1,4 Butanediol Trafficking

1,4 Butanediol is an organic compound that is a colorless viscous liquid. It has a distinct bitter taste, and it is used as a solvent in addition to being used as a recreational intoxicant that has effects similar to alcohol. It can result in cognitive euphoria and suppress anxiety. People caught with large quantities of this drug can be prosecuted for trafficking even if they do not have connections with the criminal underworld and do not deal drugs professionally. If you are charged with 1,4 Butanediol trafficking, it is important to consult an experienced Clearwater drug trafficking attorney. At Hanlon Law, we dedicate ourselves to fighting for the rights of people who have been accused of trafficking in this substance as well as others, such as cocaine, marijuana, and meth.

If you are being charged with 1,4-Butanediol trafficking, the prosecutor must prove that beyond a reasonable doubt, you knowingly bought, sold, manufactured, imported into the state, or actually or constructively possessed at least one kilogram of 1,4-Butanediol. A conviction can be secured for performing any activity that counts as trafficking with a one-kg mixture that includes 1,4-Butanediol and other substances, whether those substances are licit or illicit. People caught and convicted will face a mandatory minimum sentence. A mandatory minimum sentence is one over which a judge does not have discretion.

If you are caught with one to five kilograms of 1,4-Butanediol, a judge must sentence you to at least three years’ imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. If you are caught with five to 10 kilograms of 1,4-Butanediol, a judge must sentence you to seven years in prison and a $100,000 fine. If you are found with at least 10 kilograms of 1,4-Butanediol, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 calendar years and a $500,000 fine. It is important to realize that you can face first-degree felony charges even for conspiring with or aiding a person who is trafficking in 1,4-Butanediol.

If you knowingly manufacture or bring into Florida 150 kg or more of a mixture that includes 1,4-Butanediol, and you understand that the probable result of your bringing it into the state is someone else's death, you face the possibility of a capital felony conviction for importation or manufacturing. When you are charged with a capital felony, you are not eligible for parole, and you face the possibility of being sentenced to life imprisonment or even death.

Although it is disturbing to be accused of trafficking, it is important to consult a Clearwater criminal attorney as soon as you realize that you are being investigated. The earlier that we get involved, the sooner that we can get started on a strong defense strategy. Sometimes, law enforcement officers fail to abide by suspects' constitutional and procedural rights. In other cases, there may not really be enough evidence to prove what happened beyond a reasonable doubt. Beyond a reasonable doubt is a tough standard, and one strategy that we may use is raising a reasonable doubt with the prosecutor or the jury by presenting a different account of what happened.

Sometimes it is possible to challenge the evidence being used to prove the prosecutor's case. Fourth Amendment case law can be complicated, but often it provides a method by which to challenge evidence that was seized. Generally, police must have a reasonable suspicion of criminal wrongdoing to make a traffic stop. They must have probable cause to get a warrant to search a home or other structure. When police conduct does not meet the appropriate standard, it may be possible to bring a motion to suppress the evidence that was unreasonably seized. For example, if the police did not have probable cause to search your home, it may be possible to get any evidence of 1,4-Butanediol that was obtained during the search suppressed. On the other hand, if the police were there to investigate a call about, and the drugs were in plain view, it may not be possible to suppress the evidence.

If you are charged with 1,4-Butanediol trafficking in Clearwater, you are looking at the possibility of serious consequences, including prison time and a hefty fine. You may also face the stigma of a criminal record and difficulties finding a job, securing housing, or getting a professional license. Our founder, Attorney Will Hanlon, is dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused. He has represented clients charged with trafficking in substances such as 1,4-Butanediol, cannabis, meth, LSD, and cocaine since 1994 and is well versed in all criminal defense strategies. You can call Hanlon Law at 813.228.7095 or complete our online form.