In the state of Florida drug trafficking is a serious crime that carries harsh penalties. If convicted, you will be subject to thousands of dollars in fines and up to a decade in prison. In recent years, fentanyl use has increased significantly. Fentanyl is a Schedule II synthetic opioid that is usually used in the medical field to treat patients with chronic pain. Essentially, it is a painkiller. It is similar to morphine, however, it is a more potent narcotic which has made it increasingly common on the illegal drug market. If you have been charged with drug trafficking Fentanyl, it is in your immediate interest to retain the legal services of a skilled Pensacola Drug Trafficking Lawyer who can defend your rights and interests. Keep reading to learn about the potential penalties for trafficking this type of opioid.
What are the potential penalties for drug trafficking Fentanyl in Florida?
In Florida, it is illegal for any person to knowingly possess, sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, or transport 4 grams or more of fentanyl or any derivative compound. As mentioned above, Florida carries significant drug trafficking penalties. Like any other criminal offense, the severity of the penalties depends on the amount/weight of the drug involved and the type of substance. The minimum penalties for drug trafficking in fentanyl include:
- If you are charged with trafficking 4 grams or more, but less than 14 grams of fentanyl, you will face up to 30 years in prison with a 3-year minimum and a $50,000 fine.
- If you are charged with trafficking 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams of fentanyl, you will face up to 30 years in prison with a 15-year minimum and a $100,000 fine.
- If you are charged with trafficking 28 grams or more of fentanyl, you will face up to 30 years in prison with a 25-year minimum and a $500,000 fine.
As you can see, drug trafficking in fentanyl is punishable by hundreds of thousands of dollars and a decade of incarceration. In Florida, possessing less than 4 grams of fentanyl is classified as a third-degree felony. However, drug trafficking more than 4 grams of fentanyl is classified as a first-degree felony. It is important to know that the court has discretion to impose maximum penalties.
If you were charged with drug trafficking or another controlled substance, you need an experienced Pensacola drug trafficking lawyer on your side. The penalties for this felony offense will negatively impact the rest of your life. Our firm will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t navigate this difficult situation alone. Allow our firm to help you prevent harsh penalties.
