Miami Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney

Drug trafficking is one of the most serious drug-related crimes under Florida law. If you’re facing a criminal drug trafficking charge, contact the skilled criminal defense attorneys at Valiente Law. Defendants convicted of drug trafficking face significant prison time, fines, and a criminal record that will negatively affect job and housing opportunities. Hiring a lawyer who will fight hard to reduce your charges or have them dismissed is essential. If you’re facing a Miami drug trafficking charge, there is no time to lose. Contact our skilled lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. 

What Constitutes Drug Trafficking in Florida?

Florida trafficking charges do not always require a sale or an intent to sell. Under section 893.135, knowingly possessing a specified substance in a qualifying quantity can support a trafficking charge. The statute also covers specified conduct such as selling, purchasing, manufacturing, delivering or bringing the substance into Florida.

The applicable threshold depends on the substance, and some provisions measure the weight of a mixture. We examine the substance identification, weight, laboratory reports and evidence of knowledge and possession. A large quantity alone does not eliminate the prosecution’s obligation to prove the required elements.

Controlled substances and prescription medication

Different substances have different statutory rules. The defense must identify the exact substance and provision charged rather than assume that every controlled substance has the same trafficking threshold. Related allegations may also involve drug possession.

Armed Trafficking Charges in Florida

Florida prosecutors can charge defendants with armed trafficking in addition to the initial charge of drug trafficking. Armed trafficking occurs when someone uses, exposes, possesses, or threatens another person with a firearm during the commission of the crime. Firearm allegations can affect the charge and potential sentencing exposure. The applicable enhancement must be evaluated under the statute and facts of the case.

Trafficking in Prescription Medicine in Florida

In many ways, Florida is at the heart of the opioid epidemic. Residents of Miami have seen a rise in the use of prescription medication on the streets and people’s homes. Drug addictions can lead to drug trafficking in prescription medicine charges. Florida law makes it illegal to possess prescription medication without a valid prescription. 

Prescription-medication allegations require careful review of the substance, quantity, prescription records and evidence of possession. We examine the specific trafficking provision and any available defenses.

Penalties for Florida drug trafficking convictions

Trafficking charges can carry substantial prison terms, mandatory minimum sentences and fines. The substance and weight determine which statutory provision applies, while additional allegations and the circumstances of the case may affect sentencing. A precise assessment requires the charging document and evidence; there is no single penalty that applies to every trafficking case.

Defenses to Miami Drug Trafficking Charges

The key to succeeding against a Miami drug trafficking charge is a persuasive defense. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove every element of drug trafficking charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Skilled defense lawyers can argue that law enforcement officers improperly weighed the controlled substances. Small differences in weight can mean the difference between a simple possession drug charge and a trafficking charge. 

In other cases, law enforcement makes constitutional violations. When law enforcement does not have the requisite probable cause or otherwise violates a suspect’s rights, the defense may seek suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence; the result depends on the facts and applicable legal rules. Sometimes undercover operatives conduct illegal wiretaps of the suspect that don’t meet strict wiretap requirements. Other times, law enforcement engages in unlawful entrapment. 

Our Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyers Can Help

If you’re facing Miami drug trafficking charges, you’re not alone. The skilled criminal defense lawyers at Valiente Law have significant experience fighting drug-related charges in state and federal court. We conduct a thorough investigation of our client’s case to offer a persuasive defense. Having a lawyer by your side while speaking to police, investigators, or federal drug agents can be incredibly helpful. Contact our Miami law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.