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Trafficking

Tampa Drug Trafficking Attorney

Defense Attorney for Drug Trafficking Cases in Tampa, FL

A person charged with drug trafficking is ostensibly accused of selling, purchasing, manufacturing, or bringing a controlled substance into the state. In reality, however, drug trafficking charges typically mean that a person is being accused of possessing an amount of a drug that exceeds the limits of basic drug possession. While all drug crime charges should be taken seriously, drug trafficking is a particularly serious offense.

To ensure your rights are not violated and you are given the edge you need to fight for the best outcome, now is the time to involve a drug trafficking attorney in Tampa. Led by founding attorney, Jeff Paulk, The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk has the resources, experience, and know-how to aggressively defend you against serious drug crime charges. 

Contact us online or call our office at (813) 321-7323 today to request a completely free and confidential consultation.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida

Florida has some of the harshest penalties for drug trafficking in the entire country. They may vary anywhere from 3 years in prison with a fine of $25,000 to 15 years in prison and $200,000 in fines. This means that those facing these types of charges should hire an experienced Tampa drug trafficking defense lawyer who can fight to protect their future.

Florida’s Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Florida uses something known as mandatory minimums to punish drug trafficking offenses, as well as other drug-related crimes. These heavy-handed laws were designed to make an example out of drug criminals and deter others from trafficking. However, they often mean that first-time offenders face extreme sentences.

The exact penalties for drug trafficking in Florida, including mandatory minimums, depend on the type of substance, as well as the amount and other factors. Below is a brief overview of potential penalties for different types of drug trafficking charges in Florida.

Heroin:

  • 4 to 13 grams: 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
  • 14 to 28 grams: 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
  • 28 grams to 29 kilograms: 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine

Cocaine:

  • 28 to 199 grams: 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
  • 200 to 400 grams: 7 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
  • 400 grams to 149 kilograms: 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine

Marijuana:

  • 25 to 1,999 pounds or 300+ plants: 3 years in prison and a $25,000 fine
  • 2,000 or 9,999 pounds or 2,000+ plants: 7 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
  • 10,000+ pounds or 10,000+ plants: 15 years in prison and a $200,000 fine

Get Help From a Tampa Drug Trafficking Lawyer Now

Due to the stigma attached to this type of crime, prosecutors often seek the harshest possible charges and penalties. Many drug trafficking charges are felonies that can change the rest of a person’s life. Remember: the exact penalties will depend on what kind of drug was being trafficked and the amount involved, as well as how involved you allegedly were in the operation. As circumstances may vary, it is always advised that you discuss the specifics of your criminal case with a defense attorney you can trust to offer honest, sound insight.

Calling The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk means turning to a team with the dedication and skill required to defend your future. Jeff Paulk is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is always focused on getting the results that his clients need. While nothing guarantees the outcome of your case, we can be the firm that will aggressively work to protect your rights, defend your freedom, and preserve your future in the face of drug trafficking charges.

Why You Want The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk on Your Side

By law, drug trafficking is the act of selling, purchasing, manufacturing, and/or delivering illegal drugs. Trafficking can take place locally, across state lines, or internationally. Individuals charged with trafficking are not necessarily guilty of drug possession—they just have to be responsible for the alleged drug activity. 

At our firm, we believe serious criminal charges such as this require serious legal representation. With more than two decades of experience, our Tampa drug trafficking attorney has handled thousands of cases, including hundreds of jury and non-jury trials.

When so much is at stake, you can count on us to be available around the clock to fight for you. Call (813) 321-7323.

Settlements & Verdicts Thousands of Criminal Cases Handled

The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk brings real courtroom experience and tested defense strategies to every client we represent.

  • All Charges Dropped Affray
    After being involved in a fight, our client was affray. The officer who arrested our client observed him fighting with three other people on South Howard Avenue; however, the officer did not see the fight begin and arrested all of the individuals involved. Our ...
  • All Charges Dropped Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
    After our client got into a disagreement with a law enforcement officer following a parking violation, the Deputy claimed our client attempted to strike him with the vehicle. This led to our client being criminally aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. ...
  • All Charges Dismissed Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

    We took on the case and filed a motion to seek immunity under the Stand Your Ground law. The Judge agreed that our client had no reason to retreat in that situation and allowed for him to receive protection under the Stand Your Ground law. All charges were dismissed.

  • Charges Reduced Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
    Client was charged after allegedly pointing a firearm at another man during an argument and then firing the weapon into the ground. Under Florida's 10-20-Life law, he was facing a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 3 years, potentially 20 if it could be proved ...
  • No Prison Time Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
    Our client was accused of aggravated assault, shooting at an occupied vehicle, and domestic violence battery; he was facing allegations for getting into an argument with his girlfriend and then striking her vehicle with his own before shooting at it with a shotgun ...
  • Charges Reduced Attempted Murder
    Client was arrested and attempted murder for firing a rifle at another person. The police claimed that our client made racial slurs and that the bullet missed the victim by only a few feet. Because a gun was fired during the commission of this crime, client was ...

Why The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk? A Strong Defense Starts with the Right Firm

  • Exclusively Criminal Defense
    Criminal and DUI defense is all we do, allowing us to stay focused, prepared, and committed to protecting your future.
  • Thousands of Cases Handled
    With thousands of cases handled across Florida’s criminal courts, we bring proven experience and steady judgment to every case we take on.
  • Strategic & Aggressive Defense

    We combine legal knowledge, courtroom experience, and strategy to build strong defenses that challenge the prosecution at every step.

Experience You Can Count On Trusted by Thousands Across Florida

We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and fight for your future with clarity and confidence. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, contact The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk today.

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