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Fort Myers Criminal Attorney / Fort Myers Drug Trafficking Attorney

Fort Myers Drug Trafficking Attorney

If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking in Florida, you are likely facing serious legal consequences that can include lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Drug trafficking is considered one of the most severe drug-related offenses under Florida law, and the state aggressively prosecutes these cases. At Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law, we are committed to defending your rights and building a strong defense against drug trafficking charges. Make sure your first call is to an experienced Fort Myers drug trafficking defense lawyer who can advise and put you in the best position for a positive outcome.

Drug Trafficking Laws in Florida

Drug trafficking in Florida is defined as the possession, sale, manufacture, or delivery of controlled substances in quantities that exceed certain thresholds. The specific type of drug and the amount found in your possession will determine the severity of the charges and penalties. Florida Statute § 893.135 sets forth the minimum thresholds for various controlled substances, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and prescription medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone.

For example, possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine is considered trafficking and can result in a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years. Similarly, being found with 25 pounds or more of marijuana or 14 grams or more of hydrocodone also leads to drug trafficking charges, even if there is no evidence of intent to sell.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida

Drug trafficking offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences based on the quantity of the controlled substance involved. These penalties can be extremely harsh and vary depending on the drug and its weight. For example,

  • Marijuana: Trafficking 25-2,000 pounds can result in a three-year minimum prison sentence and a $25,000 fine. Larger quantities can increase the mandatory sentence to up to 15 years.
  • Cocaine: Trafficking 28 grams to 200 grams can result in a three-year minimum sentence and a $50,000 fine.
  • Heroin and Other Opioids: Trafficking just four grams can result in a three-year prison sentence, with higher weights leading to sentences of 15 or even 25 years.

These mandatory minimum sentences are non-negotiable and limit the discretion of judges, making it critical to have an experienced defense attorney on your side to challenge the charges and fight for reduced penalties or dismissal.

Building a Strong Defense Against Drug Trafficking Charges

At Hollander & Hanuka, we understand the severe impact a drug trafficking conviction can have on your life, and we are dedicated to providing you with a thorough and aggressive defense. Depending on the facts of your case, we may use various defense strategies to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and weaken their case. Some common defenses against drug trafficking charges include:

  • Illegal Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement officers conducted an illegal search without a valid warrant or probable cause, the evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
  • Lack of Knowledge: In some cases, you may not have known that drugs were in your possession. For instance, if drugs were found in a vehicle or a home you shared with others, we may argue that you were unaware of their presence.
  • Entrapment: If you were coerced or induced by law enforcement to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise engaged in, we may raise an entrapment defense.
  • Chain of Custody Issues: The prosecution must prove that the drugs in question were properly handled and stored as evidence. Any breaks in the chain of custody or mishandling of evidence could result in its exclusion from the trial.

Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, review the evidence, and explore every possible avenue to fight the charges against you. We have experience negotiating with prosecutors to seek reduced charges, such as simple possession, which carry less severe penalties compared to trafficking offenses.

Why Choose Hollander & Hanuka?

Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law has a deep understanding of Florida’s drug laws and the complexities involved in defending against drug trafficking charges. We provide personalized attention to every client and develop tailored defense strategies based on the specific details of each case. Our Fort Myers criminal defense attorneys are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a favorable plea deal, securing a dismissal, or taking your case to trial.

If you or a loved one has been charged with drug trafficking in Fort Myers, Lee County, or Collier County, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The stakes are high, and early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in your case.

Contact Hollander & Hanuka Today

If you are facing drug trafficking charges in Fort Myers, contact Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law for a free consultation. Our skilled legal team will review your case and provide you with a clear understanding of your rights and options. Call us today at 239-332-3300 to begin building your defense.