Gamma-Butyrolactone Trafficking

Gamma-Butyralactone (GBL) is a colorless liquid solvent that is used as a recreational intoxicant. Its effects are similar to those of barbiturates, with people who ingest GBL experiencing ecstasy and sedation. However, the sedative effects can result in unconsciousness, and ingesting GBL with alcohol or another depressant can result in death. GBL is a controlled substance in Florida. If you are caught with a certain threshold amount of GBL, you can be charged with GBL trafficking. At Hanlon Law, Clearwater GBL trafficking lawyer Will Hanlon fights for the rights of people who have been accused of crimes involving this substance or many others, such as cocaine, meth, or LSD.

Drug trafficking charges are not reserved for powerful members of the criminal underground, as movies might make you believe. You can be charged with GBL trafficking if you are caught with a threshold amount of GBL or a mixture that includes GBL. The weight of the entire substance, instead of just the portion that is pure GBL, will factor into your potential sentence. GBL trafficking convictions come with mandatory minimum sentences, as with trafficking convictions involving hydrocodone, oxycodone, and other controlled substances. The judge will not be able to consider that you are a first-time offender or that there are other mitigating circumstances if there are any. In addition to the mandatory minimum sentence, the government may seize your home or car if those were the sites of the trafficking, and any professional licenses that you have may be revoked or suspended.

There are four tiers of punishment for GBL trafficking, which is a first-degree felony. A GBL trafficking attorney in Clearwater can explain each of these tiers to you. When 1-5 kg of GBL is involved, the judge is required to sentence you to a mandatory minimum of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. When 5-10 kg of GBL is involved, the judge is required to sentence you to a mandatory minimum of 7 years’ imprisonment and a $100,000 fine. When 10 kg or more of GBL is involved, the judge is required to sentence you to 15 calendar years in prison and a fine of $250,000. When you make or import at least 150 kg of GBL or a mixture that includes GBL, and you know that the likely result of your conduct will be somebody's death, you can be charged with a capital crime. This means that you could be put in prison for life with no possibility of parole.

A conviction is not assured. There is a presumption of your innocence, and it is not your job to prove that you did not do it. Nonetheless, it can be difficult to defend a GBL trafficking charge because the allegations are broad, and there are a number of activities that can constitute trafficking as long as a threshold amount is involved. Therefore, it is critical to retain an experienced Clearwater GBL trafficking attorney who is prepared to mount a tough and aggressive defense against the prosecution.

Among other defenses, we may be able to raise a reasonable doubt through conflicting evidence or by showing the prosecutor's lack of evidence. A Clearwater criminal attorney may also be able to attack the way that the evidence was seized if the police did not adhere to proper procedures and avoid violating your constitutional rights. For example, if the GBL in question was seized through an illegal search and seizure of your vehicle, it may be possible to file and win a motion to suppress. Without the evidence of GBL, the prosecutor will likely dismiss the case.

Gamma-Butyrolactone trafficking in Clearwater may result in serious consequences. How harsh the punishment is if you are convicted will depend on the amount of GBL involved, but it can include both legal and social consequences. For example, it can be difficult to secure a job or housing with a drug crime on your record. Drug crimes involving substances such as GBL, GHB, LSD, and other serious narcotics also tend to carry a social stigma. Will Hanlon is dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused and has represented clients charged with drug crimes since 1994. You can call Hanlon Law at 727.897.5413 or complete our online form.