🚚 Can You Be Charged With Drug Trafficking Just for Transporting Drugs in Florida?
If you’ve been caught with a large amount of drugs in Florida, you might assume you’re facing a possession charge. But under Florida law, you can be charged with drug trafficking—even if you weren’t selling or distributing the drugs.
This often shocks people, especially those who intended the drugs for personal use or were simply moving them from one place to another.
⚖️ Florida’s Drug Trafficking Law Is Based on Weight—Not Intent
In many states, trafficking charges depend on whether you intended to sell drugs. In Florida, however, drug trafficking is defined primarily by quantity.
According to Florida Statute § 893.135, if you possess more than a specific threshold amount of a controlled substance, you can be charged with trafficking, regardless of:
- Intent to sell
- Whether you were paid to transport it
- Whether the drugs were solely for personal use
📦 Example:
- Possessing more than 25 pills of oxycodone (or 7 grams) can trigger a trafficking charge—even if you have no prescription or sales activity.
- Trafficking thresholds vary by drug type (cocaine, meth, heroin, cannabis, etc.)
📌 Related: 👉 Florida Drug Trafficking Minimum Sentences
🔫 What Is Armed Drug Trafficking?
If you’re found with a firearm while in possession of trafficking-level quantities of drugs, prosecutors may charge you with armed trafficking.
This can result in:
- A mandatory minimum sentence (ranging from 7 to 25 years or more)
- A life sentence, depending on the drug and quantity
- Federal charges, in addition to state prosecution
Armed trafficking is one of the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Florida’s drug laws—and one of the most serious.
🛑 Don’t Face a Trafficking Charge Alone
Drug trafficking is not just another possession charge. A conviction can:
- Lead to decades in prison
- Trigger federal drug enhancements
- Result in asset forfeiture, immigration consequences, or permanent record damage
📞 Call a Fort Lauderdale Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer
At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients throughout Broward County and South Florida facing serious drug charges—including those accused of trafficking or transportation without sales intent.
We will investigate:
- Whether your traffic stop or search was legal
- Whether you actually had knowledge or control of the drugs
- Whether the weight was measured accurately
- Whether charges can be reduced to possession or dismissed
📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a free consultation now to protect your rights and your future.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions: Money Laundering Crimes in Florida
What qualifies as money laundering under Florida law?
Money laundering involves taking money obtained through illegal activity—such as drug trafficking or fraud—and disguising its origin to make it appear legitimate. This includes moving money through banks, businesses, or digital platforms to “clean” it.
What are common methods used in money laundering crimes?
People commonly use techniques like:
- Structuring (or “smurfing”) to avoid detection with small deposits
- Purchasing real estate with illicit funds
- Creating shell companies to hide true ownership
- Using cryptocurrency to move funds anonymously across borders
Can you go to jail for money laundering in Florida?
Yes. Money laundering is a serious federal and state offense. Convictions often result in:
- Prison time (up to 20 years per count)
- Heavy fines (up to $500,000 or more)
- Asset forfeiture
- Long-term damage to your reputation
What are red flags that a transaction may involve money laundering?
Red flags include:
- Large or frequent cash deposits without business explanation
- Quick resale of property or luxury goods
- Transfers to and from shell companies or foreign entities
- Use of cryptocurrency in untraceable exchanges
What should I do if I’ve been accused of money laundering?
Contact a qualified money laundering defense attorney immediately. Do not speak to investigators without legal counsel. A lawyer can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and begin building a defense strategy.
