Fort Lauderdale Heroin Trafficking Lawyers: Defending Your Rights
Getting arrested for heroin trafficking can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. The potential penalties are severe — including long mandatory minimum prison sentences and massive fines. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side if you are facing heroin trafficking charges in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Florida.
Understanding Florida’s Heroin Trafficking Laws
Under Florida statute 893.135, heroin trafficking charges can be brought based on the weight of the drugs involved. Trafficking charges carry strict mandatory minimum prison sentences, which means the judge has no discretion to impose a lighter sentence even for a first offense. For example:
- 4-14 grams of heroin or any mixture containing heroin – 3 year mandatory minimum prison sentence
- 14-28 grams – 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence
- 28-30 kilograms – mandatory life sentence
Prosecutors tend to pursue trafficking charges aggressively, even if you weren’t actually a major drug dealer. That makes it critical to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting for you.
Working with a Fort Lauderdale Heroin Trafficking Lawyer
The key is finding a criminal defense lawyer with specific experience defending heroin trafficking cases in Broward County and around Florida. Look for attorneys who have achieved good results in similar cases, including reducing or dismissing charges and avoiding lengthy mandatory minimum sentences for clients.
A knowledgeable lawyer will carefully examine the details of your case, identify any illegal searches or interrogation issues, thoroughly prepare a defense, and negotiate aggressively with the prosecution. Strategies a trafficking defense lawyer may pursue include:
- Filing motions to suppress evidence – If there were any constitutional violations in how evidence was obtained, an attorney can fight to get that evidence excluded
- Using confidential informants and undercover officers to weaken the prosecution’s case – Showing that these witnesses are not credible or that they entrapped you
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges – Getting trafficking charges lowered to simple drug possession charges in exchange for a guilty plea
While every case is different, an experienced legal advocate can make all the difference in achieving the most favorable outcome possible.
Why Work with a Local Fort Lauderdale Lawyer?
It’s important to work with a criminal defense lawyer who is based in Fort Lauderdale and thoroughly familiar with local prosecutors and judges. A local attorney will understand the tendencies of prosecutors in Broward County and the best ways to approach your specific judge. They can use their relationships and knowledge of the local court system to your advantage.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one is facing heroin trafficking charges, contact a dedicated Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can carefully examine your case and start building the strongest defense for your rights and future. Don’t leave anything to chance – get experienced legal help fighting these very serious allegations.