Florida Drug Statutes

Fort Lauderdale Drug Crimes Lawyer

Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes outlines the many charges and sentences for drug crime and prevention. That chapter is long and confusing, so here we’ll focus on the common drug arrest charges and mandatory minimum sentences. Offenses within 1,000 feet of a school or church heightens the degree and sentence of the charge. Often times drug arrests will trigger defense motions to suppress (keep out of court), evidence that was seized. Drugs are either found on the person, within property, or within a home. To search either of those, officers need to follow strict procedures in order to properly search, and seize, the drugs. Motions to suppress are asking the Court to keep out any drugs or other evidence that was found based on the officers not following their procedures. This is where an experience Fort Lauderdale drug crimes lawyer comes in. These motions are based on the 4th Amendment of the US Constitution, which states each person shall be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Here are the criminal law breakdowns for Marijuana and Cocaine arrests:

Marijuana (Cannabis)

1. Under 20 grams: Possession (1st degree misdemeanor)
2. Over 20 grams: Felony Possession (3rd degree felony); Possession with Intent to Sell/Manufacture/Deliver (3rd degree felony)
3. Delivery or Purchase of Cannabis (3rd degree felonies)
   25-2,000 lbs: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 3 year minimum prison, $25,000 fine)
4. 2,000-10,000 lbs: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 7 year minimum prison, $50,000 fine)
5. Over 10,000 lbs: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 15 year minimum prison, $200,000 fine)

Cocaine

1. Any amount: Possession (3rd degree felony)
2. Up to 28 grams: Possession with Intent to Sell/Manufacture/Deliver (2nd degree felony)
3. 28-200 grams: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 3 year minimum prison, $50,000 fine)
4. 200-400 grams: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 7 year minimum prison, $100,000 fine)
5. 400 grams – 150 kilograms: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 15 year minimum prison, $250,000 fine)
6. Over 150 kilograms: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory life in prison)

Controlled Substances (xanax, oxycodone, morphine, etc.)

1. Any amount: Possession (3rd degree felony)
2. 4-14 grams: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 3 year minimum prison, $50,000 fine)
3. 14-28 grams: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 15 year minimum prison, $100,000 fine)
4. 28 grams to 30 kilograms: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory 25 year minimum prison, $500,000 fine)
5. Over 30 kilograms: Trafficking (1st degree felony, mandatory life in prison)

Fort Lauderdale Drug Crimes Lawyer

Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale drug crimes lawyers to get more information or assistance with any drug crimes related case or charges.