Fort Lauderdale Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Controlled substance trafficking is the most serious drug crime — and the most vigorously investigated
While the feds may have their sights set on taking down major operations and drug cartels, anybody who cultivates, manufactures, distributes or sells illegal drugs can be charged with a federal drug trafficking crime. If you are facing this situation, our Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking lawyers can help.
The terms “drug trafficking” and “drug distribution” are confusing. Drug distribution generally means that a drug is being sold, furnished or delivered. Trafficking is more complicated and has to do with both the quantity (weight) of the drugs and the movement of those controlled substances from person to person — particularly across state lines or with drug smuggling from sources abroad.
The law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating federal drug trafficking include the FBI and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and may eventually involve the Criminal Investigation unit of the IRS and U.S. Immigration Services.
The prosecution has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Did your arrest stem from wiretapping, questionable search and seizure procedures or the use of an informant with everything to gain by “snitching”? Did you really commit a federal crime or were you unwittingly involved in a trafficking scheme?
At the Fort Lauderdale law firm of Kevin J. Kulik, P.A., we are not afraid to take on the feds. When it comes to drug trafficking, Attorney Kevin Kulik knows what to expect from the full force of the U.S. government. We also know what the stakes are for our clients. In developing a drug trafficking or drug distribution defense, we focus on understanding the assistant U.S. attorney’s evidence against you and finding ways to poke holes in that evidence. With nearly 30 years of experience as a Fort Lauderdale drug crimes attorney, Kevin Kulik makes sure the jury finds plenty of reasons for reasonable doubt.
Federal drug trafficking penalties are the most severe of all drug crimes
Federal drug crime penalties are far harsher than those meted out by the state of Florida, but those for drug trafficking are the most severe. Punishment is based on several factors, including the type of drug based on the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act schedule, the quantity, the purity or mixture of the substance and whether you have been convicted before. In general, penalties include:
- Schedule I and II drugs, including LSD, heroin, cocaine, PCP, LSD, fentanyl analogue (china white), Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (lollipops, juice), Georgia Home Boy, liquid Ecstasy, Fantasy, etc.), methamphetamines and Flunitrazepam (roofie):
- First offense can range from not less than four years to life if crime resulted in a death or serious bodily injury and fines of up to $5 million
- Second offense can range from ten years to life if crime resulted in death or serious bodily injury and fines of up to $8 million
- Two or more prior offenses, life imprisonment and fine of not more than $20 million
- For marijuana of 1,000 kilograms or more or 1,000 or more marijuana plants:
- First offense: Not less than ten years or up to life in prison, not less than 20 years if crime resulted in death or serious bodily injury, and fines of up to $10 million
- Second offense: Not less than 20 years or up to life in prison if crime resulted in death or serious bodily injury and fines of up $20 million
- For marijuana of 100 to 999 kilograms or 100 to 999 marijuana plants:
- First offense: Not less than five years or more than 40 years in prison and not less than 20 years or up to life if crime resulted in death or serious bodily injury and fines of up to $5 million
- Second offense: Not less than 10 years or up to life in prison if crime resulted in death or serious bodily injury and fines of up to $8 million
In addition to these penalties, the government may confiscate any property deemed to have come from the proceeds of your drug trafficking activities, including your home, vehicles and bank accounts. If you are an immigrant, whether in the United States legally or illegally, you may be deported.
Do you need help from a Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking lawyer who has successfully represented clients facing federal drug charges in Florida?
To discuss your situation with Kevin J. Kulik, P.A., please call us at 954-761-9411 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation. If required, we can meet with you offsite or after business hours. Our Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking lawyers can help.
