Miami Cocaine Possession & Distribution Lawyer
So you got busted with some coke in Miami. It happens, no judgement here. But now you’re looking at some pretty serious charges and need a good lawyer who knows the local laws and courts inside and out. As a Miami native myself, let me break down what you’re facing and how an experienced local cocaine crimes defense attorney can help.
Possession Charges
If you got caught with any amount of cocaine on you, you can be charged with possession of a controlled substance in Florida. The charges and penalties depend on how much coke you had:
- Less than 28 grams (1 ounce) is a 3rd degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
- Between 28 grams and 200 grams is a 2nd degree felony with up to 15 years behind bars and $10,000 in fines.
- Between 200 grams and 400 grams kicks it up to a 1st degree felony with up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
- Over 400 grams puts you in major trouble with a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and up to life imprisonment plus fines up to $250,000.
They don’t mess around with coke possession here in Miami. The cops and prosecutors throw the book at offenders.
Distribution Charges
If you got busted dealing coke, you’re looking at even harsher penalties:
- Between 28 grams and 200 grams bumps you up to a 1st degree felony with up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
- Between 200 grams and 400 grams is a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and up to life imprisonment plus up to $250,000 in fines.
- Over 400 grams is also a minimum mandatory 15 year sentence up to life in prison and $250,000 in fines.
See the pattern here? The more coke you had, the more screwed you are. Miami courts and juries have zero tolerance for cocaine dealers.
Other Penalties
If convicted of coke possession or dealing, you can say goodbye to:
- Your driver’s license – automatic suspension for 1 year minimum even for a first offense.
- Student loans and grants – you lose eligibility for federal student aid with a drug conviction.
- Public housing – local housing authorities can evict you.
- Voting rights – convicted felons lose voting rights in Florida.
- Gun rights – felony drug convictions mean you can’t own firearms.
- Certain professional licenses – doctors, nurses, lawyers, etc could lose their licenses.
- Immigration status – drug convictions can get legal immigrants deported.
So a cocaine charge can ruin your life in many ways, even if you don’t serve much or any actual jail time.
Defenses a Miami Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Raise
An experienced Miami cocaine crimes defense attorney knows how to fight these charges and avoid harsh penalties. Here are some of the defenses they may use:
- Illegal search – if the police didn’t have probable cause or a warrant, evidence can be thrown out.
- Entrapment – if police coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, that’s entrapment.
- Improper testing – faulty lab procedures can invalidate drug test results.
- Mistaken identity – if cops nabbed the wrong person, a good lawyer can show it wasn’t you.
- Possession vs Trafficking – a good lawyer can often get trafficking charges reduced to simple possession.
- Coerced confession – if police intimidated you into confessing, your lawyer can fight to suppress it.
- Cross contamination – if scales/bags/vehicles were used by others, cross contamination is possible.
- Addiction – for possession charges, addiction treatment instead of jail time may be possible.
Why You Need an Experienced Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer
Don’t go it alone against the Miami legal system. Local lawyers have experience getting cocaine charges reduced or dismissed. They know the judges, prosecutors, and processes that out-of-town lawyers don’t.
A Miami criminal defense attorney can also advise you on the best options based on your specific situation. For lower level possession charges, a good lawyer may be able to get you into a pretrial diversion program to avoid conviction. For trafficking and dealing charges, they may negotiate reduced charges through plea bargaining. Or if the evidence is weak, take your case to trial for an acquittal.
Every case is different, so you need an experienced local lawyer in your corner. Don’t take chances with your future – make the smart move and call a Miami cocaine crimes defense attorney today for a free case evaluation.