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Skilled Defense Attorneys Dedicated to Your Case

Melbourne Drug Trafficking Defense Attorneys

Florida Drug Trafficking Laws

Drug trafficking charges are extremely serious and can result in life-altering penalties if you are convicted. These charges are highly complex and can be confusing to understand, especially without the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and future.

At Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, we are committed to providing aggressive legal representation to individuals facing drug trafficking charges. We understand the serious nature of these charges and the potential consequences you are facing. Our Melbourne drug trafficking attorneys will build a strong defense strategy on your behalf and work to minimize the potential penalties you face.

Protect Your Future – Contact Us Today
Drug trafficking charges carry severe penalties. Don’t face them alone. Call (321) 360-4446 now or contact us online for a free consultation.

What Is Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking refers to the sale, transport, or importation of illegal drugs. These charges can be filed at the state or federal level and carry severe penalties if you are convicted. In Florida, drug trafficking charges are based on the type and quantity of drugs involved.

Common types of drugs involved in trafficking cases include:

Marijuana
Cocaine
Heroin
Ecstasy
Methamphetamine

These drugs are classified as illegal controlled substances and are regulated by both federal and state laws. Drug trafficking charges can be filed when an individual is caught selling, transporting, or importing these drugs into the state. Even if you are caught with a small amount of drugs, you can still face drug trafficking charges if it can be shown that you intended to sell or distribute the drugs.

Drug trafficking charges can also be based on the quantity of drugs involved, including:

28 grams or more of cocaine
14 grams or more of methamphetamine
14 grams or more of ecstasy
3 grams or more of heroin
25 pounds or more of marijuana

If you are facing drug trafficking charges, it is important to understand that you do not have to be caught in the act of selling or transporting drugs to be convicted. Prosecutors can build a case against you based on a variety of different factors, including the amount of drugs involved, the presence of large amounts of cash, or the presence of drug paraphernalia, such as scales or baggies.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking charges are extremely serious and can result in a variety of different penalties if you are convicted. The potential penalties for drug trafficking will depend on the type of drugs involved and the quantity of drugs involved. In most cases, drug trafficking charges are classified as a first-degree felony.

Convictions for drug trafficking charges can result in the following penalties:

Up to 30 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines
Loss of your driver's license
Probation or parole
Mandatory drug testing

In addition to these penalties, a drug trafficking conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record. This can make it extremely difficult to find employment, housing, or obtain a loan in the future. Drug trafficking charges can also result in the seizure of your assets, including your car or home.

Defending Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking charges are extremely serious and can be difficult to defend without the help of an experienced Melbourne drug trafficking lawyer. There are a variety of different defense strategies that can be used to challenge drug trafficking charges, including challenging the constitutionality of the search and seizure or the credibility of the evidence against you.

Our Melbourne drug trafficking defense attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case and help you understand your options. We will launch a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding your arrest and look for evidence that can be used to challenge the charges against you. We will also work to negotiate with the prosecution to have your charges reduced or dismissed, when possible.

Understanding Drug Trafficking vs. Drug Possession

Many people assume that drug trafficking and drug possession are the same, but the law treats them very differently.

Drug possession refers to having illegal substances for personal use. Penalties depend on the type and amount of drugs but are generally less severe than trafficking charges.
Drug trafficking is a much more serious offense. It involves possessing, selling, transporting, or distributing large quantities of illegal drugs.
Even if you are not caught selling drugs, you can still be charged with trafficking if you are found with a large enough quantity. The law assumes that possessing a large amount indicates an intent to sell.
Drug trafficking charges are based on the weight or number of drugs in your possession, not necessarily on your actions. This means you could face a trafficking charge simply for having a specific amount of drugs, even if there is no evidence of selling or transporting them.

State vs. Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level, depending on the specifics of the case.

State Charges:
- Typically involve smaller-scale drug operations within Florida.
- Penalties vary depending on the amount and type of drugs involved.
- Handled in state courts with sentencing guidelines based on Florida law.
Federal Charges:
- Involve larger-scale operations, interstate drug trafficking, or drug distribution across national borders.
- Federal agencies such as the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and FBI may investigate these cases.
- Penalties are typically much harsher and involve longer prison sentences, large fines, and mandatory minimums.

