Miami Drug Trafficking Attorney
Drug Trafficking Charges Are Best Handled by an Experienced Team
Federal investigators and prosecutors aggressively pursue those suspected of drug trafficking or any violations of federal drug laws. Prosecutors often seek maximum penalties, which can mean decades or even life in federal prison, along with fines totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. You could also face property seizure during a federal drug trafficking investigation or after a conviction.
If you discovered that you are the subject of a drug trafficking investigation, or authorities have already taken you into custody or served a search warrant, you need an attorney who will defend your constitutional rights. Beckham Law Firm may be able to help. Our seasoned Miami drug trafficking lawyers have more than 35 years of combined legal experience and work together to develop defense strategies that prioritize our clients’ best interests.
You need to move fast to protect your rights. For a free consultation with our drug trafficking lawyer in Miami, call (786) 244-8010 or online.
What Constitutes Drug Trafficking in Florida
Drug trafficking refers to the illegal cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, or sale of controlled substances. State and federal laws prohibit these activities, and authorities often charge cases at a federal level when state lines or national borders are crossed, or when large quantities of drugs are involved.
The severity of charges and penalties for drug trafficking depends on the type and amount of drugs involved. A first offense for drug trafficking involving any of the following can result in 5 to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million for an individual or $25 million for an organization or group:
- Cocaine (100 to 4,999 grams)
- Cocaine base (28 to 279 grams)
- Fentanyl (40 to 399 grams)
- Heroin (100 to 999 grams)
- LSD (1 to 9 grams)
- Methamphetamine, pure (5 to 49 grams)
- Methamphetamine, mixture (50 to 499 grams)
- PCP, pure (10 to 99 grams)
- PCP, mixture (100 to 999 grams)
A second offense for these substances carries penalties of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $8 million for an individual or $50 million for an organization or group.
Florida law imposes additional state-level penalties that can run consecutively to federal sentences, depending on the facts of the case. Mandatory minimum sentences apply under Florida Statute 893.135, and sentences often reflect a combination of federal and state guidelines.
With courts located in the heart of Miami-Dade County, those facing charges may encounter different sentencing outcomes compared to other regions due to local court trends and prosecutor priorities. Consulting a Miami drug trafficking attorney helps you understand the unique sentencing environment and identify possible options based on the specific facts of your case.
VICTORY BEGINS WITH Beckham Law Firm
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Aggravated Assault w/ Deadly Weapon, Domestic Violence, and Child Abuse – Case DismissedAt 4:28 PM, officer was dispatched in reference to a domestic disturbance between a father and son. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with the Defendant who stated he had a physical altercation with his father. The Defendant stated that he arrived to the residency where he lives with his mother and father; and then a verbal argument ensued with his father which led them to confronting each other in the backyard of the residence. The Defendant also states that his father struck him on the right side of his face causing a litigation to his right eyebrow. The officer observed a strong odor of alcohol from the Defendant. The victim stated the Defendant arrived to the residence in a bad mood and began to argue with his mother at which time the victim intervened. The victim also states that the Defendant repeatedly struck him while they were on the ground. The mother of the Defendant then confirmed this. The Defendant was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence strangulation, and child abuse.
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Felony Drug Possession – Case DismissedAt 3:47 AM, law enforcement officer observed the Defendant sitting on the bus stop past curfew. The officer conducted a subject check to find the reasons the Defendant was stationary at the location. The Defendant stated that he was playing a game that required him to be seated. The officer then conducted a pat down and a sharp pointy object was discovered in the Defendant’s left pocket. The Defendant identified the oil as liquid marijuana inside of the pen. The Defendant was then arrested as during curfew period no person shall make use of any streets or sidewalk for any purpose expect active duty, police, fire-rescue first responder, medical health care and utility repair person as well as those returning to their home from work of employment. Defendant charged with felony drug possession.
