Methamphetamine Trafficking in St. Petersburg, FL
Trafficking in methamphetamine is a severe felony offense in Florida, carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences and significant fines, even for first-time offenders. Because meth is considered a highly addictive and dangerous substance, prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively.
If you or a loved one is facing meth trafficking charges in St. Petersburg or anywhere in Pinellas County, it's critical to act fast by hiring a St. Petersburg methamphetamine trafficking lawyer. At Hanlon Law, we understand what’s at stake and bring over two decades of criminal defense experience to every case. Attorney Will Hanlon will work tirelessly to protect your rights, your record, and your future.
What Is Methamphetamine Trafficking in Florida?Under Florida Statute § 893.135, a person commits trafficking in methamphetamine when they knowingly sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, or possess 14 grams or more of meth or a mixture containing meth.
You can be charged with trafficking even if you never intended to sell the drug. The law focuses solely on the weight of the substance.
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Meth TraffickingMeth trafficking is a first-degree felony in Florida and carries mandatory minimum penalties based on the weight of the drug:
- 14 to 28 grams:
- 3 years in prison
- $50,000 fine
- 28 to 200 grams:
- 7 years in prison
- $100,000 fine
- 200 grams or more:
- 15 years in prison
- $250,000 fine
These sentences are not negotiable unless your attorney can negotiate a plea deal or get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Possible Defenses to Meth TraffickingHanlon Law has extensive experience developing strong defenses in serious drug cases. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, we may pursue one or more of the following strategies:
- Illegal Search and Seizure – If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, we can challenge the admissibility of the evidence.
- Constructive Possession – If the meth wasn't found on your person, we may argue you didn’t have control or knowledge of it.
- Weight Challenges – Disputing how the substance was weighed could push the total under the trafficking threshold.
- Entrapment – If undercover agents persuaded you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, this could be a viable defense.
- Lab Testing Errors – The prosecution must prove the substance is meth through proper chemical testing.
Attorney Will Hanlon has been defending Floridians accused of drug crimes since 1994. He knows the local courts, the prosecutors, and how to build a solid case on your behalf. When your freedom is on the line, you need a criminal defense attorney who will be honest with you, fight for your best outcome, and never back down from a tough case.
Contact a St. Petersburg Methamphetamine Trafficking Lawyer TodayIf you've been arrested or are under investigation for meth trafficking in St. Petersburg, do not delay. Every moment matters when your future is on the line. Let Hanlon Law put our experience to work for you.
Call Hanlon Law today at 813-228-7095 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Attorney Will Hanlon.