If you are caught with drugs near an airport, seaport, or crossing state lines, you are more likely to face federal drug trafficking charges rather than state charges.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Trafficking in Florida

Florida has some of the toughest drug trafficking laws in the country, with mandatory minimum sentences based on the type and quantity of drugs involved.

Even first-time offenders can face years in prison if convicted.
The law requires minimum prison terms even if there are no prior offenses.
Sentences range from 3 to 25 years depending on the drug amount, meaning judges have little flexibility in reducing penalties.

Examples of mandatory minimum sentences in Florida:

Cocaine (28-199 grams): 3 years in prison, $50,000 fine
Methamphetamine (14-27 grams): 3 years in prison, $50,000 fine
Heroin (4-13 grams): 3 years in prison, $50,000 fine
Marijuana (25-2,000 pounds): 3 years in prison, $25,000 fine

For larger quantities, penalties increase dramatically, with some cases leading to 25 years to life in prison.

Because of these strict laws, it is crucial to have an experienced drug trafficking defense attorney who can fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

How Our Melbourne Drug Trafficking Defense Attorneys Can Help

Drug trafficking charges are highly complex and require the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, we are committed to providing the aggressive representation you need to protect your rights and future. Our Melbourne drug trafficking attorneys will fight tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed, when possible. We will work to minimize the potential penalties you face and help you get back on your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between drug trafficking and drug sale?

Drug trafficking typically involves the possession, transport, or distribution of large quantities of controlled substances, while drug sale refers to selling smaller amounts of illegal drugs. Both charges carry severe penalties, but trafficking often leads to harsher consequences.

Can I be charged with drug trafficking even if I wasn’t selling drugs?

Yes. In Florida, possessing a certain quantity of drugs is enough for a trafficking charge, even if there is no direct evidence of selling or distributing the drugs.

What should I do if I am arrested for drug trafficking?

Stay silent and do not answer any questions without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a skilled drug trafficking lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

Are there mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking in Florida?

Yes. Florida law has strict mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking convictions, which range from 3 to 25 years in prison depending on the drug type and amount.

How can an attorney help fight my drug trafficking charges?

An experienced lawyer can investigate whether law enforcement violated your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and build a strong defense strategy to fight the allegations.

What happens if I’m caught trafficking drugs across state lines?

Crossing state lines with illegal drugs can result in federal charges, which often carry even harsher penalties than state charges, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.

Can drug trafficking charges be reduced or dismissed?

In some cases, yes. If evidence was obtained illegally, or if the prosecution lacks proof of intent to distribute, charges may be reduced or dismissed. An experienced attorney can explore legal defenses and negotiation strategies.

Protect Your Rights - Call Our Firm Today

If you are facing drug trafficking charges, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and future. Our Melbourne drug trafficking attorneys will build a strong defense strategy on your behalf and help you navigate the legal process. We will work to minimize the potential penalties you face and help you get back on your feet.

Experienced Defense for Drug Crimes – Contact Us
Our skilled attorneys are ready to fight for you. Call (321) 360-4446 or contact us today to discuss your case.

