Prescription medications such as hydrocodone and oxycodone have become a huge concern in our country, not only because of growing addiction, but also trafficking of these meds, often referred to as "trafficking in a controlled substance." The problem in Florida is that someone who possesses even a few pills but is not prescribed those pills may find him- or herself facing harsher punishment than someone convicted of armed robbery or other serious crimes. While it is certainly absurd, it is the law in Florida. If you have been arrested or are under investigation for trafficking in hydrocodone or oxycodone in Orlando, it is important you contact the drug crime lawyers at Adams, Luka, & Benton immediately.
Trafficking may involve the possession, sale, purchase, or delivery of these prescription meds - even if you have a legitimate prescription. How can that be? If you have a valid prescription for hydrocodone and attempt to sell or deliver pills to another individual, you can be charged with trafficking. Even more alarming, illegal possession of only 22 hydrocodone pills can land you in prison, as the state has a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three (3) years for those convicted of unlawfully possessing only a handful of pills. Up until July of 2014 when the laws changed, a person would face three years in prison for possessing just seven (7) hydrocodone pills. With the laws changing frequently and confusion about how to correctly weigh grams, those suspected of trafficking in hydrocodone or oxycodone may face serious consequences.
Florida Criminal Penalties for Trafficking Controlled Substances14 to less than 28 grams of hydrocodone OR 7 to less than 14 grams of oxycodone may result in 30 years in prison and a $50,000 fine, however a mandatory minimum 3-year sentence will be imposed
28 grams to less than 50 grams of hydrocodone OR 14 to less than 25 grams of oxycodone may result in 30 years in prison, a fine of $100,000, and a mandatory minimum 7-year prison sentence
50 grams to less than 200 grams of hydrocodone OR 25 grams to less than 100 grams of oxycodone may result in a 30-year prison term along with a $500,000 fine, however the mandatory minimum prison term is 15 years
Those convicted of trafficking in hydrocodone or oxycodone will also face a one-year driver's license revocation by the Florida DHSMV.
Defending Against Allegations of Drug Trafficking in Hydrocodone or OxycodoneAs with many other drug crimes, there are several defenses that may prove to be effective for having charges dismissed, reduced, or obtaining an acquittal at trial. These include:
Anyone who has been arrested or charged with trafficking in prescription pain medications should secure the legal support and guidance of an experienced attorney immediately. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, our Orlando drug trafficking attorneys are skilled, aggressive, and dedicated to obtaining the best possible result for each of our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm Adams, Luka, & Benton did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of Adams, Luka, & Benton.