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Battery on a Elderly Person – Case DismissedAt 5:59 PM, law enforcement was dispatched in reference to domestic battery between husband, wife and daughter. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with victim 1 who was in distress and crying. Victim 1 stated that the Defendant became upset while at home and that the Defendant started to break things around the house then pulled her hair while he would break her face to put up a right fist. Victim 1 stated that she has been living in fear since she married the Defendant. Victim 1 also stated that he has become verbally and physically violent multiple times in the past but never wanted to call the police until today that he pulled her daughter’s hair. The officer then approached the Defendant and charged him with Battery on an Elderly Person.
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Strong Arm Robbery – Case DismissedAt 11:44 PM, law enforcement was called to respond to a possible suspect of robbery and battery. The Defendant had been observed by the victim earlier this day as the Defendant approached the victim while she was eating and having drinks with some friends. The Defendant told the victim she needed to leave the location and if not he would take her phone. The victim then told the Defendant she will not leave the place and he became enraged. The Defendant stroke the victim with a closed right fist in the face and grabbed the victim’s wallet and took without permission $200. The victim contacted the SweetWater Police department and advised them of the Defendants location and that the Defendants vehicle that was parked at the rear of the location where the Defendant was found. At a safe distance, the victim was able to positively I.D. The Defendant was then arrested and transported to TGK, charged with strong arm robbery.
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Domestic Violence Strangulation – Case DismissedAt 4:38 PM law enforcement began to investigate, both the Defendant and Victim 1. The Defendant was taken into custody and taken into interview room for further questioning. The Defendant admitted that he and victim 1 were involved in a verbal dispute but denied that the incident ever became physical. The Defendant and the victims were inside the Defendants vehicle when the argument occurred. Victim 1 explained that the argument escalated when the Defendant slapped her on the left side of her face and moments later on twice on her left thigh. Upon arrival at their home, the Defendant grabbed victim 1 by her hair and shoved her on the bed and mounted her as she now laid next to victim 2. The Defendant then took a black semi-automatic handgun from his waist and stated aloud “Do you want to die today!” Victim 2 began to cry and Victim 1 fled the residence with their child. Victim 1 during the investigation disclosed the Defendant had battered her in the past and provided photographs of the three other events. The Defendant denied this accusations and advised that he was unaware she was injured on those dates. The Defendant was arrested and charged with domestic violence strangulation.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Trafficking Conviction in Florida
A conviction for Drug Trafficking carries the most severe penalties in the Florida criminal justice system, jeopardizing every aspect of your future.
Direct Criminal Penalties
- Mandatory Prison: Sentences ranging from a minimum of 3 years to 25 years, or even life imprisonment, depending on the substance and weight.
- Massive Fines: Statutory fines ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 or more.
- Forfeiture: The State often initiates Asset Forfeiture proceedings against any cash, vehicles, homes, or property believed to be related to the offense.
Collateral Consequences
Drug trafficking charges carry consequences that reach far beyond jail time or fines. If convicted, you could face asset forfeiture, loss of voting rights, challenges finding employment, and long-term difficulty securing housing. In Miami, people with felony drug convictions may also lose access to certain public benefits or professional licenses, making reintegration more difficult.
For immigrants, even lawful permanent residents, a conviction may lead to removal proceedings or prevent future citizenship. Since Miami has a large immigrant community, drug trafficking cases often trigger a host of collateral issues. Understanding these risks allows you to plan, discuss options with your attorney, and avoid unwanted surprises if the case does not go your way.
What Happens After a Drug Trafficking Arrest in Miami
A drug trafficking arrest in Miami triggers a fast-moving legal process with strict deadlines and serious consequences. From the initial booking to the filing of formal charges, each stage requires quick and informed action. Understanding what happens next can help you protect your rights and make better decisions early in your case.
- Initial Appearance: After booking, you typically appear before a judge at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, where bail and release conditions are determined.
- Filing of Charges: Within days, prosecutors formally charge you and begin collecting evidence; in some cases, they may seek pretrial detention.
- Federal Involvement: If federal agencies are involved, the case may move to the Southern District of Florida federal courthouse, where procedures and penalties are more severe.
