Miami Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Miami Drug Trafficking Attorney

When you are facing any sort of criminal charge in Miami, FL, there are plenty of unknowns. However, if you are facing a drug trafficking charge, you may be even more concerned, as these can lead to life-changing consequences, including prison time and exorbitant fines. Because of this, you need a Miami drug trafficking lawyer who understands how to navigate complex cases. To address such a critical situation, you should get in touch with an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

If you have been arrested for drug trafficking, you might feel like you have no one to turn to for help. This is not true. You are not alone in this nerve-wracking situation. When you hire a drug trafficking lawyer, you gain an advocate who will protect your rights, investigate your case, and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. A criminal defense attorney can walk you through this situation and be by your side every step of the way.

Our team at the Law Offices of Barry M. Wax has years of experience helping people who have faced criminal charges, and we are eager to consult with you about your case.

What Is Drug Trafficking?

You have likely heard the phrase drug trafficking before, but there are all kinds of misconceptions about what it is. If you are charged with drug trafficking, you are being accused of the illegal manufacturing, selling, distributing, or transporting of illegal drugs. For example, drugs that are illegal and are often involved in drug trafficking cases include cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamines. Methamphetamines make up the most commonly trafficked drug. In 2024, over 18,000 drug trafficking charges were filed. This black market industry sees $200-$750 billion per year.

It is important to know that even if you had nothing to do with the production or distribution of the drug, you can still be charged with drug trafficking if you are merely in possession of a certain amount of the illegal substance. This is why working with a Miami drug trafficking lawyer can make a major difference. The team at the Law Offices of Barry M. Wax can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, question whether the drugs were lawfully obtained, and argue that you didn’t have the intent to distribute.

What Is the Punishment for Drug Trafficking in Miami?

The penalties you could face for being found guilty of drug trafficking in Miami can vary immensely. This is because when it comes to drug trafficking, the type of drug, the amount of the drug, and the unique circumstances you were in are all going to play a defining role in what punishment you could receive.

If you are found guilty of possessing more of a drug than you are legally able to, you can face mandatory sentences. For example, if you are found to be in possession of any illegal drug, you can face a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $50,000.

However, even this punishment can vary. If you are found to possess more than 25 lbs of cannabis, your mandatory minimum sentence will include a $25,000 fine. The mandatory minimum prison sentence for above-threshold fentanyl possession is higher as well, with a minimum of 20 years in prison.

Florida drug trafficking cases often involve mandatory minimum sentencing. Having a Miami drug trafficking attorney who can fight for alternatives, such as plea deals, reduced charges, or diversion programs, is important.

Is Drug Trafficking a Felony in Miami?

Yes, the state of Florida considers drug trafficking to be a first-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fines of tens of thousands of dollars. If you are charged with selling drugs and did not possess amounts that neared the thresholds for drug trafficking, then you might face lighter charges depending on the circumstances.

Unfortunately, activities involved in drug trafficking also sometimes include other criminal charges, such as violent crimes. If your case involves other charges, you can expect a more complicated punishment.

Hire a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Miami

Facing your drug trafficking charges on your own is unwise. If you try to go about this alone, you are unlikely to be able to build as solid of a case as you could if you had a seasoned attorney helping you with litigation. The right lawyer can also utilize their negotiation skills to try to work out a light sentence if you are found guilty. Without a lawyer in your corner working their hardest to fight for your future, you might end up with the worst possible consequences.

