A drug trafficking charge in Florida can lead to severe mandatory minimum sentences, ranging from 3 years to life in prison, depending on the substance and quantity. At Russo Law & Advocacy, Dominique Russo defends clients against possession with intent to distribute, federal mail drug cases, and constructive possession allegations in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. We challenge illegal searches, flawed lab tests, and overzealous prosecutions to protect your freedom.
Our Florida Drug Trafficking Attorney Is There for You
Florida’s drug laws (FS § 893.135) impose harsh, mandatory penalties, even for first-time offenders. Whether you are accused of sending controlled substances through the mail, constructive possession, or trafficking opioids, cocaine, or fentanyl, we dissect every piece of evidence, from search warrant affidavits to drug test reliability, to weaken the prosecution’s case.
Defending Against Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
Federal cases (especially involving allegations of mailing drugs or receiving illegal substances through USPS, FedEx, or UPS) carry strict federal penalties and a 5-year federal statute of limitations. We work with forensic experts to challenge federal lab reports, surveillance methods, and chain-of-custody errors.
Fighting Possession with Intent to Distribute
Prosecutors often assume intent to distribute based solely on quantity or packaging. We present evidence demonstrating personal use, medical necessity, or improper law enforcement assumptions.
Search Warrant Challenges in Florida
If police raided your home or vehicle without a valid search warrant, we file motions to suppress evidence, often leading to reduced charges or complete case dismissals.
Florida Drug Trafficking Laws & Mandatory Minimum Sentences (FS § 893.135)
Florida law sets strict statutory mandatory minimum prison terms and fines based on the substance and weight involved:
- Cocaine (28g+):
- 28g – 200g: 3-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($50,000 fine)
- 200g – 400g: 7-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($100,000 fine)
- 400g – 150kg: 15-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($250,000 fine)
- Fentanyl (4g+):
- 4g – 14g: 7-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($50,000 fine)
- 14g – 28g: 20-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($100,000 fine)
- 28g+: 25-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($500,000 fine)
- Heroin & Opioids (4g+):
- 4g – 14g: 3-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($50,000 fine)
- 14g – 28g: 15-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($100,000 fine)
- 28g+: 25-year minimum mandatory prison sentence ($500,000 fine)
Even prescription medications like oxycodone or hydrocodone lead to severe trafficking charges if obtained or possessed unlawfully above threshold weights.
Types of Drug Cases We Handle
Federal Drug Trafficking (Mail, UPS, FedEx):
Sending or receiving drugs through commercial carriers is a federal offense (21 U.S.C. § 841 / § 843). We challenge federal “controlled delivery” operations and interception warrants.
Constructive Possession of Drugs:
If drugs were discovered in a shared space (vehicle, residence, or luggage), we work to establish that you lacked knowledge or dominion and control over the illegal substance.
Prescription Drug Fraud:
Patients and medical providers face serious allegations over prescription issuance and fulfillment. We analyze medical records to refute intent.
Key Defenses in Drug Trafficking Cases
- Fourth Amendment Violations: Challenging illegal stops, unlawful searches, and defective search warrants.
- Chain of Custody Breaks: Exposing evidence mishandling, contamination, or laboratory error.
- Lack of Knowledge / Possession: Challenging constructive possession claims when drugs are found in shared environments.
- Entrapment: Proving law enforcement induced a crime you otherwise would not have committed.
Steps in a Florida Drug Trafficking Case
- Arrest & Filing of Charges: (How long do prosecutors have to file felony drug charges? Under Florida Statute § 775.15, the state has 4 years to file charges for first-degree felony drug trafficking, and up to 5 years for federal offenses.)
- First Appearance & Bond Hearing: We argue for pretrial release or significantly reduced bail.
- Discovery & Investigation: We subpoena lab records, bodycam footage, police reports, and witness testimony.
- Pretrial Motions & Plea Negotiations: Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence and negotiating for reduced non-trafficking offenses.
- Trial: Presenting a robust defense before a jury to create reasonable doubt.
Why You Need a Drug Trafficking Defense Specialist
Florida state and federal prosecutors vigorously pursue mandatory prison sentences in drug trafficking cases. Attorney Dominique Russo provides aggressive trial-tested representation in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade courts to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.
Drug Trafficking FAQs
What is the penalty for receiving drugs in the mail?
Receiving or sending controlled substances through the mail is prosecuted under federal law (e.g., 21 U.S.C. § 841), carrying mandatory federal prison terms. Defense strategies often focus on challenging knowledge, proving you did not know the package contained contraband.
Can drug trafficking charges be dismissed in Florida?
Yes. Charges can be dismissed if law enforcement violated your constitutional rights (such as conducting an illegal traffic stop or executing a flawed search warrant) or if the prosecution fails to establish actual or constructive possession.
Contact Our Florida Drug Trafficking Attorney
Don’t speak to police, call Russo Law & Advocacy first. We offer 24/7 consultations for Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach drug cases: (561) 216-8555.
