Are you facing drug trafficking charges?

Drug trafficking by definition is the sale, transport or import of controlled substances or illegal drugs. In a court of law, drug trafficking also goes by the name of distribution.

Many trafficking cases involve drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, cocaine and heroin. The penalty for distributing these drugs will often have high, far-reaching and long-lasting impacts.

Defining drug trafficking

The Florida Statutes discuss how to handle drug-related crimes such as this. In the state, it is illegal to deliver controlled substances, sell them, manufacture them, or process them with an intent to sell or deliver. State and federal laws both regulate drug trafficking, meaning that people facing this charge will also face harsher penalties than those who just sold or delivered drugs.

Though the penalties for this crime usually remain harsh in general, different factors can contribute to lightening or worsening the penalties faced. Some of the impacting factors include:

• The type of drug involved
• The quantity of the drug
• Where the distribution took place
• If the trafficking scheme targeted minors or children

The impact of conviction

As an example, an individual who distributes anywhere between 28 and 200 grams of cocaine could end up with a minimum $50,000 fine and a minimum of a three-year prison sentence.

Whether facing a charge on a state or federal level, drug trafficking convictions could have lasting impacts on just about every area of a person’s life. They might end up with limited employment prospects, heavy debt, a damaged reputation and more.

Thus, it is important to take any drug trafficking charge seriously from the start in order to preserve a better future.