Drug crimes in Florida are a serious offense. Criminal Defense Attorneys understand that drug trafficking charges usually depend on the type of drug and the amount in possession.

According to NWF Daily News, a father and son from Fort Walton Beach were sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday, for cocaine trafficking.

James “Starchild” Musgrove, 46, and his son, 27-year-old Muhammad Shakein Williams pleaded guilty April 16 in U.S. District Court. The men were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute powdered cocaine in excess of 5 kilograms, as well as possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams.

The amount of cocaine involved had an estimated wholesale value of $300,000, according to the release.

Monitoring the Future Survey

According to the 2009 Monitoring the Future survey—a national survey of 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-graders—there were continuing declines reported in the use of powdered cocaine, with past-year usage levels reaching their lowest point since the early 1990s. From 2008 to 2009 among 12th-graders: lifetime use decreased from 7.2 percent to 6.0 percent; past-year use dropped from 4.4 percent to 3.4 percent; and past-month use dropped from 1.9 percent to 1.3 percent.

Florida Statutes for Trafficking Cocaine:

Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of cocaine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(a)4., or of any mixture containing cocaine, but less than 150 kilograms of cocaine or any such mixture, commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in cocaine."
  • More than 28g, but less than 200g = 3 years + $50,000 fine
  • More than 200g, but less than 400g = 7 years + $100,000 fine
  • More than 400g, but less than 150kg = 15 years + $250,000 fine
  • More than 150 kg = life imprisonment

Drug Trafficking Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyers use experience handling drug crimes and our knowledge of Florida law to reduce charges from trafficking to drug possession. Often a criminal defense lawyer can help their clients avoid prison by encouraging them to immediately start community service or complete a drug class.

If you have been charged with drug trafficking, have a criminal defense lawyer on your side to build an aggressive defense strategy to help you avoid harsh penalties and reduce your drug trafficking charges.