Florida’s proximity to Latin America has long made it a hotbed for drug trafficking, especially cocaine trafficking. For that reason, state and federal authorities are constantly on patrol for those in illegal possession of cocaine and those who may be engaged in trafficking the drug. Drug possession charges and drug trafficking charges relating to cocaine come with serious consequences for those who are accused of the offenses.
According to Florida law, possession of any amount of cocaine under 28 grams is a 3rd degree felony. Twenty-eight grams and up is considered trafficking. Meanwhile, selling cocaine under 28 grams is a second-degree felony. Selling between 28 and 200 grams of cocaine is a first-degree felony and punishable with $50,000 in fines and three years in prison.
Further, selling between 200 grams and 400 grams is punishable with $100,000 in fines and seven years in prison. Selling between 400 grams and 150 kilograms of cocaine is punishable with 15 years of prison and $250,000 in fines. Selling more cocaine than this could land one a lifetime sentence in prison.
Due to the severity of punishments associated with a cocaine conviction, Florida residents accused of such charges need to approach their criminal defense in a strategic and well-organized fashion. This involves a detailed analysis of all the facts being brought against one in order to determine if the prosecution has sufficient evidence to achieve a conviction. Still, even in cases where conviction is likely, those accused of drug possession relating to cocaine will still have legal defense strategies at their disposal, which could serve to reduce the severity of their punishments.
Source: FindLaw, “Florida Cocaine Laws“, Accessed on May 20, 2015
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