The last decade has witnessed a demonstrable increase in the use, manufacture, sale, and distribution of prescription drugs such as Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Meperidine (Demerol), Diazepam (Valium), and Alprazolam (Xanax). Along with this increase, the State of Florida has increased its sentencing guidelines for these offenses. These offenses are covered in Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, Sec.893.135(1)(c), Florida Statutes:
* 4 grams but less than 14 grams–3 year minimum Department of Corrections, $50,000 fine
* 14 grams but less than 28 grams–15 year minimum mandatory, $100,000 fine
* 28 grams but less than 30 kilograms– 25 minimum mandatory, $250,000 fine
* 30 kilograms or more — Life in prison
These are significant criminal penalties that all carry with them a minimum prison sentence. If you or a loved one has been charged with the possession, sale, trafficking, or manufacturing of these prescription drugs, you should immediately contact an experienced Florida drug crime lawyer that’s had trial experience defending these types of cases.
It’s important to remember that even if these drug charges are eventually dropped, your criminal record will show that you were arrested for this offense. Such a record may have a permanent and negative effect on your credit as well as your ability to secure and maintain employment or successfully apply for a loan. Under certain circumstances, the record of your arrest may be expunged or sealed so that it will no longer appear in employment background screenings. Contact us today for more information.
