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We are your Trafficking in Cocaine Defense Lawyers in Florida

In Florida, trafficking in cocaine is committed when a person knowingly possesses, sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or transports twenty-eight (28) grams or more of any mixture containing cocaine.

Weight Determination of Cocaine in Defense Against Trafficking Cocaine in Florida

In Florida the amount of illegal substance is not a defense. Notice the language of the law states “any mixture”, meaning the aggregate weight is what is calculated, not solely the active ingredient. Thus, trafficking weight is determined by the total weight of the cocaine mixture (the “cut” weight, mixed weight, or “stepped on” weight).  This includes inactive materials in the cocaine.  As a result, a person could have fourteen (14) grams of cocaine whose combined dosage is less than four (4) grams of cocaine, but because the cocaine weighs more than fourteen (14) grams, the person would be charged with trafficking in cocaine instead of being charged with mere possession of cocaine. Depending on the cocaines method of manufacture, it may take possession of very little cocaine to be charged with trafficking in cocaine in Florida.

Penalties for Florida Cocaine Trafficking

Florida drug trafficking penalties are harsh and include mandatory minimum sentences. trafficking in cocaine is a first degree felony, assigned either a Level 8 or a Level 9 offense severity ranking under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code. If caught trafficking in cocaine the minimum penalties you face are determined by the Florida cocaine trafficking thresholds:

• 28 to 199 grams of cocaine comes with a mandatory penalty of three (3) years in prison, a $50,000 fine, and up to thirty (30) years in prison.
• 200 to 399 grams of cocaine comes with a mandatory penalty of seven (7) years in prison, a $100,000 fine, and up to thirty (30) years in prison.
• 400 grams to 149 kilograms of cocaine comes with a mandatory penalty of fifteen (15) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to thirty (30) years in prison.

Driver’s License Suspension

A person convicted of trafficking in cocaine will have their driver’s license and driving privileges revoked for one (1) year by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

Professional License Suspension

A person convicted of trafficking in cocaine will be subject to the emergency suspension of any professional license issued by the State of Florida that authorizes the practicing of a profession or trade.

Pretrial defenses are critical. 

Call us immediately, even before you’ve been arrested if possible.

Defenses to Trafficking in Cocaine Florida

Many of the defenses available in ordinary drug possession cases are available to your Florida drug trafficking defense lawyer, including constitutional legal defenses that challenge unlawful searches or seizures by law enforcement. Some common Fourth Amendment defenses available in drug trafficking cases include: absence of a warrant, defective warrant, unlawful execution of a search warrant, entrapment, absence of probable cause to obtain a warrant, stale information forming the basis of the warrant, exceeding the scope of the search authorized by the warrant, invalid consent to search, coercive “knock and talk”, constructive entry during knock and talk, exceeding the scope of a consensual search, unlawful arrest or detention, absence of exigent circumstances, controlled substances not in plain view, warrantless search within the curtilage of a residence, Miranda violations, 5^th and 6^th amendment right to counsel violations, overly broad search incident to arrest, overly broad protective sweep, use of unlawful police tactics constituting a “search.”

Actual Possession vs. Constructive Possession of Cocaine

Actual possession means cocaine was found on your person or in your immediate control, such as in a glove compartment in a car.  For example, if the cocaine found was in your pants pocket then the prosecutor would be charging you with actual possession of trafficking cocaine. On the other hand, if the cocaine was found in a place where more than one person had access and control, the prosecutor would need to prove that you had constructive possession.

To prove constructive possession the prosecutor must show:

• Knowledge the cocaine is present;
• Knowledge the substance was cocaine; and
• Dominion and control over the cocaine.

Entrapment Defense to Charge of Trafficking in Cocaine

Entrapment occurs when a person is induced to commit a criminal offense, that the person would otherwise have been unlikely to commit, by an undercover law enforcement officer or confidential informant induces.  A successful entrapment defense often means that the court will dismiss the charge of trafficking in cocaine.

Early Negotiation is Critical in a Trafficking in Cocaine Defense in Florida

Early contact in the criminal process communicates competence, resolve, and establishes a rapport that may be needed during future negotiations.

Call us even before you are charged if possible.  We may be able to avoid charges being filed.

We will make early contact with the prosecutor to present factual defenses, legal issues, and mitigating circumstances that may have a dramatic impact on the State’s decision to move forward against you.

We also happen to be Florida criminal law attorneys.

We can help you.

Our Florida criminal lawyers serve clients charged in trafficking in cocaine cases in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami Dade County, and most other Florida cities and counties.

We handle criminal law cases, all drug trafficking cases, and trafficking in cocaine defense in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami Dade County and throughout Florida.

Call us.

We want to hear your story, and share ours.