The crime of cocaine trafficking is as serious as it sounds and it is not just reserved for those movie mobsters smuggling drugs. Cocaine trafficking can involve varying levels of the controlled substance and a conviction will have devastating life consequences. As soon as you know or suspect you may be facing a cocaine trafficking charge, secure the trusted legal representation of criminal defense attorney Ron Herman. He will begin mounting the strongest possible defense as soon as possible. Time is of the essence. Contact Herman Law, P.A. today.

What is Cocaine Trafficking?

Drug trafficking is the intentional sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, possession, or transport of a specified amount of a controlled substance. The weight limit of the controlled substance which would substantiate a drug trafficking charge will vary based on the controlled substance involved. In Florida, when 28 grams or more of cocaine is involved, a drug trafficking charge would be applicable.

Potential penalties for a cocaine trafficking conviction will largely rest on the amount of cocaine involved.

For 28-200 grams: There is a 3-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a 30-year maximum prison sentence as well as a $50,000 fine.
For 200-400 grams: There is a 7-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a 30-year maximum prison sentence as well as a $100,000 fine.
For 400 grams-150 kilograms: There is a 15-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a 30-year maximum prison sentence as well as a $250,000 fine.
For more than 150 kilograms: This is a first degree felony and will result in life imprisonment without eligibility of parole.

Your driver’s license will also be suspended upon conviction of cocaine trafficking. Additionally, any professional license you may hold in the State of Florida could also be subject to emergency suspension upon being convicted of cocaine trafficking.

What are Some Ways to Successfully Fight a Cocaine Trafficking Charge?

While very serious, facing a cocaine trafficking charge is not the end of the road. There are several defense strategies that can lead to successfully beating this criminal charge or reducing the severity of the potential sentence that will be imposed. Defense strategies include:

Evidence suppression: Law enforcement may have overstepped their bounds and violated your constitutional right freedom form unreasonable searches and seizures of your person and property. If this violation occurred in your case, you may be able to bring a successful Motion to Suppress this evidence.
Entrapment: Law enforcement may have conducted something like a sting operation and overstepped their bounds. There is a difference between setting up a police investigation and setting up a person for committing a crime they would likely have never committed without undue encouragement from law enforcement. When police overreach in this way, an entrapment defense can be used to clear a defendant from being found guilty.
Youthful offender: If a defendant has not reached the age of 21 and are experiencing their first time being sentenced due to a criminal conviction, this defendant may be eligible for youthful offender sentencing. This option can only be used once in a lifetime and implementation of this option is at the discretion of the judge. When this option is used, the judge is able to avoid imposing the mandatory minimum sentence and impose a lesser sentence.
Substantial assistance: A judge also has discretion to impose a lesser sentence, one below the mandatory minimum sentence, if he or she believes that the defendant is providing substantial assistance to law enforcement.

Fighting for You When You Are Up Against Any Criminal Charge.

Attorney Ron Herman is here to provide rigorous legal representation and unrivaled client support. Attorney Herman knows the full weight his clients are under when they face a criminal charge and takes his job of fighting for them very serious. Contact Herman Law, P.A. today.