With a drug trafficking charge, you can not only face jail time but also long-lasting consequences on job prospects, college plans, and reputation.
The Importance of an Attorney in a First-Time Drug Offense
Having the right lawyer on your side can make a massive difference. A skilled criminal defense attorney can review your case and challenge the evidence. For example, depending on your case details, your attorney could employ several defense strategies, such as arguing about a lack of knowledge, illegal search and seizure, entrapment, or a valid prescription to beat your case.
Additionally, the attorney can help negotiate for a lesser charge and avoid minimum sentencing guidelines by providing information that leads to the arrest of other individuals, enabling you to receive a reduced sentence for the information provided. Skilled attorneys know how the system works and how to work it in your favor.
Contact an Experienced Orlando Drug Trafficking Lawyer Today
If you are facing a drug trafficking charge in Florida, contact our experienced Orlando drug trafficking lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, PA, today to achieve the most favorable outcome and protect your future.
Source:
miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article98823742.html
