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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Cocaine Trafficking Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Drug trafficking is a severe charge met with harsh consequences. The type of drug and the quantity discovered of that drug both play a part in determining just what the sentencing will be. If you’ve been accused of drug trafficking, it’s vital to seek legal counsel immediately. Contact the experienced drug crime defense attorneys at Hanlon Law today for a free consultation. 


What is Drug Trafficking?


Drug trafficking is defined by Florida Statute 893.135 as the intentional selling, manufacturing, purchasing, possessing, delivering, or transporting of an illegal substance within or into the state. 


In order for a charge to be considered drug trafficking, the quantity of the drug in question must exceed a certain predefined minimum. That minimum varies depending on the specific substance in question. Florida law also outlines quantities above the minimum that may increase the severity of the charge and subsequent sentencing.


What is Cocaine? 


Cocaine is a stimulant designed to offer intense, euphoric highs. The substance itself is highly addictive, and bears significant health ramifications over time. While most commonly found as a white, crystalline powder, cocaine can also be transferred and stored in a more raw form that appears as irregularly-shaped whitish rocks. 


Cocaine is known by a number of colloquial or street names, including blow, coca, coke, crack, flake, snow, and soda cot.


What Are the Consequences for Cocaine Trafficking?


In general, sentencing for cocaine trafficking involves lengthy incarceration and significant fines. If the quantity of the substance in question exceeds certain amounts, the crime may be charged as a felony. Felonies may come with longer prison sentences and higher fines, and often result in federal repercussions in the form of rescinded rights, namely, the right to vote, run for and/or hold public office, act as a juror, and purchase and/or possess a firearm. 


In addition, convicted felons may have difficulties finding a job, getting approved for housing, securing educational opportunities, signing up for the military, and any other endeavor in which a background check is performed. 


Cocaine Mandatory Minimum Sentences


As defined by Florida statute 893.135, the mandatory minimum sentences for cocaine trafficking are as follows:

Amount of Cocaine Imprisonment Fine
28 grams - 200 grams 3 year minimum $50,000
200 grams - 400 grams 7 year minimum $100,000
400 grams - 150 kilograms 15 year minimum $250,000
More than 150 kilograms Life imprisonment

Trafficking more than 150 kilograms of cocaine is considered a first-degree felony, and is punishable by life in prison with no eligibility for any type of discretionary early release aside from executive clemency, pardon, or conditional medical release. 


This charge may be increased to a capital felony if the defendant is found to have intentionally killed or caused someone to be killed in relation to the crime. Capital felonies are punishable with the maximum fine for that charge, along with life imprisonment or even the death penalty. 


The defendant may also be charged with a capital felony if they are found to have knowingly brought 300 kilograms of cocaine into the state and are also aware that doing so will result in someone’s death. The law adds that bringing 300 kilograms or more of cocaine, including any of its stereoisomers, or any compound, derivative, salt, and/or preparation of cocaine, except for ioflupane I 123, into the state qualifies as a capital felony. 


How to Defend Against Cocaine Trafficking Charges


Despite the harsh penalties for all drug trafficking charges, all hope is not lost. There are a variety of strategies a seasoned drug crime defense attorney may take. The following are some possible defenses:


  • Insufficient evidence: the burden of proof lies on the prosecution, and if they cannot prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty, they cannot convict
  • Constitutional violations: the defendant’s constitutional rights were violated in some manner during the course of the case (for example, improper search and seizure)
  • Entrapment: the defendant was manipulated or tricked into committing or confessing to a crime by law enforcement officers
  • Substantial assistance: the defendant provides significant evidence or testimony to assist in securing a conviction against another defendant


Experienced Drug Trafficking Defense Attorneys Near You


If you’ve been charged with trafficking cocaine, or any other illegal substance, don’t wait: contact Hanlon Law today. Our seasoned team of drug trafficking lawyers will leverage nearly two decades of experience in your favor and help you build the best strategy possible. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.

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