Defining Florida Drug Trafficking

The average Floridian is generally able to define drug possession or drug dealing, but defining drug trafficking can be more difficult. Trafficking is seen as the behavior of cartel kingpins, when in reality, it is far too easy for the proverbial man on the street to be charged with drug trafficking. If you are arrested with a certain amount of drugs on your person or within your control, you are likely to face charges of drug trafficking, and it is crucial to enlist an experienced attorney to protect your rights.

The Amount In Question Matters

In Florida, drug crimes are taken incredibly seriously, because of the potential harm to society as a whole, rather than just to the user. Trafficking is one of the most serious, involving the transportation of controlled substances from one place to another – what separates trafficking from distribution or mere possession is the amount of the drug in question. Because trafficking involves larger amounts of illegal substances, sentences are quite harsh for someone who is convicted.

What many are not aware of is that in Florida, intent to traffick in drugs is not necessary for a person to be charged with that offense. If you are caught with a certain amount of a controlled substance, you can be charged because a reasonable person could assume that such a large amount of an illegal drug is too much for one person to retain for their own use. This can be a very unpleasant surprise for some – one pill too many can place a person over the amount.

Take The Charge Seriously

One crucial thing to keep in mind is that in Florida, the amounts of each drug that will trigger a trafficking charge (as opposed to a charge of possession or distribution) will vary depending on the controlled substance. For example, one must transport 25 pounds of cannabis in order to be charged with trafficking, but one must move only 4 grams of fentanyl for the same charge to apply.

In order to find someone guilty of trafficking in controlled substances, a state’s attorney must establish three things: that you knew of the substance (that is, you were aware of its presence), that the substance was unlawful, and that the weight of the substance in question is over the minimum amount required for the charge. It is crucial to take this charge seriously, even if you believe that law enforcement does not have a case. The stakes are too high to approach this cavalierly.

Contact A West Palm Beach Drug Trafficking Attorney

Drug trafficking is not just a crime for cartel members; it can affect anyone who is stopped with too much of a controlled substance. If you are facing a drug trafficking charge in Palm Beach County, calling a West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can ensure your rights are protected. Call our office today to speak to an attorney.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0893/Sections/0893.135.html