Drug Trafficking Attorney In Pensacola

Solid Defense You Can Trust

Drug trafficking comes with serious penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 3 years in state lockup to life in prison without the chance of parole. Persons convicted will face fines starting at $25,000.

We understand you’re facing an overwhelming road ahead. A drug trafficking conviction can ruin your job, family, and reputation. We will fight to protect your rights and secure your freedom.

If you’re facing charges related to drug trafficking or sales, a consultation with the The Morris Firm should be your first step, so call (850) 503-2626 right away.

For more than a decade, we have focused on criminal law and pride ourselves on providing extensive trial experience, affordable representation, and a knowledge of the local legal community as a native to Pensacola. You can depend on us to make you a priority and stay by your side throughout your case.

Facts About Drug Trafficking Charges

Here are some key facts that relate to drug trafficking:

• Trafficking of drugs is triggered by the amount of the drug you possess.
• Trafficking most commonly refers to the distribution of a controlled substance. A common misnomer is that trafficking always involves transporting drugs over state lines; in actuality, it has more to do with the quantity of drugs involved.
• Penalties for the conviction of drug sales are wide-ranging depending on multiple factors.
• The quantity and type of drug involved, the defendant’s criminal history and the location of apprehension (such as bringing a substance into a school or across a border) are all determining factors in potential penalties.

According to Florida statute § 893.135, drug trafficking of cannabis is a first-degree felony. It refers to an individual who purchases, manufactures, sells, delivers, brings into the state, or is in constructive or actual possession of over 25 pounds of cannabis, or at least 300 cannabis plants.

Drug trafficking of cocaine is also a first-degree felony. It refers to a person who sells, manufactures, purchases, delivers, brings into the state, or is in constructive or actual possession of at least 28 grams of cocaine or a mixture of cocaine but under 150 kilograms of cocaine or any mixture.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes controlled substances by schedules to indicate their potential for abuse and whether they’re acceptable for medical use. The schedules are as follows:

Schedule I: High potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Examples include:

• Marijuana
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• LSD
• Peyote

Schedule II: Dangerous drugs with a high potential for abuse can cause severe physical or psychological dependence. Examples include:

• Methamphetamine
• Combination drugs containing under 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per unit
• Dilaudid
• Oxycontin
• Fentanyl

Schedule III: Potential for abuse is more than Schedule IV but less than Schedules I and II. Moderate to low chance of causing physical or psychological dependence. Examples include:

• Testosterone
• Anabolic steroids
• Ketamine
• Drugs with less than 90 milligrams of codeine per unit

Schedule IV: Low potential for abuse and dependence. Examples include:

• Darvocet
• Valium
• Xanax
• Ativan
• Tramadol

Schedule V: Preparations use minimal quantities of certain narcotics and have a lower potential of abuse than Schedule IV. Examples include:

• Lyrica
• Motofen
• Lomotil
• Parepectolin
• Cough preparations containing under 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters

Florida Drug Trafficking Penalties

As we mentioned in the beginning, a drug trafficking conviction is associated with mandatory minimum penalties. The seriousness of these penalties is based on the type of drug and the amount involved in the crime.

According to the specific drug, the penalties for drug trafficking in Florida include:

• Cannabis/Marijuana – Between 25 lbs and 2,000 lbs, or between 300 plants and 2,000 plants, is punishable by a mandatory three-year minimum prison sentence and a fine no more than $25,000. Between 2,000 lbs and 10,000 lbs, or between 2,000 plants and 10,000, carries a mandatory minimum prison term of seven years and a maximum fine of $50,000. Between 10,000 lbs and more, or between 10,000 plants and more, results in a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to $200,000.
• Cocaine – Between 28 grams and less than 200 grams is punishable by a mandatory minimum prison term of three years and a fine no more than $50,000. Between 200 grand and less than 400 grams lead to a mandatory minimum prison term of seven years and a fine not exceeding $100,000. Between 400 grams and less than 150 kilograms carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years and a fine no more than $250,000. Between 150 kilograms and more results in a mandatory life sentence and a fine not exceeding $250,000.
• Amphetamine and methamphetamine – Between 14 grams and less than 28 grams is punishable by a mandatory minimum prison term of three years and a fine no more than $50,000. Between 28 grams and less than 200 grams carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of seven years and a maximum fine of $100,000. Between 200 grams and above can lead to a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years and a fine not exceeding $250,000.
• Heroin, opium, morphine, and hydromorphone – Between four grams and less than 14 grams lead to a three-year mandatory minimum prison term and a maximum fine of $50,000. Between 14 grams and less than 28 grams is punishable by a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of $100,000. Between 28 grams and less than 30 kilograms is punishable by a mandatory minimum prison term of 25 years and a maximum fine of up to $500,000.
• Oxycodone – Between seven grams and less than 14 grams will lead to a three-year mandatory minimum prison term and a maximum fine of $50,000. Between 14 grams and less than 25 grams carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of seven years and a fine no more than $100,000. Between 25 grams and less than 100 grams is punishable by a 15-year mandatory minimum prison term and a maximum fine of $500,000. Between 100 grams and less than 30 kilograms will result in a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 years and a fine not exceeding $750,000.

