Drug Trafficking

The St. Petersburg drug trafficking attorneys at Blake & Dorsten, P.A. represent people throughout the region who have been charged with serious crimes. Trafficking charges are complex cases that require a sophisticated defense. Our drug crime lawyers are former prosecutors who understand how judges and juries approach these cases and who know how to build compelling arguments for the defendants who come to us for representation. We are committed to advocating for clients throughout the criminal justice process with the tenacity and dedication that they deserve.

Drug trafficking refers generally to the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of controlled substances. This type of crime is punishable under federal and state laws, and it often comes with the risk of steep fines and long stretches of time behind bars. The penalties vary based on the type and quantity of the drug involved. A person who is convicted in Florida of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it, for example, will have a second-degree felony on their record. They may be facing up to 15 years in jail and as much as $10,000 in fines.

The good news for a person charged with trafficking is that state and federal laws provide a number of potential defenses, depending on the circumstances. Search and seizure rules, which set the framework for situations in which police officers may stop and search suspects or go looking for evidence in a person’s car or home, are one important tool. Generally, a police officer must have a reasonable suspicion to believe that you are committing or were recently involved in a crime to pull over your car. The same is true of stopping and questioning you on the street. An officer may pat you down only if they reasonably believe that it is necessary for safety reasons.

The legal standard is higher when police want to enter and search a home without a warrant. In these situations, an officer must have probable cause to believe that there is evidence of a crime inside. There are a variety of exceptions to this rule. They include situations in which evidence or contraband is likely to be destroyed if the police do not get it immediately or situations in which the police are in “hot pursuit” of a suspect. However, any evidence obtained without a warrant supported by probable cause or in a situation that forms an exception to the rule must be excluded from court in the case against you.

At Blake & Dorsten, P.A., we have valuable insights based on our previous experience as prosecutors. We understand the legal issues that often come up in drug trafficking cases, and we know how to build comprehensive defenses that are tailored to the needs and circumstances of each client. Our St. Petersburg drug trafficking lawyers can fight to have a charge dropped or negotiate a plea deal that limits its consequences so that you can move on with your life. If you or a loved one has been charged with drug trafficking under Florida or federal laws, we are ready to help. Our offices are located in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, and we also serve people in Tampa, Sarasota, Brandon, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bradenton, as well as other areas of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and Lee Counties. Call us at 727-286-6141 or contact us online to schedule a free appointment to discuss your case. We are also available if you need a DUI attorney or assistance in facing prosecution for theft offenses, violent crimes, weapons violations, sex crimes, or other charges.