This past summer, the Florida Legislature changed the sentencing scheme as it applies to oxycodone (OxyContin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin) trafficking.
This change increases the amount of prescription drugs a person can have in their possession without being charged with trafficking. In Florida, ALL trafficking charges carry mandatory prison time.
For trafficking in hydrocodone, the minimum amount needed to trigger trafficking charges was 4 grams or more. As of July 1, 2014, the minimum amount has been raised to 14 grams.
For trafficking in oxycodone, the minimum amount needed to trigger trafficking charges was 4 grams or more. As of July 1, 2014, the minimum amount has been raised to 7 grams.
The new law states that for trafficking in hydrocodone, possession of 14 grams to 28 grams
Under the new law, trafficking in hydrocodone carries the following mandatory minimums:
14 grams - 28 grams 3 years mandatory minimum
28 grams - 50 grams 7 years mandatory minimum
50 grams - 200 grams 15 years mandatory minimum
200 grams - 30 kilograms 25 years in mandatory minimum
Under the new law, trafficking in oxycodone carries the following mandatory minimums:
7 grams - 14 grams 3 years mandatory minimum
14 grams - 25 grams 7 years mandatory minimum
25 grams - 100 grams 15 years mandatory minimum
100 grams - 30 kilograms 25 years mandatory minimum
Eric Matheny is a Miami trafficking lawyer and Broward trafficking lawyer.