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.

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.

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.

Generally speaking, most domestic violence charges do not automatically imply incarceration. However, the specific circumstances may determine if incarceration is applicable. For example, facing aggravated assault charges in addition to domestic violence charges may lead to incarceration. 

Please note that prior convictions can lead to incarceration due to domestic violence charges. Individuals on probation may violate the terms of their probation with a domestic violence conviction.

Also, domestic violence cases involving sexual abuse charges, physical assault against a family member, or battery charges may lead to incarceration, even if it is a first offense.

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.

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.

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.