Criminal Defense ∙ Large Quantities of Cocaine
Facing cocaine charges at the state or federal level is a scary event. The penalties can be severe, changing your life forever if you are convicted. Generally, the sentences for cocaine possession increases as the quantity increases. For this reason, it is especially important to work with an experienced team of criminal law attorneys if you have been charged with a drug crime involving large quantities of cocaine. It is highly unlikely that you will get another chance to defend against these charges.
Our Orlando cocaine possession attorneys bring more than 30 years of criminal defense experience to bear on every case we handle. The Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, P.A. is prepared to handle your large quantity cocaine defense.
State Cocaine Trafficking Sentences
Possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine results in cocaine trafficking charges in Florida. The actual penalties for trafficking vary depending on the exact quantity possessed, ranging from a mandatory minimum 3-year incarceration and a $50,000 fine for 28 grams of cocaine to $250,000 in fines and mandatory life imprisonment for 150 kg of cocaine or more.
Federal Cocaine Possession With Intent to Distribute Sentences
Possession with intent to deliver 28 to 279 grams carries a mandatory 5-year incarceration and $5,000,000 fine. If convicted of possession with intent to deliver 500 to 4,999 grams, a federal cocaine conviction could result in up to life imprisonment and $20,000,000 in fines.
Crack Cocaine
If regular, powder cocaine sentences are harsh, the crack cocaine sentences are Draconian. The disparity in the legal treatment of powder cocaine and crack cocaine is tremendous. For many years, the federal sentencing rule was 100:1. Someone convicted of one ounce of crack would receive a penalty 100 times more severe than the penalty received by someone convicted of possessing one ounce of powder cocaine.
In 2010, the federal government amended this law to be an 18:1 ratio. Although this is a move in the right direction, the disparity is still extraordinary, in both federal and Florida state laws. If you are facing charges involving crack cocaine, there is an even greater urgency to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Florida Cocaine Trafficking Defense Attorney ∙ 866-784-0023
If you have been charged with a crime involving large quantities of cocaine, call our Orlando law firm office or contact us online to speak with a lawyer from our firm.
Bold labels are required.
