The laws regarding “drug trafficking” in the state of Florida come with harsh penalties. One of the most common drugs involved in trafficking is cocaine. Because it is considered a controlled substance, this means that there is a high potential for abuse that can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Unlike some other drugs which can be labeled for medical use, being caught with cocaine will land you with a hefty punishment.
Someone who is accused of committing drug trafficking is believed to have sold a certain amount of the substance, or purchased it, or manufactured it, or delivered it, or brought it into a state. The most common way this crime is charged is by alleging possession of a quantity of the substance, even without any evidence of a buyer or seller or an exchange for money.
There are some helpful defenses that an attorney can work on to dismiss such charges. Can the prosecution actually prove that the defendant was in “possession” of the drugs? To prove actual possession would mean that the controlled substance was in the hand of the accused, or the controlled substance was so close that it was within reach. In the case of cocaine, some lawyers have declared that the authorities confused the drug with some other form of legalized powder. When you are facing a prison sentence anywhere from 3 to 7 to 15 years, not to mention fines of up to $250,000 (all depending on the size of the cocaine seized), you will want your attorney to look at every available option.
