Cocaine is quite possibly the most notorious and infamous drug in all of Florida, with cocaine-related money affecting a great deal of Florida’s development in history. Naturally, the state has a very low tolerance of cocaine and cocaine-related drug charges, so any Florida resident who is charged with a drug crime relating to cocaine should take their legal defense extremely seriously. Even if you are facing a first-time offense, you may still be surprised at how steep the penalties are.
Being convicted of cocaine possession is a third-degree felony in Florida, but possessing 28 grams or more is considered trafficking, which is a first-degree felony. Selling cocaine is treated as a second-degree felony, but if you are convicted of selling cocaine near a school, the penalties you face could be even more severe. Trafficking is an incredibly serious offense, and depending on the amount of cocaine you are charged in connection with, you could face a lifetime in prison.
While it is extremely important to take drug charges seriously even if you believe your innocence is clear, it is also extremely important to stand against drug charges even if you believe the evidence is insurmountably stacked against you. Until you are convicted and proven guilty, you are still considered innocent in the eyes of the law, and you have rights that you can take advantage of.
If you have been charged with a drug crime, whether the evidence against you is minimal or extreme, it is in your best interests to meet with an attorney. A legal professional can help you build a strong defense or have your charges reduced, and the risk of not consulting with an attorney could be years in jail and tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
