Miami Oxycodone Trafficking Lawyers: A Guide for Defendants Facing Drug Charges
Getting arrested for oxycodone trafficking in Miami can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. As a defendant, you may be facing serious criminal charges that carry steep penalties like hefty fines, years in prison, and lifelong impacts on your criminal record. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced Miami oxycodone trafficking lawyer on your side to protect your rights and build the strongest possible defense.
This guide will provide an overview of oxycodone trafficking laws in Miami, potential defenses to fight the charges, and how a knowledgeable lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
An Introduction to Oxycodone and Trafficking Laws in Miami
Oxycodone is an opioid prescription painkiller that has legitimate medical uses but also a high potential for abuse and addiction. Like other controlled substances, oxycodone is carefully regulated under both federal and Florida state law. Trafficking charges involve the unauthorized manufacture, sale, purchase, or delivery of certain quantities of illegal drugs.
Under Florida statute 893.135, oxycodone trafficking occurs when a person knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into Florida:
- 4 grams or more of oxycodone or any mixture containing oxycodone.
- 14 grams or more of hydrocodone or any mixture containing hydrocodone.
- 28 grams or more of codeine or any mixture containing codeine.
Trafficking oxycodone is always a first-degree felony in Florida, carrying a minimum mandatory fine of $50,000 and a minimum prison sentence of 3 years up to life in prison, depending on the amount. Defendants with prior felony drug convictions face even harsher mandatory minimum sentences.
Miami and South Florida have seen a major uptick in oxycodone trafficking arrests and prosecutions in recent years, as the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities nationwide. With Miami being a major transportation hub and tourist destination, drug rings frequently move large quantities of pills sourced from out of state.
As a Miami oxycodone trafficking defendant, you need an attorney who understands the complex local drug laws and how to build an effective defense against these serious felony charges. An experienced trafficking lawyer can thoroughly analyze the evidence and identify any police errors, procedural violations, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you.
Fighting Oxycodone Trafficking Charges: Potential Defenses
There are a number of potential defenses that a Miami oxycodone trafficking lawyer may use to get charges reduced or dismissed. Here are some of the most common legal defenses:
Illegal search and seizure: If the police conducted an illegal search without probable cause or a warrant, any evidence found may be excluded. For example, if you were subjected to a traffic stop without valid reason or your vehicle or property was searched unlawfully.
Miranda rights violations: If the police questioned you without reading you your Miranda rights, your statements may be inadmissible. Oftentimes trafficking suspects make incriminating statements before being Mirandized.
Entrapment: You may have a defense if law enforcement coerced or induced you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have. Certain undercover oxycodone stings have faced entrapment claims.
Misidentification: Eyewitness misidentification is a common cause of wrongful arrests and convictions. If you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, the charges could be dismissed.
Lack of criminal intent: The prosecution must prove you knowingly trafficked oxycodone. You may not have known the pills contained oxycodone or that you possessed the statutory amount to qualify for trafficking charges.
Insufficient evidence: Police and prosecutors may lack enough solid evidence to meet the standard of proving guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” By closely scrutinizing their evidence and investigation, your lawyer can potentially dismantle the case.
Affirmative defenses: You may claim duress, self-defense, temporary insanity, or other affirmative defenses that legally excuse your conduct.
An experienced Miami oxycodone trafficking attorney will thoroughly investigate your arrest, aggressively challenge the prosecution’s version of events, and build a personalized defense to win dismissal or acquittal at trial.