Gainesville Drug Trafficking Attorneys
Of all drug crimes, drug trafficking is one of the most serious in Florida. If you have been charged or think you are the target of an investigation, it is critical that you speak to a Gainesville drug trafficking attorney as soon as possible. Without a proper defense, you may be sentenced to several years in prison, and incredibly high fines. A attorney will provide this defense to give you the best chance of retaining your freedom.
Our Attorney Defines Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking involves transporting, importing, or selling illegal controlled substances. Drug trafficking is both a criminal and federal offense, and the two laws outline different substances that are considered illegal. Generally speaking, dealing with substances such as heroin, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamines, marijuana, and even prescription medication may lead to harsh penalties.
In Florida, drug trafficking is a first-degree felony so for those convicted, it has even harsher consequences. Convicted felons do not have the right to vote, serve on a jury, hold public office, or lawfully possess a firearm. If convicted, you will also find it very difficult to gain employment, military service, and even certain types of housing.
Our Attorney Can Provide a Valid Defense for Your Drug Trafficking Case
Every offense has certain elements the prosecution must prove in order to secure a conviction. When pursuing a drug trafficking case, these elements generally revolve around knowledge and intent. The prosecutor must establish that you knew you were dealing in an illegal substance, and that you meant to engage in the activity.
If you were transporting, selling, or importing a substance you believed to be legal, and it turned out to be an unlawful drug, that could provide a defense in your case. Additionally, if you knew the substance was illegal but intended to use it for personal use instead of trafficking it, that could also hurt the prosecution’s case. While you may still face possession charges, these are much less serious than trafficking.
The prosecution must also prove that you knew the substance being trafficked was illegal. For example, if you were trafficking a certain substance that was lawful, that can provide a defense even if you believed it was an illegal substance at the time.
Our Attorney Can Protect You from Penalties Associated with Drug Trafficking
The penalties you will face if you are convicted of drug trafficking will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of controlled substance, and the amount of the drug involved. Typically, the more dangerous the drug and the higher the amount, the harsher the sentence. If a firearm was involved, you may face an additional 10 to 20 years in prison, depending on whether you simply possessed a gun, or if you fired it.
Call Our Gainesville Drug Trafficking Attorney Now
Do not try to handle your charges alone. At Meldon Law, our Gainesville drug trafficking attorney is here to provide the defense you need and give you the best chance of retaining your freedom. Call us today at 800-373-8000 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
