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Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/how-serious-cannabis-trafficking-charges-can-be/
What exactly counts as cannabis trafficking? And what are the penalties if you are convicted? These are the questions you are likely to be asking yourself if you get caught up with the law on charges of cannabis trafficking. The penalties for this type of crime can be severe, so it is important to know what you are facing if you are charged with a crime like this.
In this blog post, we will look at the definition of cannabis trafficking and how it can affect you. We will also cover some of the penalties you could face if you are convicted of this crime and some available defenses.
What is Cannabis Trafficking?
Cannabis trafficking is the illegal transportation of cannabis from one location to another. It is typically done in large quantities, and there are a number of different ways to participate in the illegal cannabis trade. The most common way is to drive or fly with the intent to distribute it to others.
Cannabis trafficking includes moving the product within a state or country, as well as importing and exporting it internationally. It’s important to note that even if you’re only transporting cannabis across your own state lines, it’s still considered illegal and could result in serious consequences if you’re caught.
Growing, selling, and transporting cannabis across state lines are all forms of cannabis trafficking. If you grow more than 100 plants at a time or have more than 2,000 pounds of cannabis on your property, you could be charged with trafficking.
What are the Charges for Cannabis Trafficking?
The charges for cannabis trafficking vary depending on the amount of cannabis involved and the jurisdiction in which the offense took place. In most jurisdictions, cannabis trafficking is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment and/or significant fines.
The penalties for cannabis trafficking are typically harsher than those for other types of drug offenses, such as possession or sale of small amounts of cannabis. This is because trafficking generally involves large quantities of the drug, which are presumed to be intended for sale or distribution. Additionally, trafficking offenses often involve crossing state or international borders, which can result in more severe penalties.
If a person knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures or distributes, or brings into the state more than 25 pounds of cannabis or 300 cannabis plants, they commit a felony of the first degree. In addition:
- If the quantity of cannabis is between 25 pounds and 2,000 pounds (or 300 and 2,000 plants), the mandatory minimum sentence is three years with a $25,000 fine.
- If the quantity of cannabis is between 2,000 pounds and 10,000 pounds (or 2,000 and 10,000 plants), the mandatory minimum sentence is seven years with a $50,000 fine.
- If the quantity is over 10,000 pounds (or 10,000 plants), the mandatory minimum sentence is 15 years with a $200,000 fine.
What are Some Common Defenses to Cannabis Trafficking Charges?
If you are facing marijuana trafficking charges, you may wonder what defenses you can raise. While the specific defenses available to you will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case, some common defenses that have been raised in similar cases include the following:
1. Entrapment – This defense is based on the argument that the defendant would not have committed the crime but for the actions of law enforcement. To succeed in this defense, the defendant must show that he or she was induced or coerced by law enforcement into committing the crime.
2. Insufficient evidence – According to this defense, the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
3. Mistaken identity – In this defense, the defendant claims that he did not commit the crime. This may be due to witness misidentification or some other error.
4. Illegal search and seizure – This defense is based on the argument that law enforcement violated the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights when they conducted the search that led to the discovery of the marijuana. If the court finds that the search and seizure were illegal, then the evidence obtained as a result of that search may be suppressed, and the charges against the defendant may be dismissed.
These are just some of the possible defenses that can be raised in a marijuana trafficking case.
What to Do if You Are Arrested for Cannabis Trafficking?
If you are arrested for cannabis trafficking, you should first remain calm and request to speak with an attorney. It is important that you do not say anything to law enforcement until you have consulted with a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, making it more difficult to defend your case. Once you have an attorney, they will help you navigate the criminal justice system and aggressively defend your rights.
How Can You Beat Cannabis Trafficking Charges?
If you have been accused of cannabis trafficking, you must be aware of your rights and your choices. A competent criminal defense attorney can assist you with the right approach to the legal system and create a strong argument against the charges.
Here are five strategies that may help you beat cannabis trafficking charges:
1. Understand Your Rights
It is important to understand your rights if you face cannabis trafficking charges. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If you are arrested or questioned by law enforcement, you should exercise these rights.
2. Gather Evidence
Your attorney will work to gather evidence that may be helpful in your defense. This may include witness statements, video footage, and other evidence that can help show that you are not guilty of the charges.
3. Use Effective Defense Strategy
Your attorney will develop a strategic defense plan based on the facts of your case. This may include challenging the evidence against you or raising legal defenses to the charges.
4. Negotiate with the Prosecutor
In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges. Your attorney will work to get the best possible outcome in your case.
5. Go to Trial
If you decide to go to trial, your attorney will fight for your innocence and work to get a not-guilty verdict.
Consult With a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are arrested for cannabis trafficking, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help protect your rights and fight for justice on your behalf. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and your options for defending yourself.
Our attorneys at Hanlon Law Tampa have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against all types of criminal charges. We will review the evidence against you and develop a strong defense strategy to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. Don’t face the criminal justice system alone—let us help you protect your rights.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Hanlon Law
210 N Pierce St
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 228-7095
https://www.criminalattorneytampa.net
