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Miami-Dade County Drug Distribution Lawyer
Miami Drug Distribution and Trafficking Attorney
In Florida, the distribution or sale of drugs is a violation of state and federal law and a conviction can have serious consequences. Sale, delivery, and manufacture under §893.13 are distinct from weight-based trafficking under §893.135. Trafficking can be based on knowing possession of the statutory quantity without proof of an intended sale; a sale or delivery charge does not necessarily require a trafficking quantity. Given the severe penalties a drug crime conviction may bring, it is crucial to have aggressive criminal defense representation.
Located in Miami, Valiente Law has considerable experience defending clients against drug trafficking charges in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and throughout the state of Florida. Well-versed in the applicable state and federal narcotics laws, we investigate the evidence and available defenses. Whether you’ve been charged with possessing small amounts of a controlled substance or trafficking significant amounts of illegal narcotics, we can help.
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Distribution versus trafficking in Florida
§893.13 covers unlawful sale, delivery, manufacture, and possession with intent to engage in those acts. The drug, conduct, and statutory circumstances determine the degree. Protected-location enhancements have specific distance, location, and sometimes timing requirements; mere possession near a school or church does not automatically establish the enhanced sale offense.
§893.135 sets drug-specific trafficking quantities and mandatory minimum penalties. Not every controlled medication has the same trafficking threshold.
Selected trafficking penalties — reviewed September 29, 2026
The prison terms below are mandatory minimums, not maximum sentences. These ordinary first-degree felony bands generally carry a maximum of 30 years; sentencing enhancements, statutory relief, and special high-quantity provisions require separate review.
| Drug and quantity | Mandatory minimum prison term | Statutory fine |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis: more than 25 but less than 2,000 pounds | 3 years | $25,000 |
| Cannabis: 2,000 to less than 10,000 pounds | 7 years | $50,000 |
| Cannabis: 10,000 pounds or more | 15 years | $200,000 |
| Cocaine or qualifying mixture: 28 to less than 200 grams | 3 years | $50,000 |
| Cocaine or qualifying mixture: 200 to less than 400 grams | 7 years | $100,000 |
| Cocaine or qualifying mixture: 400 grams to less than 150 kilograms | 15 years | $250,000 |
| Heroin or qualifying mixture: 4 to less than 14 grams | 3 years | $50,000 |
| Heroin or qualifying mixture: 14 to less than 28 grams | 15 years | $100,000 |
| Heroin or qualifying mixture: 28 grams to less than 30 kilograms | 25 years | $500,000 |
Cannabis trafficking also begins at 300 plants, independently of weight. Plant-count bands and the statute’s direction to impose the longest applicable term must be checked, particularly at 2,000 and 10,000 plants. Cocaine quantities of 150 kilograms or more and qualifying opiate quantities of 30 kilograms or more have separate life-sentence provisions. Fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and other drugs have different rules; the heroin table must not be applied to them.
Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking may also be charged as a federal crime when it involves moving controlled substances across state borders, throughout the state, or into the state from a foreign country. Federal charges are typically more severe and carry penalties that include significant fines and the possibility of life in prison for certain high-level drug trafficking schemes.
Drug Mixtures and Drug Trafficking Charges
Illegal drugs are rarely sold in their pure form. Instead, they are often mixed or “cut” with other substances to increase the weight and street value. Many trafficking provisions count the weight of a mixture containing the specified drug rather than only its pure active ingredient. The precise statutory substance, mixture language, laboratory identification, and weight calculation must be examined; one blanket rule should not be applied to every drug or dosage form.
How to Fight Drug Trafficking Charges
At Valiente Law, our legal team will work diligently to build the best line of defense against your drug trafficking charges. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the case and assess the strength of the evidence against you. Because the state must be able to prove all elements of its case beyond a reasonable doubt, we will aggressively attack each element that prosecutors present.
As an example, we can argue that the amount of controlled substances in your possession did not meet the threshold for drug trafficking drugs. On the other hand, it may be possible to show that law enforcement gathered evidence improperly or illegally and have that evidence suppressed. Because drug trafficking cases also involve confidential informants, we will question their credibility, as well as the validity of other witnesses and evidence produced by the state.
In addition, drug trafficking investigations often involve undercover law enforcement operations such as “buy and bust.” As such, it may possible to raise an entrapment defense, provided that we can show you were induced to commit a crime you might not otherwise have committed. Our objective is to have the case dismissed, or to win an acquittal, and to make sure that you are treated fairly.
What is substantial assistance?
The state may agree to reduce or suspend the sentence of individuals who have been convicted of drug trafficking if they provide “substantial assistance” in the identification, arrest or conviction of accomplices, accessories, principals or any other person involved in drug crimes. In other words, this means tipping off law enforcement about drug deals, identifying drug dealers, or even wearing a wire to assist in a sting operation. While you may be able avoid going to jail by providing substantial assistance, there are serious drawbacks, not the least of which is placing yourself or loved ones in danger. An experienced drug crimes attorney can help determine if this is something even worth considering.
Why You Should Call Valiente Law for Your Drug Trafficking Charges
Guided by a principal that anyone accused of a drug crime is innocent until proven guilty, we are fully prepared to defend your drug trafficking charges. Our legal team will work tirelessly to secure your freedom and advise you of all your options. Depending on the weight of the evidence against you, we may recommend seeking a reduction of the charges. The drug crimes attorneys at Valiente Law will always put your best interests first and vigorously fight for your rights.
Call our office today or complete the convenient online contact form to set up a free consultation.
Featured Testimonial
Miami Drug Distribution Attorney Review
Mr. Valiente provided excellent service, very professional and courteous. I felt like he actually cared about me and my family. It was a year-long case and he was on top of everything from the get go. Constant updates, was readily available to speak to me whenever I called. I was looking at substantial jail time, and Mr. Valiente got me off with next to nothing. Highly recommend this attorney for anyone needing of his services.
Orlando R.
Miami Drug Distribution Attorney
5/5