A Miami drug trafficking attorney can do all sorts of things that help you during your case, including: 

• Crafting a strategic legal plan: If you are facing drug trafficking charges, you might be confused about how to approach the situation. Your lawyer can carefully review the situation you are in and explain to you what to expect from the legal process that you are about to go through.They can also help you understand the implications for your life ahead of you. Drawing on their experience, they can advise on whether you should plead guilty or not guilty and where to go from there.
• Negotiating a light sentence: If you plead guilty to your criminal charges, then your lawyer can use their strong negotiation skills to try to get you a light sentence. They can draw on all sorts of evidence to do this, including your professional background, character statements, and more. Without a lawyer, you are unlikely to have much of an impact on your sentence.
• Filing pretrial motions: If your case goes to trial, then your lawyer might file pretrial motions that work in your favor. For example, your lawyer might be able to file a motion to suppress evidence that weakens the prosecution’s case or motions for discovery, which grants them access to information that can make all the difference in your defense.
• Defending you in court: If you find yourself needing to go to court, your lawyer will have been prepared for this possibility from the very day you met. Your lawyer can use their skills and understanding of the field to create a strong argument in your defense to present in court.Even if you think your case is hopeless, there are many ways to stand up to a scary drug trafficking charge, such as a lack of knowledge and pointing out unlawful searches.
• Appeal if necessary: If your case goes to trial, but you do not walk away with the outcome you hoped for, your lawyer might be able to take more legal steps to help. In some cases, your lawyer might file an appeal that requests a reevaluation of the evidence. A successful appeal can result in the court modifying the decision that was made at your trial or overturning it completely.

If you are unsure about hiring a criminal defense attorney, you ultimately need to consider the impact that a drug trafficking conviction could have on your life and the lives of the people you love. Spending years in prison means you will likely miss out on many aspects of your life. When you get out of prison, your life will likely look drastically different, and it might be tough to return to how it was before the accusation, such as finding a job.

The right drug trafficking attorney can help you fight the hardest to avoid life-changing consequences.

Criminal Defense Matter Types We Handle

Our firm provides expert legal representation for the following specific criminal defense matters:

• Miami Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer – Aggressive defense against federal charges requiring a sophisticated understanding of federal criminal procedure, sentencing guidelines, and complex federal litigation strategies
• Miami White Collar Crime Attorney – Strategic representation for professionals facing fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other non-violent financial crimes that threaten careers and freedom
• Miami Healthcare Medicare Fraud Attorney – Specialized defense for healthcare providers accused of Medicare fraud, billing irregularities, and other healthcare-related federal charges
• Miami Pharmaceutical Fraud Defense Lawyer – Expert representation for pharmaceutical professionals facing clinical trial fraud, off-label marketing allegations, and other drug-related federal charges
• Miami Money Laundering Lawyer – Sophisticated defense against complex money laundering charges involving cryptocurrency, international transactions, and federal financial crime allegations
• Miami Drug Crime Lawyer – Comprehensive representation for possession, distribution, and manufacturing charges involving controlled substances under state and federal law
• Miami Drug Trafficking Lawyer – Aggressive defense against serious drug trafficking charges carrying mandatory minimum sentences and severe federal penalties
• Miami Domestic Violence Lawyer – Dedicated representation for domestic violence accusations that threaten your freedom, reputation, and family relationships
• Miami Violent Crime Lawyer – Strategic defense for assault, robbery, and other violent crime charges carrying substantial prison sentences
• Miami Sex Crime Lawyer – Discreet and aggressive representation for sensitive sexual offense allegations that carry lifelong consequences, including sex offender registration
• Miami Grand Theft Lawyer – Skilled defense for theft charges involving property valued over statutory thresholds, including organized retail theft and sophisticated property crimes
• Miami Professional License Defense Lawyer – Comprehensive protection for licensed professionals facing disciplinary actions, license suspensions, or revocations due to criminal charges or ethical violations
• Miami Unlicensed Contractor Attorney – Defense representation for contractors accused of operating without proper licensure or violating Florida contractor regulations

This is not a comprehensive list. We defend all criminal charges, whether in state or federal court. If you don’t see your charges above, get in touch with the Law Offices of Barry M. Wax today for more information.

FAQs About Miami, FL Drug Trafficking Law

How Do I Get a Drug Trafficking Charge Dismissed in Florida?

