However, methamphetamine use, possession, sale, and
trafficking is a serious crime in the State of Florida.
Possession of methamphetamine, less than 14 grams, is a third-degree felony
punishable by up to 5 years in state prison. If you are charged with possession
and you are a first-time offender, you may be eligible for Drug Court.
Trafficking, however, is a serious felony with mandatory minimum prison
sentences attached.
If you are in possession of 14 grams or more of methamphetamine (also known
as "meth," "crystal meth," "glass," "tina,"
or "ice"), it is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30
years in prison.
Remember, trafficking is based on weight, not transportation. You do not
have to be moving an amount of methamphetamine in order to be arrested
and charged with trafficking. You can be charged for being in possession
of the requisite weight.
If you are in possession of 14 grams but less than 28 grams of methamphetamine,
there is a 3-year mandatory minimum prison sentence with a $50,000 fine.
If you are in possession of 28 grams but less than 200 grams, there is
a 7-year mandatory minimum prison sentence with a $100,000 fine.
If you are in possession of 200 grams or more, there is a mandatory minimum
of 15 years in prison with a $250,000 fine.
I practice criminal defense in Miami-Dade County and Broward County. I am a
former prosecutor who was once employed by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. I
represent clients charged with trafficking in methamphetamine in Miami-Dade
and Broward.
Trafficking cases are some of the toughest because of the mandatory prison
sentences. A good trafficking lawyer will work hard to get the mandatory
sentences waived. Also, every good trafficking defense attorney knows
to look for legal and procedural defects in the case that may result in
the suppression (exclusion) of the suspect narcotics. Remember, it doesn't
matter what the cops find...it only matters how they found it. No matter
the result of the search, a search is invalid if it violates a person's
constitutional protection against unlawful search and seizure. Click here
to learn about some of your constitutional rights.
Trafficking cases are won and lost depending on the motions the criminal
attorney files. When you speak to your trafficking attorney about your
case, be as detailed as possible. Did you consent to a search? How did
the police come to pull you over? Was a C.I. (confidential informant)
used? Did the police come to your home? Did the police threaten, trick,
or coerce you into buying or selling drugs? All of these are important
questions whose answers may dictate the outcome of your case.
Call me today to discuss your methamphetamine trafficking case.