Law enforcement in the United States has historically taken a strong stance against the purchase, consumption, and sale of illegal drugs. Starting in the 1930s when the “reefer madness” craze gripped the country and extending through the 1950s when the Boggs Act of 1951 established mandatory sentences for drug convictions, people who were caught smoking marijuana or using other illicit drugs were assessed harsh sentences. In fact, a first offense conviction for marijuana possession in the 1950s would land you in jail for a minimum of two to ten years along with a fine teetering on $20,000.
Unsurprisingly, penalties for drug trafficking were even more severe, and this remains true today. Drug trafficking refers to the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, and it is one of the main catalysts for the unprecedented expansion of the of the federal prison system. Under Florida law, drug trafficking convictions can result in either probation or prison time. You may also be forced to participate in drug counseling. If you are arrested and charged with drug trafficking, consult a drug trafficking defense attorney in St. Petersburg from The Rickman Law Firm to learn about the various defenses that can be employed to maintain your innocence.
Florida Statute 893.135 establishes mandatory sentences for drug trafficking or conspiracy to engage in trafficking. This includes cannabis and cannabis derivatives, cocaine, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), heroin, LSD, hydrocodone, oxycodone, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and more. Sentencing for drug trafficking convictions varies greatly depending on the type and amount of the drug being sold, manufactured, or distributed. If you are charged with trafficking multiple substances, this can make sentencing even more complex. As a result, as soon as you are charged with a drug trafficking offense, you should pick up the phone and contact a drug trafficking defense lawyer in St. Petersburg to see what your next steps should be.
With over a decade of experience practicing criminal defense, The Rickman Law Firm has a comprehensive understanding of the ins and outs of Florida’s dense drug trafficking laws. Lead by Anthony Rickman, an AV Preeminent rated attorney who is regularly featured on television providing legal analysis and commentary, The Rickman Law Firm can deploy a variety of defenses to help defendants maintain their innocence, including:
For a free consultation with the best drug trafficking defense lawyer in St. Petersburg, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.