Defending the Most Serious Drug Charges

Drug trafficking charges carry some of the most severe mandatory minimum sentences in the U.S. federal and Florida state systems. A conviction for trafficking in cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, or marijuana can mean decades in federal prison — with little judicial discretion to deviate from mandatory minimums.

George J. Vila has an extensive track record of drug trafficking defense, including multiple federal acquittals and cases dismissed before or during trial. His approach combines rigorous pre-trial motion practice — suppression motions, probable cause challenges, chain of custody challenges — with commanding courtroom advocacy.

Drug Charges We Defend

• Trafficking in cocaine — federal and state
• Trafficking in marijuana — including large-scale federal conspiracy cases
• Trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, and synthetic opioids
• Ecstasy / MDMA trafficking
• Prescription drug trafficking
• Operating a grow house
• Drug conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. § 846
• Importation and exportation of controlled substances

Proven Results

Federal Mandatory Minimums — Understanding Your Exposure

Federal drug trafficking cases trigger mandatory minimum sentences based on drug quantity. For cocaine: 5 kg or more = 10-year mandatory minimum. For marijuana: 1,000 kg or more = 10-year mandatory minimum. For fentanyl: 400 grams or more = 10-year mandatory minimum. An experienced attorney can challenge drug weight calculations, pursue safety valve relief, or argue for departures — all of which can dramatically reduce or eliminate mandatory minimums.

Suppression Motions — A Critical First Line of Defense

Many drug trafficking cases turn on whether the initial stop, search, or seizure was constitutional. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights — through an unlawful traffic stop, improper search warrant, illegal wiretap, or coerced consent — evidence can be suppressed and charges may be dismissed. George J. Vila has extensive experience winning suppression motions in both federal and state court.