No Incarceration Mr. R. was a member of a group of boys alleged to have committed the racially motivated “Pizza Hut” homicide. Indicted for murder, the firm’s partners successfully negotiated a resolution that resulted in no incarceration for Mr. R. “Pizza Hut” Homicide Homicide
Dismissed Woman charged with 10 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts Upon a Child and 2 counts of felony Interference With Custody. On the eve of trial, partners successfully negotiated a misdemeanor resolution with no penalty. The government dismissed all 10 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts Upon a Child and all other felonies. 10 Counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts upon a Child and 2 Counts of Felony Interference with Custody. Sex Crimes
Dismissed The country’s largest cattle dealer, Mr. P. and his company, Anthony Livestock, was charged by the Federal Government in an 13 count indictment. The indictment alleged a scheme to defraud numerous cattle feeding companies over a 5 year period. After the initial indictment and 4 superseding indictments later, Mr. P. continued to maintain his innocence. After selecting the jury and cross examining the Governments witnesses, at the close of the Governments case, the lawyers of Funk, Szachacz & Diamond fashioned an argument to dismiss the remaining Wire Fraud count. The former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court of Kansas heard arguments and agreed with the firm that the case should be dismissed in its entirety. Mr. P. remains free of any convictions today 13 Count Indictment Federal Crimes
Dismissed Mr. G. was the target of a massive investigation by the Office of the Statewide Prosecution. The Government was alleging a 15 county fraud throughout Florida as a result of three devastating hurricanes. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office assigned an Agent to work full-time to investigate Mr. G. After the firm took the unusual step of calling the Agent and the Assistant Statewide Prosecutor as witnesses in a pre-trial hearing and after demanding a speedy trial, the Government abandoned its prosecution on the morning of trial thereby completely exonerating Mr. G. 15 County Fraud Throughout Florida White Collar/ Fraud
Acquitted A NASA Quality Assurance Specialist working in the Space Shuttle Program, Mr. T. was charged in a unique federal indictment alleging 166-counts of Fraud Involving Space Vehicle Parts. He was first accused shortly after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Facing 1,600+ years in federal prison, Mr. T. demanded his trial. Mr. T. was acquitted of all 166 crimes he was accused of by the Federal Government. 166-Counts of Fraud Involving Space Vehicle Parts Federal Crimes
Dismissed An astute businessman, Mr. B. was charged by the Federal Government in an 18 count indictment. The indictment was the first of its kind in the U.S. alleging a 42 million dollar fraud involving the Federal Lifeline Program, some calling it the "Obamaphone" prosecution. The indictment included charges of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, Monetary Transactions Involving Unlawful Property, Mail Fraud and Money Laundering. The Washington D.C. based investigation culminated in the collection and production of 2.4 million documents. The U.S. District Court declared the prosecution "complex, as a matter of law." Maintaining his innocence from the day Mr. B. was referred to the firm, Mr. B. demanded a jury trial. After two superseding indictments, Mr. B. continued to maintain his innocence. After extensive pre-trial litigation, including accusations of Governmental misconduct and on the eve of trial, the Government abandoned all charges except Mail Fraud. After selecting the jury and cross examining the Governments witnesses, at the close of the Governments case, the lawyers of Funk, Szachacz & Diamond fashioned an argument to dismiss the Mail Fraud. The Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court heard arguments and agreed with the firm that the case should be dismissed in its entirety. Mr. B. successfully recovered all of his seized assets and remains free of any convictions today. 18 Count Indictment Federal Crimes
No Incarceration The son of a prominent doctor, Mr. M. was arrested and charged with a 1st degree felony driving crash that resulted in death. Facing 30 years in prison, the firm investigated and garnered a sentence involving no incarceration for young Mr. M. 1st Degree Felony Homicide
Acquitted Dubbed the "Black Widow" by the government; Ms. S. was accused of 1st degree murder for the death of her 5th husband. After the attorneys conducted 3 years of consultation with experts, 100+ depositions and investigation in 5 countries, Ms. S. requested a jury trial. She had her trial and was acquitted of 1st degree murder, walking out of the courtroom a free woman. 1st Degree Murder Homicide
Dismissed A prominent home builder, Mr. J. was arrested and formally charged by the Office of the State Attorney with 1st degree Organized Fraud, Felony False Statement and 2nd degree Felony Misapplication of Funds. After the firm conducted a massive 3.5 year pre-trial investigation and amid an ABC News exposé on Mr. J., the Government dismissed all counts. 1st Degree Organized Fraud, Felony False Statement and 2nd Degree Felony Misapplication of Funds. White Collar/ Fraud
Dismissed Mr. C. was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Willful Malicious Burning of Lands in the infamous Mothers Day fires in Palm Bay, Florida which resulted in 12,000 acres burning and over 180 homes either destroyed or damaged. Amidst national press coverage and intense media scrutiny, the lawyers of the firm immediately came to Mr. C.’s defense. After conducting its own investigation and consulting with the Office of the State Attorney, the Government dismissed all charges against Mr. C. and publicly stated that there was insufficient evidence against Mr. C. 2 Counts of Willful Malicious Burning of Lands in the Infamous Mothers Day Fires in Palm Bay, Florida Other Cases

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All of our attorneys are certified by the Florida State Bar, making them the only all certified team in the state.
We do not cut corners. Every case is handled with the utmost integrity and complete honesty.
From NASA employees to school teachers, our team has an undeniable track record of success.
We take your case seriously and personally. You deserve diligent representation.

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