Methamphetamine Trafficking Defense Lawyer in St. Petersburg

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth or molly, is a highly addictive drug, and its usage is on the rise in the United States. Not surprisingly, incidents of meth labs significantly increased in the South, including Florida, from 2007 to 2009. Law enforcement is hyper aware of this trend in drug trafficking, and agencies throughout the country are cracking down on incidents of methamphetamine trafficking.

It is important to remember that trafficking in methamphetamine is a felony offense, and as such, an arrest for methamphetamine trafficking in Pinellas County or the surrounding area deserves the services of a qualified St. Petersburg drug crime defense lawyer. The charges can carry severe and life-altering consequences. It is critical you have a solid defense against the charges.

St. Petersburg Methamphetamine Trafficking Defense Attorney

Florida statutes provide a specific amount to count as evidence of trafficking, so you can be charged with a high-degree felony methamphetamine trafficking offense even if the drug was for personal use. This type of felony charge is not to be trifled with, and experienced St. Petersburg trafficking defense lawyer Melinda Morris of Morris Law Firm, P.A. in understands that.

With years of experience on both sides of the courtroom, Melinda Morris knows what it takes to protect your rights, all while skillfully fighting for a favorable outcome in your drug offense case. Morris Law Firm, P.A. represents clients in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Largo, High Point, Seminole, Belleair, Bradenton and the surrounding areas. 

Call (727) 592-5885 for a free consultation today.

Information About Methamphetamine Trafficking

• What is Methamphetamine Trafficking?
• Penalties for Trafficking in Meth in Florida
• Capital Manufacture or Importation of Methamphetamine

What is Methamphetamine Trafficking?

According to § 893.03(2)(c)4 of the Florida Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, methamphetamine, which also is known as “meth” or “molly,” along with any of its salts, isomers, optical isomers, salts of its isomers and salts of its optical isomers, is considered a Schedule II controlled substance. Under Florida law, a Schedule II controlled substance is illegal except for certain specific and severely restricted medical uses.

Without the appropriate legal licensing for transporting methamphetamine in relation to these restricted medical uses, it is, therefore, illegal under Florida Statute Annotated § 893.135 to knowingly sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, bring into Florida or be in actual or constructive possession of 14 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The purpose of the methamphetamine is not a factor in trafficking cases. For example, if you are found in actual physical control, as in having it on your person, of 14 grams or more of meth, you can be charged with trafficking in methamphetamine rather than possession even if it is for personal use.

Additionally, a person could be charged with methamphetamine trafficking if he or she has the knowledge that the substance is meth, as well as the ability and the intent to take actual possession of it, which is known as constructive possession. In this case, the amount would have to 14 grams or more, no matter how the person intended to use it.

Penalties for Trafficking in Meth in Florida

Trafficking in methamphetamine in Florida is a first-degree felony. Generally, a first-degree felony comes with up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. However, Florida Statute Annotated § 893.135 specifically assigns more punitive fine amounts and mandatory minimum prison sentences according to the amount of meth found.

A methamphetamine trafficking conviction in Florida could come with the following penalties:

• Trafficking 14 grams up to 28 grams of meth — $50,000 fine and 3 years in prison
• Trafficking 28 grams up to 200 grams of meth — $100,000 fine and 7 years in prison
• Trafficking 200 grams or more of meth — $250,000 fine and 15 years in prison

Florida also imposes other sanctions on felons, such as a two-year driver’s license suspension, a lifelong ban from possessing firearms, a ban from voting, the loss of certain educational and professional opportunities and the ineligibility for certain government assistance, among others.

In addition, there is the everyday stigma of being a convicted felon to consider. This could affect your ability to apply for housing or even certain types of employment. To best protect your rights and your future, consider the services of an experienced St. Petersburg drug trafficking defense lawyer for your Florida methamphetamine trafficking charge.

Capital Manufacture or Importation of Methamphetamine

There are certain statutory factors that can make a methamphetamine trafficking charge a capital felony offense if they are found to exist. If you knowingly manufacture or transport into the state 400 grams or more of methamphetamine, in conjunction with other chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, and know that the probable result of such manufacture or transportation of meth would be the death of any person, you have committed a capital felony.

A capital felony for the manufacture or importation of methamphetamine is punishable by a $250,000 fine and life in prison without parole. If enough aggravating circumstances are found, this capital meth trafficking offense may be punishable by death. An experienced drug trafficking defense attorney serving the Pinellas County area can fight to preserve your rights under any and all circumstances surrounding your Florida methamphetamine trafficking charge.

Finding A Pinellas County Methamphetamine Trafficking Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested and charged with methamphetamine trafficking in Pinellas County, Manatee County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County or Sarasota County, contact experienced drug defense lawyer Melinda Morris of Morris Law Firm, P.A. in St. Petersburg. She will begin working with you immediately on a customized, comprehensive defense strategy that keeps your rights, your future, and your freedom in mind. 

Call (727) 592-5885 for a free consultation.