Drug Trafficking

St. Petersburg Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney

Under Florida law, drug trafficking occurs when someone “knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or knowingly is in actual or constructive possession of” an excess amount of a controlled substance. Trafficking convictions carry the longest prison terms and most substantial fines of any drug crimes. The most egregious drug trafficking violations are capital offenses that can lead to life imprisonment or punishment by death. But even lesser drug trafficking charges result in a minimum of three to 25 years in prison if convicted. When the stakes are so high, your legal defense is of the utmost importance. 

At Joseph Montrone, Jr., I defend clients in all types of drug cases. If you’re charged with trafficking, you are in extreme jeopardy of extended prison time. You need immediate assistance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney, and I am ready to defend your rights.

Drug trafficking occurs when the amount of a drug involved meets or exceeds the quantity given in the relevant Florida statute. Quantities that qualify for a trafficking charge include:

  • Cannabis — 25 pounds and over, or 300 cannabis plants
  • Cocaine — 28 grams and over
  • Opium — Four grams and over
  • Oxycodone — Four grams and over
  • Hydrocodone — Four grams and over
  • Morphine — Four grams and over
  • Phencyclidine — 28 grams and over
  • Methaqualone — 200 grams and over
  • Amphetamine — 14 grams and over
  • Gamma-hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB, the “date rape drug”) — One kilogram and over
  • LSD — One gram and over

The person charged must also knowingly sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, or bring the drug into the state, or be in actual or constructive possession of such drug.

To learn more about how I can help with your case, call my office at (727) 617-6095 today.

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Drug Trafficking Charges & Penalties in Florida

First-degree felony drug charges can be brought for trafficking in illicit drugs, with penalties as follows:

  • Cannabis trafficking — A mandatory minimum prison sentence of three to 20 years and a fine of up to $200,000.
  • Cocaine trafficking — A mandatory minimum prison sentence of three to 20 years and a fine as high as $200,000. If 150 kilograms or more are involved, life imprisonment could be imposed.
  • Amphetamine trafficking — A mandatory minimum prison sentence of three to 20 years and a maximum fine of $250,000. Capital punishment is possible in some situations.
  • Trafficking in morphine, opium, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, or heroin — A mandatory minimum prison sentence of three to 25 years and a fine of at least $50,000. If 30 kilograms or more are involved and someone dies, life imprisonment or capital punishment is possible.

Faced with such charges, you should only rely on a criminal defense lawyer with a strong record of success in felony and misdemeanor cases.

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Joseph Montrone, Jr. Joseph Montrone, Jr.
Contact 727-617-6095
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Suite 314
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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