Getting a drug trafficking charge dismissed in Florida requires strong legal defense strategies. Common approaches include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, search, and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. If police violated constitutional rights, evidence may be suppressed. Hiring an experienced Florida drug trafficking defense lawyer is imperative for identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

How to Beat a Drug Trafficking Charge?

Beating a drug trafficking charge often involves undermining the prosecution’s evidence. Defense strategies may include proving illegal search and seizure, lack of probable cause, or entrapment. A lawyer may challenge whether the drugs truly belonged to the accused or whether the weight meets the trafficking laws. Trafficking penalties can be severe. The most important factor in beating charges is creating a reasonable doubt.

What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking in Florida?

Florida has some of the harshest drug trafficking laws in the United States. The minimum sentence depends on the type and amount of the drug. However, trafficking heroin or fentanyl generally carries even longer mandatory minimums. Judges won’t be able to go below these established minimums unless the defendant qualifies for substantial assistance by cooperating with police.

Who Investigates Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking investigations are handled by both state and federal agencies. Florida’s local police departments and county sheriff’s offices often work with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection can be heavily involved. These agencies use surveillance, informants, wiretaps, and undercover operations to build strong cases.

What Is the Law for Drug Trafficking in Florida?

In Florida, drug trafficking laws are outlined in Florida Statutes 893.135, which makes it illegal to knowingly sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, bring into the state, or possess large quantities of controlled substances. These include cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs. Unlike simple possession, trafficking charges depend on the weight or quantity of the drug.

Contact Miami Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Drug trafficking charges can change the course of your entire life. This is a frightening reality, but there are steps you can take to prevent this situation from going too far. Hiring a dedicated, experienced criminal defense attorney who can give you the personalized attention and advocacy you deserve can make all of the difference.

At the Law Offices of Barry M. Wax, we have over 35 years of experience standing up for Miami residents. If you are looking at charges for drug crimes, no matter how serious, get in touch with us today to start moving forward. Your future is at stake, so do not let any more time pass before you contact a qualified attorney. Let our team put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

Serving Miami and South Florida

When you’re facing criminal charges in Miami or throughout South Florida, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Offices of Barry M. Wax, you won’t be just another case number in an overcrowded firm—you’ll receive personal attention from an experienced attorney who has dedicated nearly four decades to defending the accused with both skill and genuine compassion. Since beginning practice in 1985, Barry M. Wax has built his entire career on a simple but powerful principle: providing 100% dedicated focus on your individual needs, because every case matters profoundly to the person standing accused.

Based in Miami and serving clients throughout South Florida—from Brickell and Miami Beach to Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and Weston—Barry M. Wax brings the invaluable perspective gained from his early years as an Assistant Public Defender with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office. During those formative years, he witnessed how under-informed clients often made critical errors in their own defense simply because they didn’t understand the system. That experience taught him that open, honest attorney-client relationships based on mutual understanding consistently yield the most favorable outcomes, and this philosophy has guided his practice ever since.

Whether you’re confronting federal white-collar charges, state drug offenses, accusations of healthcare fraud, domestic violence allegations, or any criminal matter in South Florida, partnering with a Miami criminal defense attorney who personally handles every case—rather than delegating to inexperienced associates—and who combines decades of courtroom experience with genuine accessibility and compassionate guidance can be the difference between making critical mistakes in your defense and achieving the best possible resolution to protect your future.

Miami, FL Drug Trafficking Law Resources:

• White Collar vs. Blue vs. Green: Understanding the Colors of Crime in Florida
• Federal Conspiracy Charges & How to Defend in Florida
• How to Find the Best Federal Defense Lawyer in Miami, FL
• Federal Criminal Laws and Penalties Explained
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Federal Grand Jury Proceedings
• What Should I Look for in a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney?
• Federal Healthcare Fraud Statute of Limitations
• Understanding Federal Sentencing Guidelines
• Common Hollywood Myths About Criminal Defense – Don’t Listen to the Movies