1,4-Butanediol is an industrial solvent that is also used as a recreational intoxicant. It has effects that are similar to alcohol or GHB. Its street names include "Thunder," "White Magic," "Pine Needle Oil," and "Cleaner." If you are accused of or investigated for 1,4-Butanediol trafficking, you should take the situation seriously and call a drug trafficking attorney immediately. Trafficking is not only charged against drug kingpins and masterminds. What is critical to these cases is whether you are found with a threshold amount of an illegal substance. Tampa 1,4-Butanediol trafficking lawyer Will Hanlon at Hanlon Law is committed to protecting the rights of the accused. He provides personalized attention to his clients' cases.
1,4 Butanediol TraffickingYou can be convicted of 1,4 Butanediol trafficking if the prosecution proves that you knowingly sold, bought, manufactured, delivered, or imported into Florida (or are in actual or constructive possession of) a kilogram or more of 1,4 Butanediol or any mixture that includes 1,4 Butanediol. The prosecution needs to prove each of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. You are considered to act knowingly if you intend to actually or constructively possess, sell, buy, make, deliver, or bring into Florida 1,4 Butanediol.
Mandatory Minimum SentencesThe mandatory minimum sentence that you will receive after being convicted depends on the weight of the 1,4 Butanediol that you are caught trafficking. For example, if you have 1-5 kg, the judge must sentence you to at least three years in prison and fine you $50,000. If you are trafficking 5-10 kg, the judge must sentence you to at least seven years in prison and fine you $100,000. If you are trafficking 10 kg or more, the judge must sentence you to serve at least 15 calendar years and pay a $500,000 fine.
| Amount of Butanediol | Imprisonment | Fine |
| 1-5 kg | 3 year minimum | $50,000 |
| 5-10 kg | 7 year minimum | $100,000 |
| 10 kg or more | 15 calendar year minimum | $500,000 |
Since these sentences are harsh, it is critical to consult a 1,4-Butanediol trafficking attorney in the Tampa area if you are facing any of these charges. Also, if you knowingly manufacture or bring into Florida 150 kg or more of 1,4-Butanediol or a mixture containing it, and you know that the probable result of this is a death, you can be charged and convicted of capital manufacture or importation. As a capital felony, this is punishable with life imprisonment without eligibility for parole, death, and the maximum fine.
You should be aware that if you agree, conspire, combine, or confederate with someone else to traffic in 1,4-Butanediol, you can be convicted of a felony of the first degree and punished as if you had actually trafficked. This may surprise some people who are closely involved with trafficking and help drug traffickers but assume that they are safe because they are not themselves in possession or control of the drugs.
The mandatory minimum sentence cannot be suspended, deferred, or withheld, and you are not eligible for parole before you serve out the sentence. The only discretionary early release that you might get is pardon, executive clemency, or a conditional medical release.
DefensesA criminal defense attorney may raise one of several common defenses in these cases, including insufficient evidence, entrapment, or constitutional violations. Certain defendants may be able to provide substantial assistance, in which case the state attorney can move the sentencing court to reduce or suspend your sentence for providing substantial assistance in identifying, arresting, or convicting your accomplices, accessories, co-conspirators, principals, or anyone else involved in trafficking in illegal drugs. The judge can only reduce or suspend the sentence if they find that you rendered the substantial assistance that you promised. This approach is risky and complicated, so it is important to work with an experienced attorney.
Hire an Experienced 1,4-Butanediol Trafficking Lawyer in TampaIn Florida, 1,4-butanediol trafficking is punished severely. However, legal representation by a skillful drug crime attorney can make a big difference to how the case turns out and whether you spend time in prison. Our founder, Will Hanlon, is firmly committed to defending the rights of the accused. He has represented criminal defendants in the Tampa Bay area since 1994 and is knowledgeable about all defense strategies. Call Hanlon Law at 813-228-7095 or use our online form to set up an appointment with a Tampa 1,4-Butanediol trafficking attorney.