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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Methaqualone Trafficking Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Methaqualone, better known as Quaalude, is an illegal drug that comes with severe consequences for traffickers. If you’ve been charged with methaqualone trafficking, or any other drug crime, you need the experienced team at Hanlon Law on your side. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 


What is Drug Trafficking?


Florida law, specifically statute 893.135, describes drug trafficking as knowingly “selling, manufacturing, purchasing, possessing, delivering, or transporting” the threshold amount or more of an illegal substance within or into the state. It’s important to note the inclusion of “into,” which means that drugs imported into Florida that did not originate there can still result in trafficking charges.


The threshold amount is a certain quantity of the drug, measured by weight, that must be involved in order for the situation to constitute trafficking. Threshold amounts vary depending on which drug is involved. Florida law also outlines a list of minimum mandatory sentences for the threshold amount as well as certain quantities above the threshold amount, with increasingly severe consequences.


What is Methaqualone? 


Methaqualone, better known by its brand name Quaalude, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that acts as both a sedative and a hypnotic (sleep-inducer). Its main symptoms include drowsiness, reduced heart rate, and slowed breathing. Overdosing often leads to coma and subsequent death. 


Introduced into the United States as a sleep aid in the 1960s, methaqualone gained popularity as a safer alternative to barbiturates. Users found that resisting the induced urge to sleep could result in a potent high, and it was common to find at discos and juice bars. Many also became addicted to the hazy, soothing effect on the mind.


However, further research showed that the medication has the same strong addictive qualities and triggers similar withdrawal symptoms as barbiturates, and the drug was outlawed in 1984. 

Despite its illegality, and the trendiness of its use passing, methaqualone is still abused to some extent in the United States.


What Are the Consequences for Methaqualone Trafficking? 


Methaqualone trafficking is a first-degree felony, and the threshold amount is defined by state law as 200 grams. Where in some cases, judges are allowed to pass down sentences below the minimum at their discretion, in methaqualone cases, they are not permitted to charge anything less than the mandatory minimum for the quantity involved. 


Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Methaqualone Trafficking Charges

Amount of Methaqualone Imprisonment Fine
200 grams - 5 kilograms 3 year minimum $50,000
5 kilograms - 25 kilograms 7 year minimum $100,000
25 kilograms or more 15 calendar years minimum $250,000

As a felony, convicted methaqualone traffickers will also face long-term consequences after serving their sentence, such as difficulties securing housing, educational opportunities, employment, professional licensure, and more. 


Florida law also dictates that anyone who trafficks 50 kilograms or more of methaqualone, or 50 kilograms of any mixture that includes methaqualone, knowing the probable result of that trafficking will be someone’s death, they can be convicted of a capital felony. Capital felonies are punishable with life in prison, maximum fines, and even the death penalty. 


Experienced Drug Crime Defense Attorneys In Orlando


With such severe consequences on the table, it’s important to have competent legal counsel in your corner as soon as possible. Any violation of your rights throughout any point in the process, be it during the search and seizure, the arrest, the holding, or in the courtroom, can help your case, which is why you need a knowledgeable attorney to go through the facts. 


Additionally, the burden of proof always lies with the prosecution, who must prove beyond any reasonable doubt that you knowingly and intentionally trafficked methaqualone in the state of Florida. Intent is a gray area difficult to prove, and a seasoned drug crimes attorney knows the best way to navigate it.


At Hanlon Law, our team offers nearly 20 years of experience in the business. We’re familiar and comfortable with all kinds of defense cases, including drug trafficking charges. We’ll find every opportunity both in and out of the courtroom to advocate on your behalf, and help you secure the best possible outcome. 


If you’ve been accused of drug trafficking, don’t wait. Contact Hanlon Law today to schedule a free consultation.

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