Orlando Drug Trafficking Lawyer

In Florida, drug trafficking charges carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences that can range from 3 years to life imprisonment along with fines from $50,000 to $500,000. These charges don’t require proof that you were selling drugs—simply possessing more than a certain quantity is enough for prosecutors to pursue trafficking charges, even if the substances were solely for personal use.

At The Wiseman Law Firm, our drug crime defense lawyers in Orlando aggressively defend clients facing drug trafficking allegations throughout Central Florida. With over 20 years of experience defending against complex drug charges, Attorney Simon Wiseman understands the severe consequences a conviction can have on your future, career, and family relationships. As former prosecutors, our legal team knows exactly how these cases are built—and how to effectively challenge them.

Understanding Florida Drug Trafficking Laws

Drug trafficking in Florida is defined by Florida Statute 893.135 as knowingly selling, purchasing, manufacturing, delivering, or possessing a controlled substance in an amount that exceeds the statutory threshold. Unlike simple possession charges, trafficking charges are based solely on the weight of the substance in your possession, not your intent to distribute.

The weight thresholds that trigger trafficking charges vary by substance:

• Cannabis: 25 pounds or more (minimum 3 years, $25,000 fine)
• Cocaine: 28 grams or more (minimum 3 years, $50,000 fine)
• Heroin: 4 grams or more (minimum 3 years, $50,000 fine)
• Methamphetamine: 14 grams or more (minimum 3 years, $50,000 fine)
• MDMA/Ecstasy: 10 grams or more (minimum 3 years, $50,000 fine)

These penalties increase substantially with larger quantities. For example, possessing 150 kilograms of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life in prison and a $750,000 fine. The prosecution does not need to prove you intended to sell or distribute the drugs—simply possessing the threshold amount is sufficient for a trafficking charge.

Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking cases often hinge on evidence obtained during searches and seizures. Our experienced Orlando defense attorneys thoroughly examine every detail of your case to identify potential constitutional violations and procedural errors that could lead to evidence suppression.

Some of the most effective defenses we employ include challenging whether law enforcement had probable cause for the search, contesting the chain of custody of evidence, disputing the accuracy of drug weight measurements, and determining if your Fourth Amendment rights were violated during the search and seizure process.

In many cases, we can also negotiate with prosecutors to reduce trafficking charges to simple possession or secure admission to drug court programs, particularly for first-time offenders or those struggling with addiction. Our goal is always to pursue the strategy that will lead to the most favorable outcome for your specific situation.

Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

Facing drug trafficking charges in Florida requires specialized legal representation. These cases involve complex legal principles regarding search and seizure, constitutional rights, and the technical aspects of drug weight measurement and testing.

The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly possessed the controlled substance and that the amount met or exceeded the statutory threshold for trafficking. Our defense team meticulously examines every aspect of the state’s case, from the initial police contact through the laboratory analysis of the alleged substances.

We investigate whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the search, seizure, and testing of evidence. In many cases, we have successfully challenged the state’s evidence when proper protocols were not followed, resulting in dismissed or reduced charges for our clients.

Contact a Skilled Orlando Drug Trafficking Lawyer Today!

If you or someone you know has been charged with drug trafficking in Orlando or Central Florida, immediate legal representation is critical. The early stages of your case are crucial, and the actions you take now can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

The Wiseman Law Firm brings over two decades of criminal defense experience to every case we handle. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Simon Wiseman understands exactly how the state builds trafficking cases and knows the most effective strategies to challenge their evidence. Contact us today at (407) 420-4647 or through our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation about your drug trafficking case.

Contact us for a free initial consultation so we can begin aggressively representing you.