In Florida, the legal definition of trafficking is the knowing sale, purchase, manufacture, or delivery of an illegal drug as defined in the statute. Any person who is in knowing possession of a certain amount of illegal drugs can get charged with trafficking, even if there was no intent to distribute the drug. And because the penalties for trafficking offenses are harsh, it is wise to know what sentences you can get hit with should you find yourself charged with this offense.
Penalties for oxycodone trafficking
Minimum mandatory sentences have been a topic of controversy in recent years because they take discretion away from judges sitting in the room and hearing the testimony as each case makes its way through the system. Many argue that each case is different and that judges should retain discretion when sentencing drug offenders. Perhaps in response to such ideas, the Florida legislature decreased the minimum mandatory sentences for oxycodone trafficking in 2014. Currently, they are as follows:
- 7 to 14 grams: a $50,000 fine, and a three-year mandatory minimum prison sentence
- 14 to 25 grams: a $100,000 fine, and a seven-year mandatory minimum prison sentence
- 25 to 100 grams: a $500,000 fine, and a 15-year mandatory minimum prison sentence
- 100 to 30 kilograms: a $750,000 fine, and a 25-year mandatory minimum prison sentence
Penalties for heroin trafficking
- 4 – 14 grams: $50,000 fine and a three-year minimum mandatory prison term
- 14 – 28 grams: $100,000 fine and a 15-year mandatory minimum prison term
- 28 – 30 kilograms: $500,000 fine and a 25-year mandatory minimum prison term
Trafficking charges come with heavy penalties in Florida. When you consider the fact that simply possessing a certain volume of drugs can get you slapped with this serious charge, you can see how important it is to know and assert your rights.