Prescription Drug Trafficking
Florida long has been known as the epicenter of a prescription drug abuse epidemic. Communities throughout the state are battling with the rise in prescription medication in homes and on the streets. These addictions can lead to drug possession charges and even prescription drug trafficking charges.
In Florida, it is illegal to possess prescription pills and other medication without a valid prescription. This means even if a family member gives you pain medication for a toothache, it still is against the law. If a person is found to have possession of a large number of prescription medications without valid prescriptions, he or she could be facing trafficking charges.
St. Petersburg Prescription Medication Trafficking Lawyer
If you have been arrested for trafficking in prescription drugs, it is critical to understand your defense options. Prescription drug crimes are prosecuted harshly in Florida, and they can carry life-altering consequences. Contact an experienced prescription medication trafficking defense attorney at Morris Law Firm, P.A..
Attorney Melinda Morris understands the drug charges you face and tactics often used by the prosecution. She gained first-hand knowledge of the other side of the law as a state assistant attorney responsible for tying a variety of complex drug cases. She uses her past experiences to fight for the rights of those accused of drug crimes.
Call (727) 592-5885 to schedule a free initial consultation. Morris Law Firm, P.A. represents clients throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Bradenton, Manatee and Sarasota.
Information About Prescription Drug Trafficking
- What is Prescription Drug Trafficking?
- Florida Penalties for Prescription Drug Trafficking
- Possible Defenses
What is Prescription Drug Trafficking?
Prescription drug trafficking is the illegal sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery or knowing possession at or above a certain amount of prescription drugs. This sometimes is referred to as prescription drug dealing or pill trafficking.
Prescription drugs are medication that is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, known as the FDA, and requires a prescription from a doctor of medicine before it can be acquired. Some common examples of prescription drugs that are typically tied to trafficking charges include:
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycontin
- Valium
- Morphine
- Ativan
- Vicodin
- Percocet
- Xanax
- Adderall
- Codeine
Drug trafficking often is associated with drug dealing in Florida. However, trafficking is defined by the amount of a controlled substance involved in the alleged offense, rather than the act. Trafficking typically involves a large amount of a substance, but a person can be charged even if it is a small number of pills.
Florida Penalties for Prescription Drug Trafficking
Florida State Statute Chapter § 893.135 deals with trafficking, mandatory sentences, suspension or reduction of sentences and conspiracy to engage in trafficking. The charges and the penalties vary based on a variety of factors, including the type and amount of drug involved in the alleged offense. Some of the possible penalties could include:
Morphine, Opium or Hydromorphone | First-degree felony
Morphine is found in the prescription drugs MS Contin, Oramorph SR, Avinza, Roxanol and several others.
- Trafficking 4 grams or more, but less than 14 grams — 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
- Trafficking 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams— 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
- Trafficking 28 grams or more, but less than 30 kilograms — 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine
Hydrocodone | First-degree felony
Hydrocodone is a substance found in the prescription drugs such as Vicodin, Hydrococet, Lorcet, Lortab and several others that are frequently trafficked.
- Trafficking 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams — 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
- Trafficking 28 grams or more, but less than 50 grams — 7 years in prison and a $100,00 fine
- Trafficking 50 grams or more, but less than 200 grams — 15 years and a $500,000 fine
- Trafficking 200 grams or more, but less than 30 kilograms — 25 years and a $750,000 fine
Oxycodone | First-degree felony
Oxycodone can be found in the prescription drugs OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Roxicodone and others.
- Trafficking 7 grams or more, but less than 14 grams — 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
- Trafficking 14 grams or more, but less than 25 grams — 7 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
- Trafficking 25 grams or more, but less than 100 grams — 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine
Amphetamines | First-degree felony
One of the most commonly prescribed amphetamines is Adderall, a drug used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Trafficking 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams — 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
- Trafficking 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams — 7 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
- Trafficking 200 grams or more — 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Possible Defenses
Measurement – The Florida statute sets forth that when determining the weight of the controlled substance it shall include not only the controlled substance itself but as well any other non-controlled substances. This is critical when considering pills typically include a small amount of a controlled substance along with larger amounts of other non-controlled substances. These pills then are weighed, and the combined weight of all of the substances is used to determine the crime. This method of measurement can cause the offense to rise from simple possession to trafficking easily.
Addiction – The law, unfortunately, does not take into account that someone who is addicted to prescription drugs may be in possession of an amount that technically qualifies as trafficking. Further, because the Statute classifies trafficking as a first-degree felony, the offender may not be eligible for pretrial intervention programs such as drug court even if he or she is a first-time offender. Regrettably, it is exactly this type of offender who likely would benefit the most from pretrial diversion programs and drug counseling. Arguments may be made to show that the offender was, in fact, an addict, as opposed to actually dealing or distributing.
Finding the Best Pinellas County Prescription Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested for prescription drug trafficking, contact a St. Petersburg drug defense attorney to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Morris Law Firm, P.A. can help you determine what may be the best way to combat the charges and how you can fight to protect your record. Call (727) 592-5885 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?
See the Difference Our Service Provides-
FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
-
STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
-
TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
-
PERSONAL ATTENTION
We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
-
PROMPT COMMUNICATION
You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
-
SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro
Client Testimonials
Hear From Real People We've Helped-
“I have used Morris Law Firm and Seth Shapiro on two separate occasions over the course of the last few years with superb results. Seth is an excellent attorney and I cannot recommend him enough. After ...”
- Cristina on Google -
“Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic ...”
- Melody Z. -
“I'm in Tennessee but needed Seth to do some work for me in Florida. He was just what the doctor ordered. Very professional, understanding ant an all-around nice guy. I will be forever thankful for the ...”
- Jerry -
“Amazing Experience! Highly Recommend!! Not having any idea what the next steps are in a bad situation requires someone with extreme knowledge. I used google to search for a local lawyer and found the ...”
- Amanda S. on Google -
“Seth is an amazing lawyer and did exactly what he told me he was going to do. He is very knowledgeable, personable, and gets back to you with in the same day. Unfortunately I had to hire Seth two ...”
- Darren D. on Google