Many people are familiar with methamphetamine from television and film. It is a highly addictive narcotic, also known as crystal meth or crank. Methamphetamine trafficking is illegal in Florida. Most people envision a very large-scale operation run by drug kingpins when they think of "trafficking." However, drug trafficking can be charged as long as a minimum amount of a particular controlled substance is involved. In Florida, judges must order a mandatory minimum sentence, depending on the weight of the substance. At Hanlon Law, Tampa methamphetamine trafficking lawyer Will Hanlon provides an aggressive defense to people accused of trafficking, and he gives personal attention to each of his clients.
Methamphetamine TraffickingUnder Florida Statute section 893.135(1)(f)(1), you can be convicted of methamphetamine trafficking if you knowingly buy, sell, actually or constructively possess, make, deliver, or import 14 grams or more of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or phenylacetone, phenylacetic acid, pseudoephedrine, or ephedrine in conjunction with other chemicals and equipment used to make amphetamine or methamphetamine. This is a felony of the first degree.
A mandatory minimum sentence for methamphetamine trafficking depends on the weight of the meth or meth mixture. In other words, the weight for the purpose of sentencing depends on how much the mixture weighs, rather than the percentage of pure meth that is contained within it. A methamphetamine trafficking attorney can help Tampa residents understand how mandatory minimums may apply to a specific case.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Methamphetamine Trafficking| Amount of Methamphetamine | Imprisonment | Fine |
| 14 - 28 grams | 3 year minimum | $50,000 |
| 28 - 200 grams | 7 year minimum | $100,000 |
| 200 grams or more | 15 calendar years minimum | $250,000 |
If you knowingly make or bring into Florida 400 grams or more of amphetamine or methamphetamine (or any mixture containing them or pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylacetone, or phenylacetic acid in conjunction with equipment or chemicals needed to make meth or amphetamine), and you know that the probable consequences of making or importing it would be the death of a person, you can be convicted of capital importation or manufacture of amphetamine. This is a capital felony that may be punished by life imprisonment without eligibility for parole or a death sentence. In addition, people sentenced for a capital felony must also pay the maximum fine.
In addition to imprisonment and fines, you can have your driver's license or driving privileges revoked for one year for methamphetamine trafficking. A conviction can also result in an emergency suspension of any professional license that you hold that is issued by the State and authorizes you to practice a profession or trade in Florida.
Each case is different. It is important to retain an attorney who understands all of the available defense strategies for your case. Some common defenses include constitutional defenses, entrapment, and insufficient evidence. Constitutional defenses often involve raising the Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Amendments. For example, law enforcement officers are supposed to "Mirandize" you before subjecting you to a custodial interrogation. This means that they give you a set of warnings that many people know from television, such as letting you know about the right to remain silent. If the police fail to meet the requirement to give Miranda warnings, incriminating statements that you make about your role in a methamphetamine trafficking operation may be subject to a motion to suppress.
If you want to give substantial assistance in hopes of getting a reduced or suspended sentence, you should work with an experienced attorney. This can be a risky move because the State's attorney must bring the motion, and generally you will be found to have provided substantial assistance only if you successfully helped the police to arrest a certain number of people.
Contact an Experienced Methamphetamine Trafficking Lawyer in TampaMethamphetamine trafficking is an extremely serious charge. If you are charged with this crime, you should contact a meth crime attorney right away. Ideally, you should contact an attorney as soon as you become suspicious that you are being investigated. Early intervention by an experienced Tampa methamphetamine trafficking attorney can make a big difference to how your case turns out. Will Hanlon is committed to defending the rights of the accused. He has represented criminal defendants since 1994 and is well versed in all criminal defense strategies. Call Hanlon Law at 813-228-7095 or use our online form to set up an appointment.