Tampa Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Tampa Drug Trafficking Attorney

Drug trafficking is an extremely serious offense for those who have been accused or found guilty of breaking this state and federal law. This includes any act of transporting, distributing, or manufacturing illegal substances. Law enforcement treats these cases seriously, as the negative consequences of spreading drugs across the public are severe. If you have been accused of this crime, a Tampa drug trafficking lawyer can start to work on your defense strategy.

At Jeff Marshall Law, we understand that not every drug trafficking allegation automatically leads to conviction. Everyone has the right to defend themselves in court, which is why we are here. We help clients who feel lost and burdened by the weight of drug trafficking allegations by investigating every detail of their case and crafting the most compelling legal defense possible. If you feel overwhelmed and are unsure where to turn, give us a call as soon as you can.

Common Defense Strategies for Drug Trafficking Charges

Every drug trafficking allegation is unique, which means the defense strategies to combat these accusations must be equally unique. It’s helpful to understand the most effective methods used by defense attorneys when challenging the prosecution’s evidence and arguments to build the most robust defense possible.

Some of the most common defense strategies used in these types of cases include:

Challenging the Legality of a Search and Seizure

One of the most popular defense strategies used for drug trafficking charges is challenging the legality of law enforcement’s search and seizure efforts. It is illegal for any officer to enter someone else’s property without securing an official search warrant beforehand. This is a right afforded to all US citizens under the Fourth Amendment. If there is any evidence to suggest an illegal search happened, evidence collected during the search could be dismissed from the case.

Proving Lack of Knowledge or Intent

Another common drug trafficking defense is proving that the defendant was not aware that there were drugs in their presence or had no intent of trafficking them. This is a commonly used defense, as it is often the case that someone else placed the controlled substance in the defendant’s possession without their knowledge.

If a defense attorney can effectively argue this defense in court, it can cast doubt on the merits of the prosecution’s case, potentially reducing or dropping the charges.

Demonstrating Entrapment

It is against the law for an officer to induce someone to commit a drug crime they had no intention of committing themselves independently. Because the nature of drug trafficking cases often requires undercover operations with law enforcement, these efforts sometimes cross the line into entrapment if someone involved is coerced or pressured into participating in drug trafficking. A defendant must prove that coercive behavior overcame their individual will.

Disputing the Chain of Custody

It’s important for law enforcement to maintain the integrity of all evidence they collect. This is why there are many different processes and procedures in place to ensure evidence is not compromised as it is passed through the chain of custody. If a defense attorney can prove in court that the originally seized evidence is not in the same condition as it was, this could be enough to have that specific piece of evidence dismissed from the court’s consideration.

Arguing Insufficient Evidence

There must be substantial evidence available to prove that someone engaged in drug trafficking activity beyond a reasonable doubt. The criminal defense lawyer is tasked with casting doubt and weakening the prosecution’s case. This could be done by suggesting the evidence against their client is circumstantial or lacks credibility, arguing that there is a lack of physical evidence, or claiming that some of the witnesses used are unreliable.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking in Florida?

A: The shortest sentence someone could be issued for drug trafficking in Florida is fully dependent on what type of drugs they were caught with and the quantity. For example, if someone is caught with 25 pounds or more of marijuana, the individual would be required to spend at least three years in prison. These sentences are often not the only penalty issued, as the individual could also be required to pay fines and be put on probation after their time in jail.

Q: Do First-Time Drug Trafficking Offenders Go to Jail in Florida After Being Convicted?

A: It is possible for first-time drug trafficking offenders to be sentenced to prison in Tampa, Florida. While it’s true that first-time offenders of any crime have an advantage when compared to repeat offenders who have demonstrated they have not been properly rehabilitated, the actual decision may depend on the severity of the drug trafficking crime. For example, if someone overdosed on drugs you trafficked for the first time, this can increase your chances of a jail sentence.

Q: What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Drug Trafficking Charges?

A: One of the most common mistakes people make when facing drug trafficking charges is speaking to law enforcement without having an attorney present. This is because any statements that you make at this moment could be used against you as evidence in court. You have the right to remain silent and wait to discuss the details of your case with a defense lawyer, which can help strengthen your efforts to combat the trafficking allegations you face.

Q: Can Drug Trafficking Charges Be Reduced to a Lesser Offense?

A: Yes, it is possible for drug trafficking charges to be reduced to a lesser offense. This is primarily in situations where the accused individual has never faced these types of allegations or the prosecution is interested in offering a plea bargain for details on other individuals who could have been involved in the trafficking. When this happens, an accused offender could have a possible jail sentence turned into parole.

Contact Jeff Marshall Law Today

If you have been recently accused of trafficking drugs in Florida and are looking for help to protect yourself against these allegations, the lawyers at Jeff Marshall Law are ready to step in. We have been assisting individuals just like yourself in these intense legal cases and would be honored to extend the same support to what you are dealing with now. Contact us today to begin the process and learn more about how we can help.