(561)988-8000 Determining the best way to defend yourself against drug-related charges could depend on whether the charges involve possession, manufacturing, trafficking, or some other drug-related activity. A Pompano Beach drug Lawyer could help you develop an appropriate defense strategy for fighting the charges.
At Leifert & Leifert, our well-versed defense Attorneys know how to handle drug-related cases and could help you navigate through the legal system while also answering any specific questions you have about your case. Our goal is to advocate for you and your best interests and ensure you get the best possible result for your case.
Pompano Beach Drug Statutes
Pompano Beach drug statutes are detailed in the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, which can be found in Florida Statutes §893.01. This Act lists the different types of narcotics, drugs, medications, chemicals, and controlled substances that are either regulated or prohibited under Florida state law. Examples of drug-related offenses with which you could be charged in Pompano Beach may include:
- Drug possession
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug trafficking
- Delivering drug paraphernalia to minors
There are also other types of drug-related activities in addition to those listed above that could result in criminal charges. Our Pompano Beach drug Attorneys could review the specific charges against you and answer legal questions you might have regarding your case.
Drug Trafficking Laws in Pompano Beach
If you traffic drugs across State or national lines, the Federal Government may pursue Federal charges against you. If the Federal Government finds you guilty of committing this offense, you could face time in Federal prison.
State law related to trafficking is also severe. If you bring in a large number of drugs into the State, the Police may charge you with a violation of Florida Statute §893.135. Punishment for this offense may vary based on the amount of the drug, type of drug and if the prospective buyer was a student. For the Court to convict you, it must be proven that you knowingly do at least one of the following with an illicit substance:
- Sell
- Purchase
- Manufacture
- Deliver
- Bring into the State
- Possess
Trafficking Cannabis
If you traffic more than 25 pounds of marijuana or 300 cannabis plants, that is a first-degree Felony. If you had less than 2,000 pounds of the substance, the minimum punishment is three years in prison and a fine of $25,000. If you had less than 10,000 pounds of marijuana, you must serve at least seven years in jail and pay a fine of at least $50,000. If you had more than 10,000 pounds of the drug, you could go to jail for at least 15 years and pay a fine of at least $200,000.
Trafficking Cocaine
If you smuggle 28 grams or more of cocaine, that is a first-degree Felony. The punishments are the same as for cannabis in the following amounts:
- 28 grams, less than 200 grams – three years in prison
- 200 grams, less than 400 grams – seven years in prison
- 400 grams, less than 150 kilograms – 15 years in prison
If you had more than 150 kgs of cocaine, the court would sentence you to life in prison. If someone died as a result of your trafficking, the Government would charge you with a Felony offense.
Trafficking Other Drugs
The punishment for trafficking morphine, opium, codeine, and other controlled substances is also severe, though the amounts for each level of discipline are different. If the Police find you with a large amount, the Police may charge you with trafficking even if you had no intention of selling or distributing the substance. If you find yourself in this situation, be sure to get in touch with a Pompano Beach drug trafficking Lawyer for legal assistance and counsel.
Definition of Drug Manufacturing
As per Florida Statute 893.147, you may be charged with a drug manufacturing offense if it is found that you possessed drug paraphernalia with the intent to plant, cultivate, or produce a controlled substance. If found convicted, you may be subject to penalties relating to a Felony of the third degree. Considering the serious implications a Felony conviction could have on a person’s criminal record, if you have been charged with this offense, it may be best to get in touch with a Pompano Beach drug manufacturing Lawyer promptly after being charged.
Possible Penalties for Drug Convictions
The penalties associated with convictions for drug-related offenses in Florida vary depending on the type of offense allegedly committed and whether the offense is classified as a Misdemeanor or Felony. Our team of Pompano Beach drug Lawyers at Leifert & Leifert could explain the potential penalties associated with the specific drug charges against you.
Convictions for first-degree Misdemeanors could result in up to one year of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000, while convictions for second-degree Misdemeanors could result in a fine of up to $500 and a 60-day incarceration period. Possession of small amounts of certain drugs is typically charged as a Misdemeanor in Pompano Beach.
The penalties for Felony drug convictions range from a term of imprisonment of up to five years and a possible fine of up to $5,000 to a term of imprisonment of up to 30 years and a possible fine of $10,000, depending on whether the conviction is for a Felony in the first, second, or third-degree. Most drug offenses that result in felony charges have to do with the transport, sale, or manufacture of drugs.
Potential Penalties for a Drug Manufacturing Offense
Following a conviction for a Felony third-degree offense, you may be handed a jail sentence of up to five years. In addition, you may be required to pay a fine of $5,000. For habitual offenders, the jail sentence may increase to 10 years.
Penalties may be enhanced if the action took place near specific locations. These areas may include:
- Childcare centers
- Schools
- Community centers
- Universities
If you are found to be manufacturing drug in or around these areas, the Court may increase the degree of your offense by one degree. This is especially serious since, as the degree of the offense increases, so does the jail sentence. If you are worried that your charge may be increased due to these circumstances, be sure to contact an experienced Attorney as soon as possible.
Turn to a Pompano Beach Drug Attorney
Attempting to fight drug charges on your own could be a daunting task, particularly if you are unfamiliar with navigating the legal system. Fighting drug charges on your own can be even more challenging if you are uncertain how best to defend your rights and interests. Fortunately, you do not have to contest drug-related charges by yourself.
A Pompano Beach drug Lawyer could provide legal guidance to assist you if you are facing drug charges, whether they are for possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of illicit drugs or controlled substances. In addition to answering questions and providing legal guidance, our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could also help you navigate the legal system, provide legal representation, and fight to successfully win your case.
A Lawyer who handles drug cases could be the ally you need to handle your case effectively and efficiently. Call today to schedule a free consultation and start discussing your legal options.
