Doral Trafficking of a Controlled Substance Lawyers

Getting busted for trafficking controlled substances in Doral can be scary. The penalties are harsh, and you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Don’t go it alone against the powerful Doral prosecutors. Read on for info about trafficking charges, possible defenses, and how skilled Doral trafficking lawyers can help.

What is Drug Trafficking?

Trafficking means selling, delivering, distributing, or possessing large amounts of illegal drugs. Even possessing drugs with intent to sell or deliver is trafficking under Florida law.

Trafficking charges are felonies with mandatory minimum prison sentences if convicted. The drug amounts needed for trafficking charges are surprisingly small:

• Cocaine – 28 grams
• Opiates – 4 grams
• Meth – 14 grams
• Marijuana – 25 lbs

So having a personal stash of drugs can lead to trafficking if it’s over the limit. Trafficking has harsher penalties than simple drug possession.

Trafficking Penalties

Penalties for trafficking controlled substances depend on the drug type and amount. But they are severe. For example, trafficking even small amounts of cocaine or opiates leads to mandatory minimum 3 year prison sentences for first offenses.

Trafficking marijuana over 25 lbs also brings a 3 year mandatory minimum sentence.

Penalties go up sharply for larger drug amounts. They also increase for repeat trafficking convictions.

Other trafficking penalties include:

• Felony criminal record
• Large fines – up to $250,000
• Driver’s license revocation</ li>
• Asset forfeiture
• Ban on public benefits

Common Defenses

The best defense is having an experienced trafficking lawyer highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Common defenses include:

Lack of knowledge – Showing you didn’t know drugs were present or didn’t control them. Roommates, partners, or others could’ve been responsible without your knowledge.

No intent to sell – Proving you possessed drugs just for personal use, not for sale or delivery. This applies more to marijuana cases.

Illegal search – Showing police lacked probable cause for a search or conducted one improperly. This can get evidence thrown out.

Entrapment – Proving police induced you to commit a trafficking crime you wouldn’t normally commit. Works best for undercover sting operations.

Misidentified substance – Laboratory tests show the seized substance wasn’t actually an illegal drug.

Why Hire a Doral Trafficking Lawyer?

Don’t go up against Doral prosecutors alone. An experienced trafficking lawyer knows how to attack the prosecution’s case. They identify constitutional issues with searches, faulty lab tests, and other flaws. This gives the best chance of an acquittal or reduced charges.

Skilled lawyers negotiate better plea bargains too. They advocate for rehabilitation programs, probation, and lower sentences. An attorney protects your rights and future.

Consider lawyers like John Smith of Smith Defense Firm. He’s an aggressive ex-prosecutor who now defends trafficking cases. Or Jane Doe of Doe Law Miami. She’s compassionate yet relentless in defending trafficking clients.

Doral trafficking lawyers know the local judges, prosecutors, and processes. They build strong defenses and negotiate firmly but tactfully. Their skills can make the difference between years in prison or avoiding a conviction.

What to Expect With Trafficking Charges

Here’s the usual process after a Doral trafficking arrest:

Booking and bail – Police take you to jail for booking. Bail is set, often very high for trafficking charges. A bondsman can post bail so you don’t await trial in jail. Your lawyer can request bail reduction.

First appearance – This hearing comes within 24 hours of arrest. The judge reads charges and conditions of release. Don’t plead guilty at this stage.

Preliminary hearing – The judge reviews if there’s enough evidence to proceed. Your lawyer argues against this if the case is weak.

Filing of formal charges – The prosecution files the formal trafficking charges. Your lawyer enters a not guilty plea.

Motions and discovery – Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case. They also request evidence from the prosecution.

Plea negotiations – Your lawyer negotiates with the prosecution for reduced charges or sentencing recommendations. Over 90% of cases end in plea deals.

Trial – If no plea deal, your case proceeds to trial. Your lawyer cross examines witnesses and argues your defense.

Sentencing – If found guilty, the judge sentences based on guidelines and statutes. Your lawyer argues for leniency.

Having an experienced lawyer helps at every stage. Don’t go it alone against the system. Hire an aggressive Doral trafficking attorney to fight for your freedom.

Finding the Right Trafficking Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer is critical but tricky. Here are tips for finding a great Doral trafficking attorney:

• Local experience – Hire a lawyer familiar with Doral courts, judges, and processes. This gives an advantage.
• Specialization – Avoid general practice lawyers. Find an attorney focused specifically on drug crimes and trafficking.
• Resources – Make sure the lawyer has sufficient resources to defend trafficking cases. These get expensive.
• Credentials – Search for lawyers with excellent credentials like graduating top law schools.
• Reputation – Choose an attorney with a strong reputation for winning trafficking cases.
• Compatibility – Make sure your personalities and values mesh. You need good communication.
• Affordability – Trafficking defense costs thousands but shop around. Ask about payment plans.

Don’t just flip through the yellow pages. Research options online then meet with lawyers before deciding. The initial consultation is often free.

What Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawyer?

Smart questions to ask when interviewing Doral trafficking lawyers include:

• How much experience do you have with trafficking cases like mine? How often do you handle them?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case based on the evidence you’ve seen?
• What defenses could we use in my case? Which do you think are strongest?
• What are the likely outcomes if I go to trial versus take a plea bargain?
• What are the chances I could avoid mandatory minimum sentencing?
• Who are the judges and prosecutors we might face? What are they like?
• What are all my options for avoiding prison time if convicted?
• What sentence do you think you can negotiate through a plea bargain?
• What are your fees and how can I afford representation?

The lawyer’s responses will help determine if they are knowledgeable and a good fit. Never retain a lawyer without thoroughly interviewing them first.

Conclusion

Getting busted for trafficking controlled substances in Doral is extremely serious. Mandatory minimum prison sentences are likely upon conviction.

Don’t go it alone against the ruthless Doral prosecutors. Hire an experienced trafficking lawyer to build the strongest defense. An attorney who knows the system, laws, and process can win dismissals, acquittals, or plea bargains with lighter sentences.

Carefully choose a Doral trafficking lawyer with the skills and experience to protect your freedom. The right attorney makes all the difference.