Getting busted for oxycodone trafficking in Fort Lauderdale is bad news. Real bad. Like facing serious jail time kind of bad. But don’t panic! There are kickass lawyers in Fort Lauderdale who know how to defend people accused of oxy trafficking. They can help you avoid harsh mandatory minimum sentences and maybe even get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Oxy Trafficking Laws in Fort Lauderdale – The Deets
Florida don’t play when it comes to oxycodone trafficking. The state has super strict laws that can land you in prison for a long time if convicted. Here’s a quick lowdown:
- Trafficking between 4 and 14 grams of oxycodone is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years in prison and a fine of $50,000.
- Trafficking between 14 and 28 grams bumps it up to a first-degree felony with a 25 year mandatory minimum sentence and a $500,000 fine.
- Over 28 grams is also a first-degree felony but now you’re looking at a mandatory minimum of 25 years and up to life in prison, plus a fine of $500,000.
These are crazy harsh sentences, right? And there’s no parole or early release if you get slapped with a mandatory minimum. That’s why having a top lawyer on your side is so important if you’re facing oxy trafficking charges. Let’s get to it!
How Fort Lauderdale Oxy Trafficking Lawyers Defend These Cases
The best oxy trafficking lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have deep experience defending these complex cases. They dig into the details to figure out how to get charges dismissed or reduced and avoid long prison sentences.
Here are some of the main strategies good lawyers use:
Attack the Evidence
Cops need rock solid evidence to prove oxy trafficking. A skilled lawyer will scrutinize all the evidence for flaws. Was the search warrant invalid? Were your rights violated when police searched your home or car? Did the cops handle evidence improperly? Any mistakes by police can get evidence thrown out. Without enough evidence, the case gets dismissed.
Challenge the Weight of the Drugs
The weight of the oxycodone determines the mandatory minimum sentence. But how do cops weigh it? Were the scales calibrated right? Was the oxy weighed with packaging? A few grams difference in weight can change the mandatory minimum by decades. An experienced lawyer will aggressively challenge the drug weight measurement.
Raise an Affirmative Defense
Florida has affirmative defenses that can defeat oxy trafficking charges, like having a valid prescription. A prescription for over 28 grams of oxy is rare but possible for terminal cancer patients. A skilled lawyer can put forth an affirmative defense and shift the burden to the prosecution to disprove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Negotiate a Plea Deal
If the evidence is strong, a plea bargain may be the best option. Good lawyers leverage their litigation skills to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, lower sentences, or pretrial diversion programs. Diversion programs allow first-time offenders to avoid prison if they complete drug treatment and probation.
Go to Trial
When a plea deal isn’t satisfactory, the last resort is taking the case to trial. An experienced trial lawyer can win trafficking cases by creating reasonable doubt in jurors’ minds. Even if you lose at trial, a lawyer can file appeals to get convictions overturned later.
Why You Need a Lawyer ASAP if Charged with Oxy Trafficking
If you or a loved one have been arrested for oxycodone trafficking in Fort Lauderdale, you need a lawyer immediately. Here’s why:
- Cops and prosecutors move fast. Early intervention by a lawyer can prevent damaging mistakes.
- Invoke your right to remain silent! Anything you say after arrest can be used against you.
- Expert lawyers know how to get search warrants and evidence thrown out if there were violations of your rights. But there are strict deadlines – you need to act quick.
- Oxy trafficking cases are complex. You need someone in your corner who understands these laws inside out.
- Mandatory minimum sentences are unforgiving. Even small legal wins by a lawyer – getting some charges dropped or the weight amount reduced – can make a huge difference in the sentence.
- If eligible, a skilled lawyer may get you into a diversion program instead of prison. But you have limited time to apply.
Finding the Best Oxy Trafficking Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
Not all lawyers are created equal. To beat serious oxy trafficking charges, you need someone with specific skills and experience. Here’s how to find the best oxy trafficking lawyer in Fort Lauderdale:
- Look for 10+ years of experience specifically defending drug trafficking cases. Possession and trafficking are totally different.
- Find lawyers with a proven track record of getting trafficking charges dismissed pretrial. Check their case results.
- Choose lawyers who aren’t afraid to go to trial. You want a fighter by your side.
- Ask about experience negotiating with Fort Lauderdale prosecutors. Existing relationships can help in plea bargains.
- Find someone passionate about defending the accused – don’t go with a jaded public defender just moving cases.
- Make sure they have resources to build the strongest case, like relationships with expert witnesses.
- Be wary of lawyers making unrealistic promises or pushing for a guilty plea right away.
- Ask about their specific plan of defense based on the details of your case. Avoid lawyers who give generic answers.
- Meet with a few lawyers before deciding – go with the one you feel most comfortable with.
Don’t Gamble with Your Future – Get a Lawyer Now!
Harsh mandatory minimum sentences make oxycodone trafficking convictions extremely serious. Even first-time offenders can end up in prison for decades. Don’t gamble with your future by trying to defend yourself against complex trafficking charges.
The seasoned oxycodone trafficking lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have the skills to thoroughly investigate your case, challenge the evidence, and build an aggressive defense to avoid a devastating conviction. They can help you avoid a lengthy mandatory minimum sentence – and maybe even get the charges dismissed altogether.
Don’t wait! If you or someone you care about is facing oxy trafficking charges in Fort Lauderdale, contact a lawyer immediately for a free case evaluation. The right lawyer can make all the difference. With an experienced legal fighter in your corner, you have a real shot at beating these charges and avoiding a nightmare prison sentence.