I figured that I would not be a very good criminal defense attorney if I did not at least acknowledge the holiday that many people in this country celebrate. Am I talking about Earth Day? Nope. I’m talking about Marijuana appreciation day. For some reason, and the stories of the how this date came about are as varied as the...
Continue ReadingEver since GPS trackers entered the retail market, law enforcement has been searching for ways to maneuver it into their criminal and drug crimes investigation arsenal. Over the years, I have had several clients inform me that they have found a mysterious device on their vehicle. After a clear inspection and even a quick Google search of the model...
Continue ReadingA Florida criminal law case involving a drug-sniffing dog will go before the United States Supreme Court. The rights of criminal defendants are at stake in the matter, which will determine when the sensory skills of a canine may supersede a person’s privacy expectations. Marijuana Detected by Florida Drug-Sniffing Dog The case arises from a 2006 incident in which...
Continue ReadingThe Florida Supreme Court heard arguments last month regarding the constitutionality of a particular state drug law. Their ultimate decision will not only impact the defendants in this specific case, but may have ramifications for countless other Florida drug crime cases. Florida Drug Law at Issue According to a federal judge in Orlando, the drug law at issue doesn’t...
Continue ReadingOn October 27th, a British teen was allegedly found with 30lbs of cocaine packed in her luggage at a Florida airport as she was entering the US. According to The Telegraph, the teen was told she now faces the rest of her life in prison for drug trafficking since she will be tried as an adult – she turned...
Continue ReadingAfter being in vogue for over 25 years, cocaine use in Florida is declining. According to a report by James N. Hall, Director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Substance Abuse at Nova Southeastern University, the number of cocaine-related overdoses and deaths in Florida has declined. Likewise, fewer people are seeking treatment for cocaine and crack...
Continue ReadingThe State of Florida prescription drug database launches today. This database is intened to combat the increase in prescription drug crimes such as prescription fraud or doctor shopping. In a nutshell the law now requires pharmacies and dispensing physicians to upload information into the database within seven days of filling the prescription. The database will allow doctors and pharmacists...
Continue ReadingToday Florida will begin monitoring your prescriptions in an effort to deterdoctor shopping and physicians from overprescribing medication. The legislation that led to the data base has been mired in controversy. Advocates contend that it gives law enforcement the ability to monitor “pill mills” and is necessary to combat Florida’s growing prescription pill epidemic. Those in opposition, including Gov....
Continue ReadingFlorida’s “war on drugs” is something of a “cat and mouse” game. Law enforcement uncovers a new method of drug smuggling and uses its new-found knowledge to make as many busts as possible. However, the police are usually playing a game of “catch up,” as drug distributors find clever new ways to keep distribution channels open. The newest trend...
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