It is not surprising that Florida laws ban the sale and distribution of drugs. If police find an individual in possession of controlled substances and they believe that he or she intended to distribute them, there is a good chance that person will face charges related to breaking drug distribution laws.
Drug possession on its own is a serious crime, but if you face drug trafficking or distribution charges, you could be in for much harsher penalties. Even if the charges do not seem serious, the justice system can be unpredictable. One of the best ways to protect yourself is by hiring an experienced lawyer to defend your rights and help you avoid making mistakes during the legal process.
At Leader & Leader P.A., we specialize in helping people facing DUI or other criminal charges, and we have more than six decades of combined legal experience. If you are facing drug charges in Florida and would like to speak to a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney, give us a call today at 954-523-2020, and read on for more information regarding drug laws in Florida.
What a Prosecutor Must Prove
If you are facing charges for drug distribution in the state of Florida, the prosecutor will try to demonstrate that you knowingly participated in the drug distribution or trafficking process, according to Florida Statutes. With regard to trafficking charges, the prosecutor must also show that you were aware of activities related to the process of bringing drugs into the state.
Ultimately, he or she may need to show that you intended on engaging in drug trafficking activities. According to Online Sunshine, the prosecutor will then try to prove to the court that the materials involved are controlled substances under Florida law. Typically, this requires an expert chemical analysis in a laboratory.
The prosecutor may also decide to include several other drug-related charges, including drug possession. This decision will depend on the circumstances of the case and the amount of drugs that police found in your possession.
Possible Penalties
Courts will try certain drug crimes as first degree felonies, and there are various charges that can apply under these circumstances. According to the 2010 Florida Statues, the maximum jail term for a first degree felony is thirty years, but the specific details of the sentence will depend on how much and what type of drugs police found in your possession.
Trafficking between 25 pounds and 2,000 pounds of marijuana, for example, carries a minimum three-year prison sentence and a $25,000 fine. A third degree felony related to drug distribution carries with it up to five years of imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
The laws related to drug trafficking and distribution are complicated, but an experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer may be able to guide you through the process and protect your rights. At Leader & Leader P.A., we believe that the best way to ensure a positive outcome is by turning to experienced legal professionals.
If you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, do not take the charges lightly. Call us today at 954-523-2020 to schedule an appointment.
