Florida law is notoriously strict about drug charges, which can include drug possession, drug distribution, and drug trafficking. Penalties for possession alone can be considered as serious as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Penalties for drug trafficking are typically much harsher in terms of both prison time and fines. However, there is still hope if you are facing a drug trafficking charge. Our experienced and professional team of St. Pete drug charges lawyers at Fletcher & Fletcher is here to help.
How does Florida define drug trafficking?
Many people might think of drug trafficking as a large operation, with many different players to traffic serious controlled substances. Others might think of drug trafficking as any sale of drugs in Florida and the U.S.
The legal definition lies somewhere between the two.
Under Florida Statute § 893.135, the following are considered drug trafficking:
- Selling drugs
- Delivering drugs
- Manufacturing drugs
- Importing drugs
- Possessing an excessive amount of drugs
Excessive amounts of common drugs
- Cannabis: 25 pounds
- Fentanyl: 4 grams
- Cocaine: 28 grams
- Hydrocodone: 14 grams
- Methamphetamine: 14 grams
- Heroin: 4 grams
- LSD: 1 gram
- MDMA: 10 grams
Note that these are only some of the most common drugs found in Florida. You can also be found guilty of possessing excessive amounts of other substances that are not listed.
- Item One
- Item Two
- Item Three
How are drugs classified under Florida law?
Under Florida state law, different drugs are penalized with varying severities based on their schedule. You can think of a drug’s schedule as its classification, or level.
Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous and addictive, with no medical use per the law. Schedule V drugs, alternatively, have the lowest potential for abuse and dependency.
People frequently want to know what schedule certain drugs are in Florida. The state schedules the following common drugs accordingly:
- Schedule I: Heroin, cannabis, cocaine, LSD
- Schedule II: Codeine, morphine, opium
- Schedule III: Testosterone, anabolic steroids
- Schedule IV: Diazepam or tramadol
- Schedule V: Cough suppressants
It’s important to note that marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug in Florida.
What should I do if I was arrested for drug trafficking in St. Pete, Florida?
If you were arrested for drug trafficking in St. Pete or surrounding areas, then first thing’s first: know your rights. It is important that you are well-educated on all your options in your case, so you can make informed decisions about the path forward.
The best way to do this is to immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. If your lawyer is a good one, they will be honest about your options, knowledgeable about your case, and understanding about helping you win back your freedom. They will listen without judgment and do everything they can to fight for your freedom.
With the help of your attorney, you can prepare a solid defense and collect evidence to back it up. A dedicated attorney can be truly advantageous for your case.
Contact Fletcher & Fletcher St. Pete Drug Charges Lawyers Today
It can be scary to face drug charges in Florida, especially because the state is known for imposing harsh penalties. However, you don’t have to go to bat alone. At Fletcher & Fletcher, we are a husband-and-wife team that has dedicated our entire careers to criminal defense in Florida, and we’re here with a nonjudgmental ear to defend your freedom.
Your future is in your hands, but the journey doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
