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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Methamphetamine Trafficking Lawyer in Orlando, FL

If you’ve been accused of methamphetamine trafficking in the state of Florida, you could be facing severe consequences, including hefty fines or even life imprisonment. It’s important to know your options, and to have an experienced drug crimes defense attorney on your side. Contact Hanlon Law today to get started building your case. 


What is Drug Trafficking?


In the state of Florida, drug trafficking is defined by statute 893.135 as knowingly “selling, manufacturing, purchasing, possessing, delivering, or transporting” an illegal substance within or into the state. 


For each illegal substance, the same statute dictates a threshold quantity that must be involved for the situation to constitute trafficking, rather than a lesser charge such as possession or possession with intent to distribute. Statute 893.135 goes on to list a mandatory minimum sentence for that threshold amount, as well as other mandatory minimum sentences for amounts above the threshold, up to an amount that warrants a capital felony. 


What is Methamphetamine? 


Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant classified as a Schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II stimulants are those that have an accepted medical use under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a high potential for abuse. Currently, the accepted medical use for methamphetamine is the treatment of obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 


It is obtainable with a prescription in 5-, 10-, and 15-milligram tablets, either immediate or extended release formula, and is only legally available from one company under the brand name Desoxyn. Meth is also distributed illegally in pill, powder, and crystalline form. It can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or smoked. 


Methamphetamine users who smoke or inject the drug report a brief but intense “rush,” while those who snort or orally ingest it experience a slower-to-start but longer-lasting high. Both experiences are believed to result from elevated levels of dopamine. However, abusers will often either increase their dosage or change their administration method to alter the resultant high. 


In addition to the high, methamphetamine symptoms include heightened awareness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, and elevated heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. Higher doses can lead to dangerously high body temperature, which can be lethal in and of itself, but can also cause stroke, heart attack, and/or organ failure. Other symptoms of overdose include cardiovascular collapse and memory loss. 


Chronic methamphetamine users can experience behavioral changes, such as violent tendencies, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and even psychotic changes such as paranoia, aggression, hallucinations, and delusions. Long-term usage can also result in extreme anorexia, severe dental problems, and the degradation of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.


Pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine are commonplace ingredients in a variety of legal drugs, and all three can be used in the production of methamphetamine. As such, under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, retailers must keep any non-prescription products that contain these ingredients behind a counter or in a locked cabinet. Before processing a sale, retailers must obtain identification and notate in a logbook each purchase. However, though small operations do exist within the United States, the large majority of illegal methamphetamine comes from drug trafficking organizations that manufacture in Mexico.


Methamphetamine is known by a long list of street names: Batu, Bikers Coffee, Black Beauties, Chalk, Chicken Feed, Crank, Crystal, Glass, Go-Fast, Hiropon, Ice, Meth, Methlies Quick, Poor Man’s Cocaine, Shabu, Shards, Speed, Stove Top, Tina, Trash, Tweak, Uppers, Ventana, Vidrio, Yaba, and Yellow Bam.


What Are the Consequences for Methamphetamine Trafficking Charges? 


Methamphetamine trafficking is a first-degree felony, punishable with hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. The specific sentence depends on the quantity of meth involved. Convicted felons often also face long-term ramifications in their personal and professional lives, including difficulties securing housing, employment, education opportunities, licensure, and more. 


Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Methamphetamine Trafficking

Amount of Methamphetamine Imprisonment Fine
14 - 28 grams 3 year minimum $50,000
28 - 200 grams 7 year minimum $100,000
200 grams or more 15 calendar years minimum $250,000

In addition to these minimum sentences, anyone who knowingly manufactures or transports 400 grams or more of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or any mixture containing methamphetamine, amphetamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylacetone, or phenylacetic acid in conjunction with equipment or chemicals needed to make meth or amphetamine, knowing that the probable result of such actions will be the death of a person, may be charged with a capital felony. Capital felonies are punishable by life in prison without parole, or even the death sentence. 


Experienced Drug Crime Defense Attorneys In Orlando


Methamphetamine trafficking charges come with serious consequences, but all hope is not lost. It’s vital to secure an experienced lawyer to help you navigate your case. A competent defense attorney will ensure all your rights have been respected throughout the entirety of the process, and will argue on your behalf if any of your rights have been violated. A seasoned attorney will also be able to advocate on your behalf both in and out of the courtroom, and can walk you through the possibility of substantial assistance. 


At Hanlon Law, our team brings nearly 20 years of experience to the table. We’ll work tirelessly to help you form the best possible defense and secure the best possible outcome. Early intervention can make all the difference, so don’t wait. Contact Hanlon Law today to schedule a free consultation.

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