Drug Trafficking

At Hanlon Law we represent people in the Tampa Bay area who have been charged with trafficking in any type of controlled substance. The most important thing to understand about drug trafficking is that all trafficking charges carry a minimum mandatory sentence. As a consequence, this type of charge can have a profound effect on someone’s life. Will Hanlon has been defending people charged with crimes for over 20 years. He understands the tremendous impact these charges can have on someone’s life and what steps to take in order to create and individualized defense in your case.

All drug crimes have serious consequences but trafficking in illegal narcotics is by far the most serious type of drug crime. While trafficking often involves evidence of the sale of drugs it is not necessary for someone to be engaged in a sale in order to be convicted of drug trafficking. Drug trafficking is based on the amount and type of drug someone possesses. Pursuant to Florida law anyone convicted of trafficking must be imprisoned for at least a minimum mandatory period of time in Florida State Prison. The length of the mandatory minimum sentence will also depend on the amount and type of drug charged. For instance, someone in possession of 25 pounds of marijuana or 28 grams or more of cocaine is facing at least three years in Florida state prison. The mandatory minimum can also increase if you possess a firearm during the commission of a trafficking offense. Yes, the penalties can be very severe but that does not mean you are out of options.

While the charge is very serious and has serious ramifications it is critical to understand that many different factors determine whether someone will be convicted of drug trafficking. First, the state attorney must be able to show that law enforcement conducted a legal search of you, your car, or your home before they can proceed on a drug trafficking offense. Second, they must also be able to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that you were in possession of the drug. Even then, there are certain other factors that will determine whether someone should be convicted of a trafficking charge.

Will Hanlon has been defending his clients on drug trafficking charges for over 20 years. He understands the life altering impact these charges can have on someone. Even the worst possible factual scenario does not necessarily mean a conviction for drug trafficking. He has learned how to avoid a drug trafficking conviction and how important it is to aggressively pursue his client’s defense. Mr. Hanlon represents people throughout the Tampa Bay area. Call us at 813.228.7095 or contact us online to set up a consultation with Tampa drug trafficking lawyer Will Hanlon.