Being accused of pot offenses here in Florida remains something that can open the door to severe consequences. This is especially the case when the accusations lead to a person being charged with drug trafficking.
A person could face state marijuana trafficking charges if accused of committing crimes involving more than 25 pounds of the drug or at least 300 plants. Under state law, all of the following marijuana crimes are trafficking if the amount they involve crosses that threshold:
- Possession
- Delivery
- Sale
- Purchase
- Transportation into the state
- Manufacturing
Among the things that makes trafficking such a serious drug crime to be accused of are the prison sentences that a conviction can lead to. Marijuana trafficking is a first-degree felony here in Florida. This felony class carries very harsh possible prison sentences, Also, under state law, there are mandatory minimum prison terms for this offense.
What this minimum is depends on how much the amount of marijuana the offense involved went past the 25-pound or 300-plant threshold. The minimums are:
- 3-year minimum – Offenses involving over 25 pounds but under 2,000 pounds, or 300 to 2,000 plants.
- 7-year minimum – Offenses involving at least 2,000 pounds but under 10,000 pounds, or 2,000 to 10,000 plants.
- 15-calender-year minimum – Offenses involving at least 10,000 pounds or at least 10,000 plants.
So, a great deal is at stake when a person is accused of this drug crime here in Florida. A lot can impact what steps would be best help a person protect their future when facing trafficking charges. Skilled defense lawyers can give people facing such charges guidance on what options may be the most promising for them.