The Harsh Reality of When Fentanyl Trafficking Overlaps With Human Trafficking
In Florida criminal law, few offenses carry as much gravity as those related to drug trafficking and human trafficking. Now, when a person is charged with both drug trafficking and human trafficking, the consequences can be extremely severe. Often, these two charges involve mandatory minimum sentences and federal prosecution. When these two crimes overlap, it can result in lengthy prison sentences without the possibility of parole. Drug trafficking charges, especially those involving drugs like fentanyl, are already rigorously prosecuted in Florida because of how dangerous and addictive the drug is. Human trafficking adds a layer of severity, often involving vulnerable individuals and the use of pressure or manipulation.
For a defendant facing both fentanyl trafficking and human trafficking charges, such a case can be overwhelming and devastating. These cases are heavily prosecuted. For this reason, if you are facing fentanyl trafficking and human trafficking charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and start building a strong legal defense.
Consequences of Fentanyl Trafficking
In Florida, fentanyl trafficking arises when a person knowingly buys, possesses, manufactures, transports, sells, or delivers at least four grams of fentanyl or its derivatives. In Florida, fentanyl trafficking is a first-degree felony. This offense carries mandatory minimum jail sentences and fines based on the quantity of the drug involved, with the mandatory minimum jail sentences ranging from seven years to 25 years. A judge can issue longer prison sentences than these, but they generally can’t go below the minimum sentences. A conviction of fentanyl trafficking in Florida can also attract huge fines, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.
Fentanyl trafficking can escalate to a federal crime under several circumstances, such as when the case involves interstate activities, large quantities of drugs, or results in severe harm. If prosecuted on a federal level, you could face harsher consequences.
Consequences of Human Trafficking
Florida Statute section 787.06(2)(d) defines human trafficking as moving, soliciting, recruiting, hiding, providing, luring, keeping, or obtaining someone for purposes of exploiting them. People convicted of human trafficking in Florida face serious consequences. A conviction for human trafficking in Florida can result in extensive prison time and other sanctions.
Human trafficking crimes, just like fentanyl trafficking crimes, can be prosecuted under both state and federal laws under several circumstances, such as when the defendant uses interstate commerce channels or transports victims across state lines. Additionally, if a human trafficking offense is closely tied to another offense that falls under federal jurisdiction, it may also be prosecuted at the federal level. In such a case, the consequences of a conviction can be devastating, as seen in the following case example.
Real Case Example
In a 2024 Florida case, the defendant was sentenced to life in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl. In addition to the drug trafficking charges, the defendant was also convicted of trafficking women for sex. The defendant often recruited women who were addicted to his drugs and then advertised and “managed” them as prostitutes. The combination of these two offenses led to the severe sentencing, reflecting the seriousness of these crimes, especially when prosecuted on a federal level. As part of the sentence, the court also ordered the defendant to forfeit over $13,000, which represented proceeds from the criminal conduct.
Contact an Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact our experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, PA, today for legal help.
Source:
ice.gov/news/releases/florida-man-gets-life-fentanyl-distribution-sex-trafficking
