Florida Penalties for Fentanyl Possession or Trafficking

Florida law considers any drug crime involving fentanyl a serious offense. If convicted, you could face prison time, significant fines, probation, and more. When possible, you will want to fight to clear your name or get the charges against you reduced to avoid having a felony conviction on your record.

The drug crime defense attorneys from Goldman Wetzel know how prosecutors like to try these cases. You can count on us to protect your rights and work to build a strong defense on your behalf. Call us as early in the process as possible and let us go to work for you today and answer any questions you may have about Florida penalties for fentanyl possession or trafficking. You can reach us at 727-828-3900.

Possession Versus Trafficking

Both possession of fentanyl and trafficking fentanyl are serious crimes under Florida’s drug laws. Possession – having less than four grams for personal use – is typically charged as a third-degree felony.

The potential consequences can quickly grow, though, if you have more than four grams of fentanyl or if the police accuse you of having more than this amount. Even if you intend to use the drugs on your own, the may still charge you with trafficking the illegal drug. If the district attorney opts for fentanyl trafficking charges in your case, a conviction will mean you must serve a mandatory-minimum prison sentence as set by Florida law.

Understanding the Potential Consequences of a Conviction

There are many mitigating and aggravating circumstances that can affect the Florida penalties you could face following a conviction for fentanyl possession or trafficking. In general, someone found guilty of a drug crime involving fentanyl can expect jail or prison time, probation, and fines.

Penalties Possible After a Possession Conviction

If convicted of possession of fentanyl, a third-degree felony, you could face:

  • Up to five years in prison
  • Five years of probation
  • A $5,000 fine

Find out if you can get a home loan if you have a felony.

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Trafficking Convictions

Under Florida mandatory minimum laws, if the court convicts you of trafficking between four and 14 grams of fentanyl, you could face:

  • Up to 30 years, but a minimum of at least three years, in prison
  • A $50,000 fine.

In addition, under Florida Statute 322.055, anyone who gets a fentanyl-related conviction will lose their driver’s license for one year. This is true for both possession and trafficking charges.

Fighting Florida Fentanyl Possession or Trafficking Allegations

We understand that facing drug charges and the possible related Florida penalties for Fentanyl possession or trafficking is a scary and stressful process. We are here to help. There is no reason you need to go through this alone.

We may be able to ask the state to approve a diversionary program that requires you to enter a drug treatment program or negotiate a deal to reduce the charges you face. If the district attorney files serious drug charges against you and your case goes to court, we will build a strong defense argument based on the facts of your case. These arguments could include:

  • Mistaken identity – the police arrested the wrong person
  • The drugs found on your property were not yours
  • You were not the owner of the drugs when discovered in a group
  • The police did not have probable cause to search, leading to unlawful search and seizure
  • Police or investigators illegally collected evidence

Reach Out to the Goldman Wetzel Drug Crime Defense Attorneys Today

If police accuse you of fentanyl possession or trafficking, or you already face an indictment, it is time to take action. Call the Goldman Wetzel drug crime defense attorneys to protect your rights before you meet with police or reach out to us if police arrested your loved one. We can accompany you to interrogations and get to work on your case right away. Find out if arrest warrants ever expire.

You get two defense attorneys from Goldman Wetzel for the price of one when you hire us. Both of our lawyers work together on every case. We will collect evidence and build a strong defense on your behalf. We will try to prevent charges from being filed, to reduce the charges, to clear your name, or to reduce the impact a conviction has on your life.

Let us review your case and build a solid defense strategy based on the facts we uncover. Call us today at 727-828-3900 to discuss your case with a member of our team.