People accused of a drug crimes are often surprised when they find Federal authorities are involved with their prosecution. Federal authorities step in when drug crimes involve the importation, manufacture, or transportation of large amounts of controlled substances, in particular those arriving from outside the country’s borders. They also get involved in cases where businesses or individuals violate federal statutes such as the Controlled Substance Act, and may bring conspiracy charges against anyone found to have assisted drug traffickers.

If you have been accused of a drug crime, you need an attorney firm that handles both Federal and State drug crimes. At Moses and Rooth, Attorneys at Law, we have extensive experience with drug crimes at both the state and Federal levels. We know how to negotiate the labyrinth of drug laws that will affect your freedom and give you the defense you need.

Focused crackdown on drugs in Florida = Harsh penalties

A Pew center study has revealed that Florida prisoners convicted of non-violent drug crimes are spending 194% more time in jail now than they did in the 1990s. Law enforcement has become tough on drug-related crimes, imposing severe mandatory sentences and tightening parole standards. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is particularly active in Florida and aggressive in pursuing entities it believes are involved in major drug crimes.

While at the state level, there are stringent penalties for drug manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution; federal penalties are even more rigorous. Depending on the nature of the crime, jail time of anywhere between five and 40 years and up to $25 million and $5 million in penalty respectively for enterprises and individuals involved in trafficking may be imposed. The penalty depends on factors such as (a) type of drug (b) quantity of drug (c) prior drug offenses (d) whether or not the case involved death or serious injury.

Where the crime involves substantial amounts of a controlled substance or serious bodily harm, federal authorities may impose a harsh penalty of several years in prison even for first-time offenders. Federal drug crime prosecution can turn your life upside down, adversely affecting your reputation and inflicting a financial burden on your family. This is why it is critical that you engage the services of an experienced Florida defense attorney that understands your legal options to avoid maximum punishment.

While many drug crime charges are brought at the state level, the federal government will get involved in situations involving large-scale drug operations. Additionally, agencies will get involved when they believe individuals or businesses have violated federal statutes such as the Controlled Substance Act. Common federal drug crimes include:

  • Marijuana distribution
  • Cocaine trafficking
  • Methamphetamine manufacturing
  • Prescription fraud
  • Drug trafficking conspiracy

Drug trafficking conspiracy:

There are many ways authorities can arrest you on charges of drug trafficking conspiracy. Each type of drug carries a mandatory minimum sentence, with its weight determining the nature of charges and extent of punishment.

Moses and Rooth, Attorneys at Law examine all aspects of your case to identify defenses that can strengthen your position and help achieve a favorable outcome.