The Harsh Reality of Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine in Florida
In its essential terms, a conspiracy is when two or more people agree to commit an unlawful act. When it comes to drug crimes, individuals agree to perform acts that violate state or federal drug laws. Conspiring to traffic cocaine is a serious crime in Florida, which can lead to severe penalties. The exact penalties depend on the quantity of drugs involved, but can range from a mandatory minimum of 3 years in prison to a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a fine of between $50,000 and $250,000. Below, we explore what Florida law considers “conspiracy to traffic cocaine,” the penalties of such a crime, and provide a real case example to demonstrate the gravity of these charges.
What Entails Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine in Florida?
In Florida, cocaine trafficking arises when a person intentionally buys, sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into the state, or is in actual or constructive possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine. Conspiracy to traffic cocaine happens when two or more people agree to engage in the illegal distribution, transport, or sale of at least 28 grams of cocaine and take some step toward completing their agenda.
Penalties for Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine in Florida
The penalties for conspiracy to traffic cocaine in Florida can be harsh. In Florida, when a person conspires with another to sell, distribute, or transport cocaine, they commit a felony of the first degree. Even if they don’t commit the prohibited act, the offense is punishable as if the person had actually committed it.
Under Florida law, a person who conspires to traffic cocaine in Florida can face penalties similar to those for cocaine trafficking. In Florida, the offense of cocaine trafficking carries mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of cocaine. Trafficking 28 to 199 grams carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 3 years, whereas trafficking of 200 to 399 grams carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years. If found guilty of trafficking between 400 grams and 149 kilograms, a person could spend at least 15 years in prison. When cocaine trafficking involves more than 149 kilograms, it can lead to life imprisonment without eligibility for early release.
It is crucial to note that federal charges can also apply to conspiracy charges, potentially resulting in even harsher consequences.
Real Case Example
A real case example showing the seriousness of conspiracy to distribute cocaine is the case of Damion Clarke, a 33-year-old man from Lakeland, Florida. In 2024, a federal jury found Clarke guilty of conspiring to distribute cocaine after a trial that lasted three days. Clarke faced a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, with his sentencing scheduled for March 2025. As of this writing, the results of his sentencing have not been made public.
The evidence in this case showed that Clarke was connected to a Jamaican criminal enterprise distributing drugs in Central Florida. Clarke, who acted as a middleman, connected a confidential FBI source to cocaine dealer Rafick Gilpin. Between November 2021 and July 2022, Clarke facilitated multiple cocaine and firearm transactions, helping coordinate communications and ensuring the completion of deals.
Contact an Orlando Cocaine Trafficking Lawyer
If you have been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine in Florida, contact our experienced Orlando cocaine trafficking lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, PA for legal advice.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jury-finds-lakeland-man-guilty-conspiracy-distribute-cocaine