- Pretrial Motions: Your defense attorney can file motions to challenge evidence, suppress statements, or contest improper police procedures.
- Court Proceedings: The case progresses through arraignment, discovery, plea negotiations, or trial, depending on strategy and developments.
- Communication with Counsel: Staying in close contact with your attorney ensures you understand court dates, legal options, and potential outcomes.
- Strategic Preparation: Experienced Miami defense lawyers use knowledge of local judges, prosecutors, and court practices to anticipate challenges and protect your future.
Common Defenses & Legal Options for Drug Trafficking Charges
Several potential defenses arise when facing drug trafficking charges in Miami, influenced by both the specific facts of the case and local legal trends. Defense strategies may involve challenging whether law enforcement had probable cause for a search or arrest, or whether officers violated constitutional protections during the investigation. Courts in Miami-Dade closely scrutinize the manner in which law enforcement recovered evidence, and improper search and seizure can lead a judge to exclude critical elements of the prosecution’s case.
Another legal approach involves contesting “actual” versus “constructive” possession, an area where evidence of control or access to the drugs is often less clear. Sometimes, people face charges simply for being present near drugs or in a vehicle with controlled substances. In these situations, a defense attorney may present facts that demonstrate lack of ownership, knowledge, or intent to distribute—especially if prosecutors cannot connect the accused directly to the drugs in question.
Miami courts also frequently handle cases involving confidential informants or surveillance as the basis for charges. Successfully challenging the reliability or motives of an informant, or the validity of evidence obtained through surveillance and wiretaps, can make a difference in how the case moves forward. Since mandatory minimum sentences limit options once convicted, building a thoughtful defense early in the process is crucial. Consulting a team that understands the unique approach of Miami-Dade courts helps you determine which strategies may be available and suitable to your situation.
Protect your future from a felony drug conviction. Contact Beckham Law Firm for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to start building your defense. Call (786) 244-8010 or reach out online today.
Why Choose Beckham Law Firm for Your Drug Trafficking Defense
When facing Florida’s mandatory minimums, you need an attorney with insider knowledge and 24/7 availability to combat the State’s pressure.
- We Are Former Prosecutors: Our firm knows the evidence requirements and negotiation strategies of the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. We use this perspective to negotiate effectively and to aggressively defend our clients at trial.
- 24/7 Availability and Free Consultations: Drug arrests are urgent. We offer 24/7 availability for immediate guidance and provide free consultations to begin your defense action plan without delay.
- Trial Ready: We operate with a trial-ready approach, ensuring our readiness to challenge forensic evidence and police testimony is known by the prosecution, which often results in better plea offers.
Let our firm put our powerful experience to work to protect you from life-altering incarceration.
We Fight Federal Drug Trafficking Charges—Call Today
At Beckham Law Firm, we know how to face off against agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Attorney’s Office—even though they often have more experience and resources than state and local personnel. We bring our own resources, experience, and insight to fight for better results when you are up against drug trafficking charges.
We handle all types of drug-related charges, from possession with intent to sell to simple marijuana charges, we can help.
Contact our office today at (786) 244-8010 or send us an email to discuss your case with a skilled Miami drug trafficking attorney.
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The staff at Beckham Solis did an amazing job handling my case. They went above and beyond with closing everything in a timely manner. They were very reasonable with pricing and very flexible with payment. Barbara was very helpful answering any questions or concerns that I had. I highly recommend these law professionals to handle any legal matters you may need resolved.
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"Professional, attentive, and efficient."Service has been top-notch since February. Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law, are professional, attentive, efficient, experienced, and qualified. My case was quickly resolved, and I'm very thankful. Extremely happy with the outcome and highly recommend this firm.- Carolina G.
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I highly recommended Beckham & Solis, for a top notch professional & straight forward criminal defense representation. They are fast, on point & available at anytime. Thanks to their experience and hands on attitude my case was dismissed. It is a total life changer. Thanks so much to the whole team you are the Best!
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