More Fentanyl Cases Are Being Prosecuted
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It has a high potency and is highly addictive. Developed as a medication for pain relief, the drug’s intensity is 100x that of morphine, itself an addictive substance. While fentanyl can be used medically in healthcare environments to help cancer patients cope with pain, it has also become a very dangerous street drug.
Using strong medical drugs recreationally can devastate an individual’s health and lead to criminal charges. Some illicitly use fentanyl with other drugs, such as mixing it with cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines to increase potency. Fentanyl and fentanyl-laced drug charges have escalated in an effort to curb the nationwide opioid epidemic. If you have questions about a Tampa area drug charge, speak to a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer.
Distribution and Trafficking Charges
If a substantial amount of fentanyl or other illicit substance is found on you, it is possible you will be facing a distribution or trafficking charge. In the state of Florida, a drug trafficking accusation means you are being charged with manufacturing, purchasing, delivering, or selling the drug intentionally. There are minimum amounts of narcotics that would lead to a drug trafficking charge, including the following:
- Four or more grams of fentanyl
- 28 or more grams of cocaine
- Four or more grams of opium
Naturally, when the amounts of the narcotics increase beyond the minimum to face charges, the consequences increase as well.
Law enforcement and Florida prosecutors are committed to being more aggressive on fentanyl abuse and holding individuals who have committed fentanyl-related crimes responsible for their actions in order to protect the public from dangerous, potentially fatal, street drugs. People buying street drugs may not even know they are purchasing something laced with fentanyl, and overdoses, including fatal overdoses, have risen around the US in recent years as a result.
After an Arrest, Get In Touch With a Defense Attorney
Florida has stiff penalties for drug crimes, it is essential you take charges seriously when you are arrested for a drug-related offense. Connecting with a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer early in the process could result in you having more options than you would have if you delayed making the call. An attorney can begin building a strong criminal defense right away, and they can advise you on how to shield yourself from having your words used against you at a later date. Narcotics and opioid cases differ from other drug charges, be sure you speak to a lawyer who has secured successful outcomes for past clients in cases similar to your own.
Do you have questions about drug possession or fentanyl charges in the state of Florida? If you or someone you care about is facing a narcotic charge, you need to get in touch with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling drug cases, particularly prescription drug charges. Then, your attorney can investigate your situation and inform you of your options. When you speak to the King Law Group, you will learn about next steps to protect your rights following a Florida arrest. Schedule your free consultation today.
