Miami Cocaine Trafficking Lawyer

Miami Cocaine Trafficking Attorney

Florida is harsh on drug crimes, particularly those involving trafficking. Often involving large amounts of drugs, trafficking comes with severe penalties, including mandatory prison sentences. Known as a major hub for the cocaine industry, Miami law enforcement is cracking down on the trafficking of this drug. If you’ve been charged with this drug crime, you need an experienced Miami cocaine trafficking lawyer by your side, helping you navigate the legal system.

Why Choose The Kirlew Law Firm

At The Kirlew Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing clients in drug crime cases, including cocaine trafficking. Based in Miami, we’re familiar with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court and the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse, giving us a leg up on court procedures and negotiating plea deals. A Miami drug trafficking lawyer from our firm can be your trusted ally throughout the process.

What’s more, we’ve represented clients at both the state and federal levels, and we aren’t afraid to take on even the toughest of cases. We know Florida’s cocaine trafficking laws, and we put that knowledge to use to help you build an effective defense.

What Is Cocaine Trafficking?

When it comes to cocaine trafficking, the law is less concerned with the intent a person has with the drug and more so with the amount they have. Under Florida Statute Section 893.135, cocaine trafficking is the knowing sale, purchase, manufacturing, delivery, or bringing into the state of an amount of cocaine over 28 grams. That means any type of cocaine crime can be elevated to trafficking if the amount in question exceeds 29 grams.

Penalties for Cocaine Trafficking

Historically, drug trafficking conviction rates are quite high, with a conviction rate of 92% in the early 2000s. Drug trafficking is among the most severe drug crimes, and Florida is particularly harsh on offenders. The law has a tiered system for punishments based on the amount of cocaine recovered and whether it’s part of a mixture. 

• 28 to 200 grams: First-degree felony, three-year mandatory minimum prison sentence, $50,000 fine
• 200 to 400 grams: First-degree felony, seven-year mandatory minimum prison sentence, $100,000 fine
• 400 grams to 150 kilograms: First-degree felony, 15-year mandatory minimum prison sentence, $250,000 fine
• 150 kilograms or more: First-degree felony, up to life in prison without eligibility for early release, $250,000 fine

Note, these are the punishments for state charges. Federal law has different tiers of amounts and punishments, and you can be charged with both state and federal trafficking for the same offense. Also, there are elevated penalties if your actions result in harm or death to another person.

The Right Defense Strategy Is Essential

With 3,932 pounds of cocaine recovered in Southern Florida in 2020, it’s no surprise that the state is hard on these crimes. To beat cocaine trafficking charges, you’ll need to present a compelling defense. Because the trafficking laws are based on weight rather than intent, the prosecutor doesn’t need to prove that you intended to sell, distribute, or transport the drugs, just that you had them in your possession.

That means your defense is a bit more limited. Defense strategies in cocaine trafficking cases include:

• Challenging the legality of the stop
• Disputing the weight of the drug
• Constructive possession arguments
• Negotiating for a plea bargain

FAQs

Is Cocaine Trafficking a State or Federal Charge?

In many cases, cocaine trafficking can be either a state or a federal charge. Most cases in Florida are filed by the state, but federal law enforcement may file additional charges for cases involving large amounts of drugs, interstate activity, or other federal crimes. Keep in mind that if you’re charged both at the state and federal levels, they are two separate cases that come with individual rulings. The results of one don’t necessarily inform the results of the other.

How Many Grams of Cocaine Is a Felony in Florida?

In Florida, possession of any amount of cocaine is a felony. However, when it comes to trafficking, you must knowingly possess, sell, manufacture, or import at least 28 grams of cocaine, with varying punishments depending on the amount over 28 grams involved. Florida law enforcement takes these types of drug charges very seriously, with mandatory minimum prison sentences of three years to life in prison.

What Evidence Is Needed for Drug Trafficking?

For a prosecutor to prove you were engaging in drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, they need specific evidence. First, they’ll need to show that you were in possession of, selling, manufacturing, importing, or transporting a specific amount of the drug. In the case of cocaine, that amount is at least 28 grams. They must then show evidence that you knew about the drugs and intended to commit a crime.

How Do You Beat a Drug Trafficking Charge in Florida?

To beat a drug trafficking charge in Florida, you need to present a strong defense aimed at introducing doubt into the prosecutor’s case or highlighting your innocence. Your Miami cocaine trafficking attorney may argue that you’ve been misidentified as the actual perpetrator of the crime, providing an alibi that you were somewhere else. Alternatively, they may argue that the amount of cocaine in question doesn’t meet the legal standard for trafficking.

Hire a Cocaine Trafficking Lawyer

When you’re facing cocaine trafficking charges, know that you’re in for an uphill battle in court. Hire a cocaine trafficking lawyer from The Kirlew Law Firm to help you overcome these allegations and maintain your innocence. We can review the prosecutor’s case for inconsistencies and gaps, negotiate a plea bargain, and stand up for you in court. You don’t have to go through the legal process on your own.

Contact our team today to set up a consultation and learn more about our services. During your consultation, we’ll explain the laws that impact your case, what to expect in the legal process, and how we plan to help you beat the charges against you. Trust our Miami cocaine trafficking attorneys to give you the experienced guidance you need.