Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Fighting for Clients In Deland, Daytona Beach and Throughout Central Florida
Drug Trafficking can be found in Florida Statute 893.135. When you think of drug trafficking, you have to think about the words “minimum mandatory”. A minimum mandatory is a mandatory prison sentence that a judge is required to impose if a person is found guilty. Trafficking charges carry minimum mandatory sentences that are imposed based on the amount of drugs found in your possession. In Florida, Trafficking Charges are charged as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to thirty years in prison. The Judge can lawfully exceed any minimum mandatory sentence.
With offices in Deland and Daytona Beach, we’ve represented clients throughout Central Florida for over 18 years.
Trafficking in Cannabis
To prove the crime of Trafficking in Cannabis, the State is required to prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The Defendant knowingly possessed, sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, or brought into Florida, a certain substance;
- The substance was cannabis;
- The cannabis weighed more than 25 pounds, or constituted 300 or more cannabis plants.
Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Trafficking in Cannabis
- Cannabis in excess of 25 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds – Three Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $25,000.00 fine.
- Cannabis in excess of 300 plants but less than 2,000 plants – Three Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $25,000.00 fine.
- Cannabis in excess of 2,000 pounds but less than 10,000 pounds – Seven Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
- Cannabis in excess of 2,000 plants but less than 10,000 plants – Seven Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
- Cannabis in excess of 10,000 pounds – Fifteen Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $200,000.00 fine.
Trafficking in Cocaine
To prove the crime of Trafficking in Cocaine, the State is required to prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The Defendant knowingly possessed, sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, or brought into Florida, a certain substance;
- The substance was cocaine;
- The cannabis weighed more than 28 grams.
Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Trafficking in Cocaine
- Cocaine in excess of 28 grams but less than 200 grams – Three Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $50,000.00 fine.
- Cocaine in excess of 200 grams but less than 400 grams – Seven Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $100,000.00 fine.
- Cocaine in excess of 400 grams but less than 150 kilograms – Fifteen Years Prison up to Thirty Years Prison, and a $250,000.00 fine.
- Cocaine in excess of 150 kilograms – Life in Prison.
Trafficking in Morphine, Opium, Hydromorphone, or Heroin
To prove the crime of Trafficking in Morphine, Opium, Hydromorphone, or Heroin, the State is required to prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The Defendant knowingly possessed, sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, or brought into Florida, a certain substance;
- The substance was morphine, opium, hydromorphone, heroin, or a mixture containing morphine, opium, hydromorphone, or heroin; and
- The morphine, opium, hydromorphone, or heroin weighed more than 4 grams.
Client-Focused. RESULT-DRIVEN.
Working Closely with You To Build a Strong Case
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Charges Reduced Domestic Battery
Attorney Thompson provided a letter outlining defenses in case. State reviewed letter and spoke to the witnesses and offered to reduce the charges to a non-violent disorderly conduct with no jail and no probation.
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All Charges Dismissed Battery
The Client was working as a part time substitute teacher to help generate income to help his sick child granddaughter. While working there were children acting up and he instructed the child to stay in his seat while the others went to recess. The child claimed that the client hit him and told administration. Attorney Thompson did a public records request to obtain reports from the Department of Children and Families and noticed serious discrepancies in the child’s story. Attorney Thompson was able to p
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No Criminal Charges Filed Public Assistance Fraud
Attorney Thompson and Client reviewed case and met with Department of Revenue investigators to explain the discrepancy. In doing so, the State determined that they would not seek criminal charges, but offered a repayment plan through non-judicial means.
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Charges Reduced Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer
Attorney Thompson provided the State with an extensive mitigation packet outlining the Defendant’s military service record and disability based on PTSD. Defendant was offered a minor jail sanction (60) days followed by probation in lieu of a 5-year minimum prison sentence as was originally offered by the State.
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All Charges Dismissed Aggravated Battery on and Elderly Person
The Defendant and his wife allowed the wife’s elderly mother to come to their home and remove her personal items. During this time the mother began to yell obscenities and attacked E.B. Both parties tried to remove the mother from the home and prevent further physical violence. The mother contacted police and stated that she had been attacked. Attorney Thompson contacted the State Attorney’s Office and met with opposing counsel before charges were filed.
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All Charges Dismissed Domestic Battery
Client and his husband were involved in a verbal argument. The alleged victim contacted police against the claiming that he threw a glass of milk on him. Under the law, this is considered a battery. Attorney Thompson represented the Client on both the criminal case and the injunction and both were dismissed.