Cocaine Crimes

Lawyers in Jacksonville Fighting For Your Rights

In Florida, crimes involving cocaine are subject to harsh penalties, including jail time and hefty fines. If you are facing charges for cocaine possession, trafficking, or other cocaine crimes, a Jacksonville cocaine crime attorney can represent you against the prosecution. At Ellis and Bryant, our lawyers can defend people charged with cocaine offenses and other felonies. We can guide you through the proceedings and work aggressively to help you fight a cocaine crime conviction.

Overview of Florida Cocaine Crimes

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in Florida. Some of the most commonly charged cocaine offenses in Florida are cocaine possession, the sale, manufacture, or delivery of cocaine, and cocaine trafficking. These offenses are outlined below and may be explained in detail by a lawyer in Jacksonville.

Possession of Cocaine

Unlawful possession of cocaine, or any other controlled substance, is a crime in Florida. To get a conviction, the state must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed a controlled substance, and that the substance was cocaine. Under Florida law, possession may be actual or constructive. Consequently, a person may be considered in possession of cocaine that is carried in their pocket, car, or in a completely separate location that they have control over, such as a storage locker. Possession of less than 28 grams of cocaine is a typically a third degree felony offense. The penalties imposed for a conviction depend on several factors. In general, a defendant may face a maximum fine of $5,000, a prison sentence or probation of up to five years, and suspension of their drivers license. If you are in Jacksonville, contact a cocaine crime lawyer to learn more about your rights.

Sale, Manufacture, or Delivery of Cocaine

In Florida, selling, manufacturing, or delivering any amount of cocaine is a felony offense. Possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver it is just as serious a crime. If the amount of cocaine involved is less than 28 grams, the offense is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. The defendant may face enhanced penalties if the offense involved delivery of cocaine to a minor, or the defendant used or hired a minor to sell or deliver the cocaine. A cocaine crimes attorney in Jacksonville can explain that it is also a felony crime to own, lease, or rent any place or structure with knowledge that it will be used for the sale, manufacture, or trafficking of cocaine.

Cocaine Trafficking

Possessing, selling, manufacturing, or delivering a large amount of any controlled substance is considered trafficking in Florida. A person may be charged with cocaine trafficking for possessing, selling, manufacturing, or delivering 28 grams or more of cocaine or any mixture containing cocaine. It is important to note that the amount of cocaine is determined by the weight of the entire mixture, without regard to the percentage of undiluted cocaine.

Cocaine trafficking is a first-degree felony offense, subject to mandatory minimum sentencing laws in Florida. If convicted of trafficking between 28 and 200 grams of cocaine, you will face a prison sentence of three years or more and a fine of $50,000. If the quantity of cocaine is between 200 and 400 grams, the mandatory minimum prison term is seven years, plus a fine of $100,000. Trafficking over 150 kilograms of cocaine is punishable by life imprisonment, and may be a capital felony offense if the defendant killed, ordered, or caused the death of another person.

Contact a Jacksonville cocaine crime Lawyer for Legal Advice

If you have been arrested for a cocaine crime, such as possession, or other drug charge, an experienced lawyer in Jacksonville can assist you. At Ellis and Bryant, our skilled attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of defendants. We can provide representation and guidance to people facing cocaine charges in Middleburg, Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park, and many other areas of Clay and Duval Counties. Arrange a free consultation with a one of our lawyers by calling (904) 551-4120 or contacting Ellis and Bryant online.