Drug Trafficking

A Serious Charge Deserves a Serious Defense—You Don't Have to Face It Alone

Drug trafficking charges can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. Suddenly, you're facing the possibility of decades in prison, staggering fines, and a permanent criminal record. Even if you had no intention to traffic drugs—or didn’t realize the amount you possessed could be charged that way—the law in Florida can be unforgiving.

My name is Kathleen Bogenschutz, and I’m a defense attorney. At Bogenschutz PLLC, I defend clients facing serious drug trafficking charges in Tallahassee, Destin, and throughout North Florida. I bring clarity, compassion, and unwavering strategy to every case. I know how isolating this situation can feel, and I meet each client with both professional precision and genuine care. Your story matters—and I’m ready to help you tell it.

What Counts as Drug Trafficking in Florida?

In Florida, you can be charged with drug trafficking based solely on the weight of the substance, even if there's no evidence of selling or transporting drugs. That means you could face a trafficking charge just for having a certain amount of a controlled substance in your possession.

Common drug trafficking charges include:

• Trafficking in cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or fentanyl
• Trafficking in prescription drugs like oxycodone or hydrocodone
• Trafficking in cannabis (marijuana) over 25 pounds or more than 300 plants
• Conspiracy to traffic drugs, even if the alleged deal was never completed

These charges often come with mandatory minimum prison sentences, even for first-time offenders.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida

The penalties for drug trafficking depend on the type and quantity of drugs involved. But make no mistake: the stakes are high. Consequences may include:

• 3 years to life in prison depending on the amount
• Fines ranging from $25,000 to $500,000
• Asset forfeiture (vehicles, money, property)
• A permanent felony record
• Loss of civil rights and future opportunities

And because these are often prosecuted at the state and federal level, things can move quickly and become complicated fast. Having an experienced defense attorney early in the process is critical.

The Bogenschutz Approach to Drug Trafficking Cases

I don’t take shortcuts. I dig deep into the evidence, examines the details of how the case was built, and find the pressure points in the prosecution’s story. Each case is different, but my work often includes:

• Investigating how evidence was obtained—was the search legal?
• Challenging the chain of custody or lab testing procedures
• Arguing lack of knowledge or intent to traffic
• Negotiating to reduce trafficking charges to simple possession
• Fighting for the dismissal of unlawfully gathered evidence
• Presenting mitigating factors that humanize your story in court
• Examine whether charge-specific defenses might be right for you (prescription defenses)
• Determining whether cooperation is an option.

I take time to understand what led to your charges and use that insight to build a defense that’s not just legally sound—but grounded in who you are.

You Deserve to Be Treated Like a Person, Not a Case File

Bogenschutz PLLC understands that drug trafficking charges are rarely black-and-white. People can get caught up in situations bigger than themselves. That doesn’t make you a lost cause—it makes you someone who deserves a skilled, compassionate defense.

I’m here to listen without judgment, advocate without hesitation, and help you navigate the path ahead with dignity and determination.

Start Your Defense Today

If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking in Tallahassee or anywhere in North Florida, time matters. The prosecution is already building a case against you. Start building your defense now.

Call (850)273-8327 today for a confidential consultation, or fill out the form below to get started.

We’ll face this together.

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