Possession of Drugs = Trafficking
The mere possession of controlled substances in the State of Florida may result in a minimum mandatory prison sentence for trafficking. The possession of narcotic drugs, specifically hydrocodone, in the form of Lortabs, Percocet, and Darvocet, etc., in Florida is far more serious than in any federal court.
The Florida Legislature recently amended the drug statute in Florida, Chapter 893, in order to change the possession of hydrocodone from a schedule III drug to a schedule II drug. By changing the categorization of the drug, all ingredients included in the production of the drug are considered in calculating the weight of the drug. Schedule II drugs include drugs that are much more addictive, with a high tendency of abuse that may have an accepted medical use. As a result of the change in categorization of the drugs, the penalties for unlawful possession of hydrocodone drugs is much more severe and similar to the possession of cocaine, opium, morphine, and amphetamines.
For example, the possession of more than six tablets of Lortab holds a three-year minimum prison sentence. The possession of thirty pills is equivalent to a fifteen-year minimum mandatory prison sentence, and the possession of 100 Lortab without prescription will result in a twenty-five year minimum mandatory sentence. The mere possession of these drugs is considered to be trafficking and will result in the minimum mandatory sentences regardless of whether the drugs were sold, delivered, or given to another person. Unless it is prescribed to you, you should not have it and if it is found in your possession without a prescription, you will find yourself in jail with pending drug trafficking charges against you.
