St. Petersburg, Florida, is one of the last places you’d want to face a drug crime charge. Florida’s strict drug laws lag behind much of the nation, and despite a growing national trend toward legalization.
At Fletcher & Fletcher, our drug crime defense attorneys are dedicated to helping people accused of these crimes navigate these challenging circumstances with empathy and dedication. Our criminal defense lawyers, Rick and Jenna Fletcher have years of experience in the field. They are committed to providing clear advice and building a strong defense tailored to your situation.
This blog will guide you through the basics of cocaine possession charges, cocaine trafficking laws, and paraphernalia charges in Pinellas County, Florida.
Cocaine Possession Charges in Pinellas County
The charges and penalties for a drug crime in Florida depend on the type and amount of the drug and your prior record. While possession of a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor, all other drug charges are felonies, potentially resulting in up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Here are some of the charges you could face:
- Possession of marijuana
- Cultivation and/or sale of marijuana
- Manufacturing of methamphetamine
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Trafficking in methamphetamine
- Possession of cocaine
- Trafficking in cocaine
- Possession of opiates, opioids, benzodiazepines, or amphetamines (without a prescription)
- Trafficking in prescription drugs
- Fraudulently obtaining prescription drugs
- Possession of fentanyl
Even possession of a very small amount of drugs, often considered “personal use,” can still lead to felony charges—Florida does not classify any cocaine possession as a misdemeanor.
Need help? Contact our experienced team at Fletcher & Fletcher for reliable legal guidance through your case.
Cocaine Trafficking Charges in Florida
Trafficking cocaine is a more severe charge than simple possession and involves larger amounts of the drug. Here’s what this entails:
- Threshold for Trafficking: In Florida, cocaine trafficking charges apply when someone knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into Florida or is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of 28 grams of cocaine or more.
- Penalties: The penalties are severe and depend on the amount of cocaine involved:
- 28 to 200 grams can lead to a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 3 years and a $50,000 fine.
- 200 grams to 400 grams result in a minimum mandatory sentence of 7 years and a $100,000 fine.
- More than 400 grams carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 calendar years and a fine of up to $250,000.
These mandatory sentences reflect the seriousness with which Florida treats cocaine trafficking due to its potential to cause widespread harm.
St. Petersburg Cocaine Paraphernalia Charges
Drug paraphernalia includes any object used or intended to be used to consume, create, contain, or conceal a controlled substance. Florida Statute § 893.147 criminalizes various activities related to cocaine paraphernalia, and these charges can be brought alone or in addition to possession or trafficking charges.
Common examples of cocaine paraphernalia include:
- Baggies
- Cookers
- Lighters
- Needles
- Rubber cords or other ties used for injecting cocaine
- Straws
- Tubes
- Vials
Any of these items with cocaine residue can result in paraphernalia charges.
6 Paraphernalia Crimes in Florida
Here are the six paraphernalia Crimes Under Florida Statute § 893.147
- Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia:
- First-degree misdemeanor
- Punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
- Manufacture or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia:
- Third-degree felony
- Punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000
- Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia to a Minor:
- Hypodermic syringes, needles, or other injection tools:
- First-degree misdemeanor
- Punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
- Other forms of paraphernalia:
- Second-degree felony
- Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- Hypodermic syringes, needles, or other injection tools:
- Transportation of Drug Paraphernalia:
- Third-degree felony
- Punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000
- Advertisement of Drug Paraphernalia:
- First-degree misdemeanor
- Punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
- Retail Sale of Drug Paraphernalia:
- First offense:
- First-degree misdemeanor
- Punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
- Second or subsequent offense:
- Third-degree felony
- Punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000
- First offense:
How Can a Drug Charges Lawyer In Florida Help?
Being charged with cocaine offenses in St. Petersburg, Florida, can have serious repercussions on your freedom and future. Understanding the nature and consequences of these charges helps you prepare for the road ahead.
If you’ve been questioned or arrested for a drug crime, securing the best legal assistance is crucial. Your attorney will:
- Examine police procedures that led to your arrest to ensure your constitutional rights were not violated.
- Process your qualification for the PTI (pretrial intervention) program or determine eligibility for a diversion program that could result in a dismissal of charges.
- Help process your bail to secure your release from jail while anticipating trial.
- Explore all defense avenues to build the strongest possible case.
- Negotiate a plea bargain to reduce charges if it’s in your best interest.
Contact Fletcher & Fletcher Criminal Defense Lawyers in Florida Today!
If you find yourself or a loved one facing such charges, staying informed and seeking guidance are your first steps toward navigating these challenges. Remember, handling such situations requires careful attention to legal details and awareness of your rights and responsibilities under Florida law.
Wherever you are in Florida, our team at Fletcher & Fletcher is ready to start building your criminal defense. Contact us at 727 788-5106 today!
