There are certain types of crimes that may come with grave penalties if convicted. Felony offenses are those that carry grave penalties, such as longer prison sentences and consequences that can alter the course of a person’s life. If someone is facing allegations or formal charges of a felony offense, it is crucial for that person’s future to take prompt action to develop an effective and appropriate defense strategy.
 

Some drug charges are felony offenses, such as drug trafficking. The government takes the trafficking and distribution of controlled or illegal substances very seriously, and they will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law. There is a lot at stake for those facing drug trafficking charges, and the nature of your case depends largely on the type of drugs involved, the number of drugs, the geographical location of the crime, involvement of children, and more.
 

Types of trafficking offenses
 

Drug trafficking is always a felony offense, but there are different levels of trafficking charges. The Controlled Substances Act lists the following schedule as a type of ranking system for trafficking offenses:
 

Schedule IV and V — This pertains to drugs that have a low potential for addiction and abuse. They may also have certain acceptable medical uses as well.

Schedule III — This pertains to drugs that have a low risk for abuse but do carry some potential for dependence. They may also have some acceptable medical uses.

Schedule II — This pertains to drugs that are highly addictive, even if they have certain acceptable medical uses. They carry the potential for severe addiction.

Schedule I — This pertains to drugs that are highly addictive and have no acceptable medical uses. They are not safe in any circumstances.

 
There are both state and federal laws involved in drug trafficking cases. These are often complex cases that cross state laws and involve multiple defendants. This is why the experience of your attorney is of significant consequence in the effectiveness of your defense strategy.
 
The pursuit of the best outcome
 
The right approach to your drug trafficking case depends on various factors, including your criminal history and more. If you are under investigation or are already charged, it is never too early or too late to defend your future interests and pursue the best possible outcome for your situation. An assessment of your case with an experienced Florida defense attorney is a practical and smart place to start.