How to Beat a Drug Trafficking Charge in Florida

What is drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking, as defined by state law, is the possession or otherwise the transportation of any illegal or controlled substance with the intent to distribute or sell. Prosecutors must prove beyond doubt that the person was indeed found in possession of a sufficient amount of the drugs they are being charged with trafficking.

The controlled substances in question may vary from one case to another. However, the most common illegal drugs that may lead to such a charge include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, hydrocodone, and methamphetamine.

Drug trafficking is both a state crime and a federal crime. Most state laws against drug trafficking are based on existing national laws. Federal charges lead to harsher penalties and longer sentences as compared to Florida penalties for drug trafficking.

Drug trafficking cases are federally prosecuted when:

• It is alleged the trafficked illegal substances crossed stateliness.
• A large amount of illicit drugs is involved.
• The case involves any other federal crime such as racketeering or money laundering.

How to beat drug trafficking charges

Getting your drug trafficking charges reduced or dismissed is not an easy affair and acting fast on the charges is paramount. If you are charged, you can do several things to increase your odds of avoiding a drug trafficking conviction, so read on for more information.

Understand your rights 

Understanding your rights before and during your arrest will help you avoid self-incrimination. Remember, you have the right to remain silent and speak to your lawyer if you find questions from law enforcement officers intimidating.

The police are also not allowed to search your property without probable cause to believe you are committing a crime. Any evidence collected through an illegal search may be inadmissible in court, and a skilled defense attorney will ensure it is thrown out.

Remain calm, do not panic

It would be best if you were careful how you carry yourself when interacting with law enforcement. Here are some of ACLU’s guidelines that can be of good use to you.

• Always remain calm, do not make any sudden movements, and avoid shouting
• Never touch a law enforcement agent, even if they act aggressively towards you
• Avoid resisting arrest, even if you believe it is unfair or unlawful
• Never consent to a search if the police mention a search in any way
• Ask the law enforcement officer if you are free to leave whenever they stop you

The consequences of police acting unlawfully are often not immediately apparent. The trick is to act calm, avoid violence and aggression, and record their unlawful conduct if possible.

If the police acted in a way that is against the law, your lawyer might be able to have any evidence they obtained while acting in such a manner dismissed.

Get an attorney to represent you, immediately

A reputable attorney who is skilled at fighting drug trafficking charges will increase the chances of your drug trafficking charges being dismissed. The ideal time for hiring an attorney is after making and posting bail. The more time you take, the higher the odds that you might land behind bars.

A skilled drug trafficking defense attorney will help you understand the best line of defense for your specific case. A reasonable defense attorney will also pursue all the necessary evidence and witnesses to ensure that you obtain a favorable outcome.

Get evidence early

Collect as much evidence as you can as early as possible before it is destroyed lost as it is wont to happen with time. Your defense attorney will focus on gathering any relevant evidence that can be crucial to your defense right away.

The evidence to gather may vary depending on your specific case and the charges against you. For example, you may have a strong alibi that proves you were somewhere else and could not be guilty of the charges against you. You may also request that the alleged drugs be tested to prove they weren’t illegal substances.

Grill confidential informants

The use of CIs by police to gather evidence in drug-related cases has recently increased. Law enforcement officers are very keen to keep the identities of their CIs secret, and you can leverage this in your defense.

The Sixth Amendment allows you to confront your accuser in a court of law. Most police will be reluctant to burn their CIs, and some prosecutors would rather negotiate a better deal with you in exchange for not burning the confidential nature of their CIs.

Use the entrapment defense

There are cases where an undercover law enforcement officer is involved in setting up sting operations. Some people might feel set up to commit a crime that they may not otherwise have committed.

Such a person can argue in court that a law enforcement agent or a CI  entrapped them. An experienced drug trafficking defense attorney will help you determine if the entrapment defense is applicable in your case and how you can claim it.

The bottom line

It is crucial to remember, every situation is different, and these defenses may not be the best for your specific case. This is why it is vital to hire a skilled and experienced drug trafficking attorney who will help you throughout the murky process of beating drug trafficking charges in Florida.

How we can help

Drug trafficking charges are pretty common in Florida, and they have very steep penalties. Being charged with drug trafficking, you face up to 25, 30, or even more years behind bars. These charges can also cost you a lot of money and also damage your reputation, family, and livelihood.

If you’re accused of drug trafficking, you need to act fast on those charges to defend your future, family, and finances. Hiring the services of an experienced drug trafficking defense attorney can help you beat drug trafficking charges.

Our lawyers at Meltzer & Bell are here to help you take the proper steps to get your charges reduced or ultimately dismissed. Contact us or call us at (561) 557-8686 to schedule your free consultation in Miami, Florida, today.