Drug Trafficking Attorney in Pensacola, Florida
In the state of Florida, drug trafficking—selling, buying, manufacturing, or transporting large amounts of illicit drugs—is illegal, and the offense is often punished severely. A person convicted of drug trafficking may face devastating penalties, including lengthy imprisonment, massive fines, a criminal record, possible deportation, as well as other life-altering consequences.
If you have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking, retaining a skilled and aggressive Florida criminal defense attorney is imperative for detailed guidance. With more than 35 years of extensive legal experience, Attorney Tom McGuire has the diligence, knowledge, and resources to guide, defend, and represent clients in their drug trafficking cases. In addition, Attorney Tom McGuire will investigate all of the facts of your case, craft an effective defense strategy to help fight your charges, and strive to dispute the accusations against you.
Panhandle Defense Firm proudly represents clients across Pensacola, Florida, and throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, including Crestview, Milton, and Fort Walton Beach.
Federal Drug Trafficking Laws
Both state and federal laws prohibit drug trafficking. However, the federal government may get involved if:
There were exceptionally large quantities of drugs involved
A federal law enforcement officer made the arrest
The defendant was arrested on federal property
Large quantities of controlled substances were moved from one state or jurisdiction to another
The drug trafficking case also involved other offenses such as money laundering, Medicaid fraud, or Medicare fraud
The drug trafficking case involves interstate or wide-scale illegal prescription schemes
An experienced criminal defense attorney can enlighten you about the nature of your drug crime allegations and determine whether you will be charged under federal or state trafficking laws.
Florida’s Drug Trafficking Laws
According to Florida drug trafficking laws, a person commits drug trafficking if he or she “knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of” a large amount of narcotics, illicit drugs, or other controlled substances.
Accomplice Liability
An accomplice can be described as a person who knowingly helps the main perpetrator to commit the crime. Under Florida law, an accomplice to a criminal offense in the state may face similar charges as the main perpetrator. Florida law states the following:
“Whoever commits any criminal offense against the state, whether felony or misdemeanor, or aids, abets, counsels, hires, or otherwise procures such offense to be committed, and such offense is committed or is attempted to be committed, is a principal in the first degree and may be charged, convicted, and punished as such, whether he or she is or is not actually or constructively present at the commission of such offense.”
If you have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking or if you were named as an accomplice to a drug trafficking offense, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your attorney can determine the nature and severity of your drug allegations and help build your best defense.
Possible Penalties
According to statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Report, there were over 1.1 million arrests for drug law violations in the United States in 2020. The punishment for a drug trafficking charge in Florida can be severe. Depending on the type and amount of the substance involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and other surrounding circumstances, a drug trafficking conviction could result in any of these penalties and consequences:
Lengthy prison sentences (ranging from months, years, or decades)
Hefty fines
A criminal record
Community service
Probation
Mandatory drug treatment classes
Increased difficulty in securing government assistance or public benefits
Increased difficulty in securing housing, employment, scholarship, or educational opportunities
Inability to possess, own, or carry firearms
Loss of the right to vote during elections
Increased difficulty traveling to other countries
Ineligibility for some financial loans
Deterioration of personal and professional relationships
Possible deportation or inadmissibility to the United States
A Florida drug trafficking defense lawyer can craft the best defense strategy to help you avoid the devastating penalties and implications of a criminal conviction.
Work With a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney
Defending your drug trafficking allegations without reliable representation could potentially expose you to the risks of getting convicted. A criminal conviction could jeopardize your quality of life, personal reputation, eligibility for public benefits, and future opportunities. When facing drug trafficking charges, you need to hire a dependable criminal defense attorney for proper guidance.
Attorney Tom McGuire has devoted his career to handling criminal cases and representing individuals accused of drug trafficking. As your legal counsel, he can evaluate every detail of your unique situation and help strategize an effective defense to fight your charges. In addition, he will help you navigate the Florida criminal justice system and make sure you get fair treatment in every phase of the legal process.
Drug Trafficking Attorney Serving Pensacola, Florida
Facing drug trafficking charges can be terrifying. Don’t face them alone. Contact Panhandle Defense Firm to schedule a simple case evaluation. Attorney Tom McGuire can offer you the aggressive representation and skilled legal guidance you need in your case. The firm is proud to serve clients across Pensacola, Florida, and throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, including Crestview, Milton, and Fort Walton Beach.