Tallahassee Man Facing Drug, Weapons Charges After Police Raid Home
A Tallahassee man is behind bars after police recovered a large quantity of illegal drugs and an allegedly stolen firearm from his home. The 23-year-old suspect is facing 13 charges. Police found:
- 90 grams of cocaine,
- 150 grams of marijuana,
- 4 grams of ketamine,
- 13 grams of amphetamine,
- 21 grams of alprazolam pills,
- 36 grams of psilocybin mushrooms,
- 25 grams of ecstasy,
At his home located along North Lipona Road, according to a press release from the Tallahassee Police Department. In addition to the drugs, Tallahassee police discovered $12,000 in cash and three firearms, one of which had previously been reported stolen.
Florida cocaine possession and trafficking laws
Under the Florida Controlled Substances Act, cocaine is considered a Schedule II substance. Florida recognizes 5 categories of drugs in its drug schedule. Schedule I is considered the most dangerous with the highest potential for abuse with no recognized medical use at all. Schedule II drugs, like cocaine, mean that the drug has a high risk for substance abuse but has an accepted medical use. Schedule II drugs have a high risk of physical or psychological dependence if abused. Schedule II includes drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl.
The penalties for simple possession of cocaine in Florida depend on the quantity of cocaine found. Regardless of how much cocaine is found in your possession, Florida law charges those found in possession of cocaine with a third-degree felony. Third-degree felonies carry a maximum prison term of 5 years and a maximum fine of $5,000.
The penalties for possession with intent to sell are considerably higher. Possession of cocaine with intent to sell is considered a second-degree felony under Florida law. Police would need to establish that you have enough cocaine to indicate that it’s not merely for personal use or find evidence of scales or other paraphernalia suggesting that you’re selling the cocaine. Possession of cocaine with intent to sell is considered a second-degree felony under Florida law. You can face a maximum of 15 years in state prison on these charges.
The aforementioned suspect, however, will be charged with cocaine trafficking. That’s because he was found in possession of more than an ounce of cocaine. Under Florida law, possession of more than 28 grams of cocaine is considered a first-degree felony. Unlike possession with intent to sell and simple possession, cocaine trafficking has mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of cocaine found in your possession. In this case, the defendant was found in possession of 90 grams of cocaine. Because of this, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 3 years in state prison. Those found in possession of more than 150 kg of cocaine could face a potential life sentence.
Talk to a Drug Charges Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Luke Newman, P.A. represents the interests of those facing drug charges in Tallahassee, FL. Call our Tallahassee criminal lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
Source:
wctv.tv/2024/10/02/tallahassee-man-facing-numerous-charges-after-tpd-finds-illegal-drugs-stolen-gun-home/
