Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Florida and across the country, regardless of whether the drug being trafficked is cocaine, marijuana, meth, heroin, or other illicit substance. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, our Orlando drug crime attorneys know that law enforcement agencies keep a close look out for individuals they suspect may be participating in trafficking marijuana. Whether you have been arrested or are under investigation, it is critical that you obtain the legal guidance and support of a skilled trafficking attorney right away. Your freedom and future may be at stake; we work to protect your legal rights, and obtain the best possible results in your case.
Drug trafficking typically involves selling marijuana or another controlled substance to other countries, or across state lines. You may not realize it, but having 25 pounds of marijuana or more in your possession is considered drug trafficking under the state's Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. This means that even if you are not selling or distributing marijuana, you may still be charged with trafficking.
According to Florida Statute §893.135, marijuana trafficking is defined as knowingly manufacturing, selling, buying, delivering, bringing into the state, or being in constructive or actual possession of marijuana in amounts greater than 300 plants, or 25 lbs. Drug trafficking of marijuana is considered a first-degree felony, although other factors will affect the penalties an individual faces if convicted.
Defenses to Charges of Marijuana Trafficking in FloridaIn order for an individual to be found guilty of drug trafficking involving marijuana, the state must prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These include:
A skilled drug trafficking attorney in Orlando will challenge the prosecutor's case and demand that all elements are proven beyond a doubt. In addition, your defense lawyer will closely review your case to determine whether mistakes were made by police, whether your rights were violated, and other facts which may be useful in developing a solid defense strategy. It is important to note that in a marijuana trafficking case, the statements made by the defendant are often the most powerful evidence brought by prosecutors; invoke your right to remain silent, and do not answer any questions posed to you other than giving your name and/or address.
Criminal Penalties for Trafficking of Marijuana in OrlandoThe criminal penalties if found guilty of trafficking marijuana depend on various factors, including the amount of cannabis/marijuana involved. Even first time offenders face first-degree felony charges, with minimum penalties as described below:
Other sanctions if convicted include driver's license suspension for two years, ineligibility for certain educational opportunities or jobs, loss of your right to own a firearm, and more. The social stigma on its own will affect your standing in the community and interfere with your daily life. It is vital you obtain aggressive legal counsel immediately.
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton NowTrafficking marijuana is a serious criminal offense, one that should not be taken lightly. If convicted, you will certainly lose your freedom and have a permanent criminal record. An arrest does not indicate that you will be found guilty. By contacting a committed Orlando criminal defense attorney immediately, you are taking the first step toward protecting your freedom and legal rights. We fight hard on behalf of our clients to prevent a conviction and secure positive results. Contact us immediately 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.