Arrested for possession or trafficking of drugs in Sanford, FL, or Seminole County? Don’t worry, you have landed in the right place. Our Criminal Defense Attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience serving Sanford, Seminole County, and its adjacent areas, and successfully litigating all types of drug charges. You can give us a call now to set up a free consultation.
What is considered drug possession?
Drug possession is considered when there are only enough drugs found for personal consumption. Fines can go up to $10,000 and incarceration could be up to 30 years, depending on the type of drug (schedules) and the quantity. The State of Florida is one of the most stringent in the country when it comes to drug possession.
What is drug possession with the intent to distribute?
This is all based on how much of the drug is found in your possession and has little or nothing to do with whether you were really intending to distribute. When charged with intent to distribute, the prosecutor will also look for evidence of packaging materials, large amounts of cash, and so on.
What is drug trafficking?
Drug trafficking is an extremely serious offense that goes beyond intent to distribute, it is considered a federal crime. It involves manufacturing, purchasing, selling, and transporting of drugs, most importantly the quantity of the drugs found could play a big role in the adjudication of charges. If you are found with large quantities of a controlled substance, you could be charged with drug trafficking even if you don’t manufacture, sell, or transport drugs.
The state of Florida breaks down drugs in schedules, all based on how addictive they are:
Schedule I:
Includes highly addictive drugs such as Heroin and LSD. Drugs in this category are not currently accepted for medical use in the United States, these drugs don’t meet accepted safety standards
Schedule II:
Includes the second tier of very addictive drugs, which may also have a medical use, some of these drugs are currently accepted but severely restricted for use in medical treatment in the United States. Some of them are Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Morphine
Schedule III:
This tier includes drugs that aren’t as addictive as schedules I and II, they are currently accepted in medical treatment in the United States, but could still be abused, such as Anabolic Steroids, Ketamine
Schedule IV:
This category includes drugs that aren’t highly addictive in relation to Schedule III, therefore have a lower chance of abuse, and are currently accepted for medical treatment in the United States. Some include Xanax, Valium, Soma
Schedule V:
This category includes any compound, mixture, or preparation containing limited quantities of controlled substances, and usually includes one or more active medicinal ingredients that are not controlled substances, they have the lowest chance of being addictive.
What are the punishments & penalties for drug trafficking charges?
The sanctions and punishments that come along with drug charges all depend on the schedules mentioned above and the quantity of the drugs. For instance, if you are found in possession of more than 25 pounds of marihuana, or 300 or more plants of marihuana, you would be committing a first-degree felony.
Marijuana:
- Between 25 and 2,000 pounds: Mandatory minimum 3 years in prison with a $25,000 fine
- Between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds: Mandatory minimum 7 years in prison with a $50,000 fine
- More than 10,000 pounds: Mandatory minimum 15 years in prison with a $200,000 fine
Cocaine:
- Between 28 and 200 grams: Mandatory minimum 3 years in prison with a $50,000 fine
- Between 200 and 400 grams: Mandatory minimum 7 years in prison with a $100,000 fine
- More than 400 grams: Mandatory minimum 15 years in prison with a $250,000 fine
If you or your loved one find themselves in a situation where you are being accused of Drug crime? Call us right away at 689-209-0400 to speak with a qualified legal professional or fill out the contact form on this page. We’re available 24/7, we offer free initial consultation and payment plans. In addition to our Sanford office, we have offices in the following cities across the state of Florida:
- Kissimmee
- Jacksonville
- Melbourne
- Ocala
- Clearwater
- Orlando
- Fort Myers
- Daytona Beach
- Miami
- Lakeland
- Fort Lauderdale
- Sarasota
- Tampa
*Additional Orlando Florida & Orange County Legal Resources