Drug crimes in Florida carry harsh penalties compared to other states. The specific consequences of drug possession charges depend on several factors, one of the most important being the amount of drugs found in your possession.
Possessing less than 4 grams of Oxycodone without a prescription is charged as a third-degree felony. A conviction could come with a fine of up to $5,000, five years in prison and five years of probation. Your driver’s license will also be revoked for one year by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Fortunately, there are several pre-trial and trial defenses that are effective against drug possession charges. If Florida police arrested you for possession of Oxycodone, contact Leader & Leader P.A.
Michael D. Leader is a criminal lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who will structure a comprehensive defense based on the unique facts of your case. Call 954-523-2020 to schedule a free consultation.
What Constitutes “Trafficking of Oxycodone?”
Pursuant to Section 893.135 of the 2016 Florida Statutes, if you were arrested for possessing 7 grams or more of Oxycodone, then you will be charged with trafficking in Oxycodone, which is a first-degree felony. You will face a mandatory minimum sentence if you are convicted. The specific penalties will depend on the amount of Oxycodone that was found in your possession:
- Penalties for Possessing 7 to 14 Grams: The mandatory prison sentence is three years. You will also face a fine of $50,000.
- Penalties for Possessing 14 Grams or More: The mandatory prison sentence is seven years. You will also face a fine of $100,000.
- Penalties for Possessing 25 Grams or More: The mandatory prison sentence is 15 years. You will also face a fine of $500,000.
- Penalties for Possessing 100 Grams or More: The mandatory prison sentence is 25 years. You will also face a fine of $750,000.
Although these are the mandatory minimum sentences, you could face much harsher penalties for a conviction. For example, you could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison if you are convicted of possessing 7 grams or more of Oxycodone.
The weight of the drugs will determine the amount of Oxycodone in your possession. As such, the dosage level of the pills found in your possession will not affect the charges you face.
Being convicted of possession of Oxycodone or trafficking of Oxycodone can have far-reaching effects on your career, relationships and freedoms. If you are facing drug charges, your first call should be to a criminal lawyer.
You can also be convicted of DUI if law enforcement can prove you were under the influence of oxycodone to the extent that your normal faculties were impaired at the time of driving or being in control of a motor vehicle (even if you are asleep in the car and it is not running (“actual physical control”). Many people erroneously believe that being lawfully prescribed the oxycodone is a defense to a DUI charge; it is not!
Michael D. Leader is a criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale who will give your case the individual attention that it deserves. Mr. Leader will investigate your arrest, gather evidence and help you avoid mistakes that would compromise your interests.
Depending on the facts surrounding your arrest, there may be a defense that convinces the court to reduce your charges or penalties, or to dismiss your case altogether. Call 954-523-2020 to schedule a free initial consultation.
