Call Us +1-555-555-555

Call Today - Available 24/7

YOUR FUTURE IS ALL THAT MATTERS

VIEW OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Hydrocodone Trafficking Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Opioid abuse is an epidemic in the United States, and hydrocodone is the most popular opiate to abuse. Because of this, hydrocodone trafficking is met with severe penalties by the state of Florida. If you’ve been charged with hydrocodone trafficking, don’t waste any time getting an experienced drug crime lawyer in your corner. Contact Hanlon Law today to schedule a free consultation. 


What Is Drug Trafficking? 


Drug trafficking is described by Florida Statute 893.135 as “the intentional selling, manufacturing, purchasing, possessing, delivering, or transporting of an illegal substance in the state.” This includes drugs that are imported into the state for any of these purposes, regardless of where those drugs originated. 


In addition, the Statute also outlines a list of minimum quantities of hydrocodone that must be involved in order to warrant certain minimum mandatory sentences. 


What is Hydrocodone? 


Hydrocodone is an opiate used for its antitussive (cough-suppressing) and narcotic analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. The opiate is nearly as potent as morphine when it comes to pain relief,  and is one of the most widely prescribed opiates in the United States. 


However, the substance is incredibly addictive, and thanks to both its pain-relieving benefits and the euphoric high it can induce, hydrocodone is also the most abused opiate in the United States. It is most commonly found in pill form, and is obtained illegally through falsified prescriptions, pharmacy-hopping, theft, and illegal online purchases. 


Unfortunately, hydrocodone comes with a long list of negative side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, urinary retention, and even depressed respiration (problems breathing) in higher amounts. These symptoms can be dangerously compounded when combined with alcohol and other drugs, which is a common practice to increase the high. This can increase chances of a fatal dosage.


If used enough to develop dependence, withdrawal symptoms can involve restlessness, muscle pain, bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, and vomiting. Large doses of hydrocodone, in combination with acetaminophen (an over-the-counter pain reliever, more commonly called Tylenol) may cause severe liver damage.


Hydrocodone is also very easy to overdose on. Overdoses are associated with cold, clammy skin, severely constricted (shrunken) pupils, and slow, labored breathing. These often lead to unconsciousness and death if not treated.


Hydrocodone is known by a variety of trade names, including Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet-HD, Hycodan, Vicoprofen, as well as street names such as Hydro, Norco, and Vikes.


What Are the Consequences for Hydrocodone Trafficking? 


The consequences of hydrocodone trafficking depend on the amount of the drug in question. Florida Statute 893.135(c)(2) details a list of quantities and the minimum mandatory sentencing for those quantities. Judges are compelled to impose the minimum sentence in all cases except those where the defendant provides “substantial assistance.” This is when the defendant provides information, evidence, or other assistance in identifying, arresting, and/or charging other drug traffickers.


Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Hydrocodone Trafficking

Amount of Hydrocodone Imprisonment Fine
14 - 28 grams 3 year minimum $50,000
28 - 50 grams 7 year minimum $100,000
50 - 200 grams 15 years minimum $500,000
200 grams - 30 kilograms 25 years minimum $750,000

Hydrocodone trafficking charges of 28 grams or more are considered first-degree felonies, which means they come with additional long-term consequences. For example, felons face rescinded rights, such as the right to vote, run for and/or hold public office, act as a juror, and purchase and/or possess a firearm. Felons may also have difficulty finding a job, getting approved for housing, obtaining professional licensure, and more due to their public criminal background.


In addition, Florida Statute 893.135 also notes that someone convicted of trafficking 30 or more kilograms of hydrocodone, who also either intentionally killed someone or was aware that their actions would inadvertently lead to someone’s death, must be charged with a capital felony. Capital felonies are punishable by life in prison without potential for reduction, or even the death penalty.


Experienced Drug Crime Lawyers in Orlando


Hydrocodone trafficking is a very serious crime treated harshly by both federal and local law. With sentences ranging from hefty fines to lengthy imprisonment to even life in prison or the death penalty, it’s vital to have competent legal counsel in your corner. At Hanlon Law, our team offers nearly two decades of experience in the defense business. We’ll help explore all your options, consider all the evidence and case circumstances, and take every possible opportunity to advocate on your behalf. If you’ve been charged with hydrocodone trafficking, or any other drug crime, don’t wait. Contact Hanlon Law today to schedule a free consultation.

Share by: