fbpx

Cocaine drug in resealable bagThe federal crime of cocaine trafficking can be difficult to navigate. There are several elements that go into what constitutes a federal cocaine trafficking crime, the possible punishments and defense strategies. If you need help for yourself or a loved one, you’re in the right place. 

It’s important to understand all of these elements if you find yourself on the wrong end of a federal drug trafficking charge in South Florida. Keep reading to understand what to do if you are under investigation, or were arrested and charged, or generally seeking help regarding a federal cocaine trafficking charge. 

What is a Federal Cocaine Trafficking Crime? 

Federal cocaine trafficking is the crime related to intentionally or knowingly distributing, or transporting cocaine across state lines.  

Due to larger quantities of cocaine being a requirement for this federal law, federal cocaine trafficking is a very serious charge, bringing with it several penalties and consequences such as a minimum of 5 or 10 years in federal prison.

Federal cocaine trafficking is captured by a Federal Law as it being illegal:

  • to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or
  • to create, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to distribute or dispense, a counterfeit substance.

The federal statute makes a clear separation between controlled, and counterfeit substances, penalizing them differently and holding different legal amounts based on the two. 

For controlled substances, such as cocaine, the legal amounts are as follows: 5 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of:

  • coca leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed;
  • cocaine, its salts, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers;
  • ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers; or
  • any compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of any of the substances

For counterfeit substances, which could possible include cocaine as well, the legal amounts are as follows:  500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of:

  1. coca leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed;
  2. cocaine, its salts, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers;
  3. ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers; or
  4. any compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of any of the substances

The statute further goes on to describe penalties of cocaine trafficking, which will be further discussed next.

Hand of woman buying cocaineCONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL COCAINE TRAFFICKING CRIMES

When discussing punishments for cocaine trafficking in South Florida, it is also important to separate the crime based on whether it is a controlled substance or a counterfeit version of cocaine. 

Controlled Substances: Cocaine penalties

For controlled substances, the lower end of punishments include: 

  • A 10-year minimum federal prison sentence 
  • A maximum fine of up to $10,000,000 or more if the person convicted was part of a group 

The higher end of punishments is much more severe:

  • If bodily harm was a result of the cocaine trafficking crime, you’re looking at a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. 
  • If the crime was committed by more than just one individual, the maximum fine is increased to up to $50,000,000 for the group of people involved.

Counterfeit Substances: Cocaine penalties

For counterfeit substances, the punishments are described slightly differently. 

The lower end of punishments include:

  • A 5-year minimum federal prison sentence
  • A minimum $5,000,000 fine 

The higher end of punishments include:

  • A maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.
  • A maximum sentence of life in prison if bodily injury or death occurs as a result of the crime.
  • If more than one individual committed the cocaine trafficking crime, the maximum fine is increased to $25,000,000

FEDERAL COCAINE TRAFFICKING  CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN FORT LAUDERDALE

At Rossen Law Firm, we have experienced federal criminal defense attorneys that have experience in federal cocaine trafficking cases. Our team of attorneys will fight to get you the best results possible regarding your case. 

We will help you understand the charges you are facing, provide all the information regarding court dates and legal paperwork, and will fight to defend your rights and protect your future. 

Federal Cocaine Trafficking Defense Strategies 

A motion to suppress

A motion to suppress is common in cases such as Federal drug crimes. Essentially, the defense attorney alleges that evidence was found unlawfully or that there was no probable cause to conduct a search at the time of the arrest. If the evidence was found illegally, that evidence can be suppressed – which means it can’t be used against you. If the motion to suppress is successful, that alone could be enough to make it impossible for the prosecution to convict you.   

​​​Unknowingly committed the crime

An experienced lawyer can assert that the defendant in the federal drug trafficking case had no knowledge that they possessed this type of drug, or perhaps they had no knowledge of the amount they possessed. 

Free Federal Cocaine Trafficking Defense Consultation in South Florida  

We handle all types of Federal Cocaine and Drug Trafficking charges in Fort Lauderdale. We know how to protect your rights and provide you with a personalized and aggressive defense to your federal charges.

Whether you are facing controlled substances charges or the less serious counterfeit substances charges, we have your back and we will fight for you to receive the best possible outcome with your case.

We offer FREE strategy sessions so you know how we’ll work to get the best possible result on your case for you. Reach out today to learn more about what we can do for you.

HOW WE WIN FEDERAL & CRIMINAL CASES

  • Rossen Law Firm helped a man avoid minimum prison time for a Federal Child Porn possession charge in South Florida. 
  • Rossen Law Firm gets Credit Card fraud case dropped in Boca Raton, Florida.
  • A Mother & Son’s Insurance Fraud Charges Dropped in Fort Lauderdale. 
Get Your Free Download Instantly
The Client All Agree Rossen Law Firms’s 5- Stars Rated Attorneys
Instant Download
7 Reglas Que Necesitas Saber Para Sobrevivir A Un DUI en Florida
EN ESTE REPORTE GRATIS DESCUBRIRAS EL ERROR #1 AL HACER LA PRUEBA DE SOBRIEDAD, LA VERDADERA RAZÓN PORQUE LA POLICÍA QUIERE ARRESTARTE Y MUCHO MÁS…
Instant Download
7 Rules You Need to Know to Survive a Florida DUI
IN THIS FREE REPORT YOU’LL DISCOVER: THE #1 MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE ON THE FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS THE REAL REASON THE POLICE ARE DYING TO ARREST YOU… AND WAY MORE…
Instant Download
Florida Domestic Violence
HOW WHAT HAPPENS IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT CAN HAVE TERRIBLE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED
Instant Download
Federal Cocaine Trafficking Charges in South Florida
What to Expect at Your Free Initial Strategy Session with Rossen Law Firm
STEP1
We Listen to Your Story
STEP2
We Educate You
STEP3
We Create a Unique Defense Strategy
Schedule Your
Free Strategy Session


    750+ Reviews On
    Google Reviews
    kevin tabronkevin tabron
    00:07 08 Sep 22
    In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!
    Jason HigleyJason Higley
    15:24 26 Aug 22
    I had an unfortunate situation with a family member that lead to my arrest and being charged with DV Battery. This was the first time I had ever been arrested so I was very nervous and afraid of what was going to happen to me. After talking with Adam I decided to retain him and let me tell you this was the BEST decision I could have ever made. Adam made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything will turn out the best in my favor. He is professional, ethical and supportive. He was always available too answer any questions or concerns.Not to mention, his team at the office is awesome they are so friendly and welcoming. Anytime I had a question when I called the office they were able to guide me in the rightdirection. They always were in contact with me with any information or updates regarding my case. Adams team is GREAT!Adam delivered, my case was DISMISSED. So if you want an attorney the is gonna fight for you and get the job done retain the BEST there is Adam Rossen!!!
    Felix I HFelix I H
    13:27 28 Jul 22
    Adam Rossen and the team at Rossen Law took great care in handling my case. They are very professional, and get the job done. I was particular relieved to see just how much empathy they showed with me, and how effortless it was to be their client.I literally visited them twice. My initial consultation, and then to pickup the final docs. I have nothing but great things to say about these folks, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys.
    Terry ChristopherTerry Christopher
    12:32 09 May 22
    I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.
    Ketiana ProvinceKetiana Province
    20:27 23 Mar 22
    My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.
    js_loader
    super-lawyers-2021
    500
    national-trial-lawyers
    national-association-distinguished-counsel
    florida-trends-legal-elite
    american-institute-criminal-law-attorneys
    rated-by-super-lawyers
    avvo-rating-superb-criminal
    avvo-rating-superb-dui
    av-preeminent
    av-preeminent-2017
    superior-dui-attorney
    american-assoc-attorneys
    rising-stars-serra-jovenich
    super-lawyers-rising-stars
    Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
    DUI Charge Dismissed
    Federal Child Porn Possession
    Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
    Attempted Murder
    Charges Dismissed
    How We Win
    Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
    DUI Charge Dismissed
    Federal Child Porn Possession
    Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
    Attempted Murder
    Charges Dismissed
    Cases We Handle
    • Drug Crimes
      Property Crimes
      Robbery
      Weapons Crimes
      Drunkenness, Loitering, and Prowling
      Obstruction of Justice
      Personal Liberty Crimes
      And much more
    See All Practice Areas
    Get Help Now
    Take a moment to fill out the form on this page to get in touch with us, and we will get back to you shortly.