Penalties for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Florida
The Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act classifies methamphetamine, also known simply as meth, as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that meth has a high potential for abuse and a low potential for medical use or treatment. Law enforcement agencies in Florida take methamphetamine trafficking very seriously, and the state imposes harsh penalties for anyone convicted of this crime. Under Florida law, meth trafficking charges are determined based on the amount of drug involved, with strict mandatory minimum prison sentences and substantial fines.
What Is Meth Trafficking?
According to Florida Statute 893.135, the offense of meth trafficking occurs when a person knowingly manufactures, sells, buys, delivers, or brings into Florida at least 14 grams of methamphetamine or a mixture containing methamphetamine. Even if you don’t sell, manufacture, or distribute the drug, possessing 14 grams or more of meth is considered trafficking in Florida.
Penalties for Meth Trafficking in Florida
Penalties for methamphetamine trafficking in Florida include several years in prison with a minimum mandatory sentence and hefty fines. If a person is convicted of meth trafficking in Florida, the exact penalties they will face depend on the amount or quantity of drugs involved. The following thresholds determine minimum penalties for methamphetamine trafficking;
- 14 grams or more but less than 28 grams: Punishable by a minimum prison sentence of three years and a $50,000 fine.
- 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams: Punishable by a minimum prison sentence of seven years and a $100,000 fine.
- 200 grams or more: Punishable by a minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of $250,000.
When someone knowingly manufactures or brings into the state 400 grams or more of meth or a mixture containing meth, knowing the probable result of such actions would be the death of anyone, commits a capital felony. Such an offense is punishable by up to life in prison or possibly the death penalty and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Beyond jail time and substantial fines, being convicted of meth trafficking in Florida can result in further repercussions, including the following;
- Driver’s license suspension
- Professional license suspension
In some cases, if the trafficking involves interstate transport, organized networks, or large quantities, meth trafficking crimes in Florida are prosecuted under federal law. Federal meth trafficking charges can carry more severe penalties than state penalties and are governed by U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal mandatory minimums.
Real Case Example
One recent case illustrates the seriousness of the crime of meth trafficking. In this case, the defendant was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute meth and distribution and possession with intent to distribute meth. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that in March 2016, the defendant sold large quantities of methamphetamine to a lower-level dealer for redistribution in Central Florida. Operating from California, the defendant, along with others, shipped the drug to Orlando via overnight delivery, where it was repackaged and distributed. The defendant sold two batches of meth, each weighing approximately two pounds.
Defenses to Meth Trafficking
If you are charged with meth trafficking in Florida, there may be several defense options, including the following;
- Lack of enough evidence
- Illegal search and seizure
- Entrapment
A qualified defense attorney can evaluate your case and determine the best defense strategy.
Contact an Orlando Meth Trafficking Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with methamphetamine trafficking in Florida, contact our skilled Orlando meth trafficking lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, P.A. for legal help.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/former-fugitive-sentenced-20-years-distributing-methamphetamine