Know Your Rights After An Arrest

It’s crucial that you know your rights after getting arrested. Even though law enforcement accuses you of committing a crime, you don’t have to admit to it or speak with them. You should remain calm and respectful during the arrest process.

The officer will read you your Miranda rights and inform you of the charges against you. They might place you in handcuffs and transport you to the police station. During processing, they’ll confiscate your belongings, take your picture, and collect your fingerprints. They will then put you in a jail cell until your first appearance or until you’re able to make bond.

Throughout each of these steps, you have basic rights, and you can choose to assert those rights at any time. They include:

• Right to remain silent
• Right to know the alleged crimes you committed
• Right to an attorney and for them to be present during questioning
• Right to call an attorney, friend, family member, or bondsperson to pay your bail

What To Expect After An Arrest in Florida

Generally, a criminal case starts with an arrest or Notice to Appear. You’ll either receive a notice in the mail of the charges against you and your obligation to appear in court, or an officer will arrest you because they witnessed you commit a crime.

First appearance

If you’re unable to make bail, a judge will review your bond within 24 hours of your arrest to determine if the amount is adequate. They could reduce or increase it if they believe it’s necessary. At that time, they will also inform you of the charges you’re facing.

Arraignment

During an arraignment hearing, you’ll plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the drug trafficking charges. Sometimes, it’s better if you plead not guilty, so there’s more time for your Pensacola drug trafficking attorney to prepare a strong case and gather evidence. Other times, a guilty plea is better to reach an agreement for a lighter sentence. The Morris Firm will review your case and determine the best plea to enter in your situation.

Formal charges

The prosecution will file formal charges against you if they believe there’s enough evidence to prove your guilt.

Discovery

During discovery, both sides will file legal documents to obtain evidence the other collected. That could include video surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports.

Pretrial intervention

Individuals who are non-violent offenders, first offenders, and facing drug trafficking charges might be eligible for a Pretrial Intervention Program. If you’re allowed to enter the program, the charges could get dismissed upon successful completion. Someone in the State Attorney’s Office will review your case to determine the requirements you must follow, such as community service, financial restitution, and drug court attendance.

Motion to Suppress

If The Morris Firm discovers that law enforcement didn’t follow proper procedures during the arrest or while gathering evidence, we can file a Motion to Suppress. This document could potentially exclude specific evidence from your case. For example, if an officer performed an illegal search of your home, anything they found would not be admissible during trial.

Pretrial hearing

During the pretrial hearing, your Pensacola drug trafficking attorney and the prosecutor will discuss elements of the case. Both sides will review what stage they’re in with discovery and if they encountered any issues. We might try to negotiate a plea deal if the prosecutor is willing to offer a reduced sentence or lesser charge in exchange for a guilty plea.

Depositions

If we’re unable to reach a plea agreement, your case will likely move forward, and we’ll begin preparing for trial. We can schedule depositions to interview victims of your drug trafficking charge, witnesses, and experts. A deposition is recorded questioning under oath in front of an attorney and court reporter. There will be a transcript of the deposition available, so we can expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or find a way to discount witness testimony.

Trial

Criminal trials are done in front of a jury and judge. Both sides will present their cases, enter evidence, call witnesses to the stand, and argue for a verdict of guilty or not guilty.

We’re Here to Fight for You

At the The Morris Firm, our goal is to provide you with a successful defense, and we will work tirelessly to do so. Our legal team will dedicate their time and attention to every aspect of your case to get the charges reduced or dropped. We’ll attempt to poke holes in the prosecution’s case, suppress illegally obtained evidence, and prove your innocence at trial.

You can reach us 24/7 to schedule an appointment, ask questions, or get an update on your case. We know it’s important that we’re available when you need us. We’ll be here to provide one-on-one attention, guidance, and support. You can feel confident knowing you’re in excellent hands.

Selling and trafficking drugs carries potentially serious consequences. It should not, and cannot, be taken lightly. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, drug sales or any drug-related offense and are looking for affordable representation in Pensacola, don’t wait any longer to get in touch with Brandon Morris. Our experienced Pensacola drug crime defense attorney is here to help you fight the charges that have been made against you.